Hi I’m after a servo controller that can replay servo sequences. I liked the SSC-32U with Flowbotics studio software. But the SSC-32U is discontinued ?? Ideally I want to control around 6-8 servos. with easy to use software to record sequences and then download the sequence to the board (not PC connected) then ideally have 4-5 buttons that start a different sequence. Let me know what I would need. Thanks Nick
@nickparis Welcome to the RobotShop Community! The SSC-32U is not actually discontinued (RobotShop currently does not have a status whereas the product is visible online but cannot be purchased). Unfortunately it is affected by the semiconductor shortage and we are working hard to try to get more stock at an affordable price. We can still do individual (single unit) orders upon request. If this is of interest, this thread can be converted to a ticket so the order can proceed.
1 Like
Hi, thanks for your reply, great to know it is not discontinued, I do only need a single unit. However I wonder if it the right thing ? Can the sequence be downloaded from the PC and run on the SSC 32 ? (Without PC connection) I think the answer is no and so wonder what else would be suitable ?
I also have read since that the flowbotics can play audio this would be really cool.
Sorry I am not ad versed to searching but there seem to be so many solutions that I really do not know where to start.
Any direction would be really appreciated
Thanks Nick
Apologies for not addressing all questions.
Q1) Can the sequence be downloaded from the PC and run on the SSC 32 ? (Without PC connection) I think the answer is no and so wonder what else would be suitable ?
A1) Negative. The SSC-32U is a dedicated servo controller (as opposed to being programmable) which needs something else to send it commands (like a computer or external microcontroller). Most companies make dedicated servo controllers OR dedicated microcontrollers, though in the past a few have combined both on the same board, though these tend to have two separate chips (since you don’t want a customer overwriting the servo control code).
Q2) I also have read since that the flowbotics can play audio this would be really cool.
A2) Indeed, FlowBotics is actually incredibly versatile.
Q3) Sorry I am not ad versed to searching but there seem to be so many solutions that I really do not know where to start.
A3) Not many dedicated servo controllers allow you to upload custom code (i.e. create sequences externally then store them on the controller). Fortunately enough, the communication protocol used by the SSC-32U is human readable, meaning it’s pretty easy to recreate each of the commands and program a separate microcontroller to simply play them in order.
Ok thanks, I’m surprised there are no stand alone sequencers. But I guess people marry the SSC 32 with a Pi or Arduino ? I really liked the Flowbotics software and so will research if there is code for a pi or Arduino that takes the output file from the Flowbotics. Thanks again for your fast support, it is very appreciated.
I’m surprised there are no stand alone sequencers.
Hard to make one without knowing the communication protocol of the servo controller (which are almost all different).
But I guess people marry the SSC 32 with a Pi or Arduino ?
Correct. Lynxmotion has an Arduino board with the same footprint (also affected by semiconductor shortage):
I really liked the Flowbotics software and so will research if there is code for a pi or Arduino that takes the output file from the Flowbotics.
Not aware of any, but you can look around.
1 Like