ok, I realize robotics isn’t about manual manipulation but I need to know how to build a digitally proportional controller for operating a robotic arm in real time.
Basically, what I want is a radio control system minus the radio control. Can anyone direct me to a book, schematic, or website where I could learn such a thing?
The robotic arm is a 4 servo unit currently using a push-button controller: you hold down the “Jaws close” button and when the jaws close to your satisfaction, you let go of the button and they hold that last position. I’d like to replace the push button with a joystick.
Is your arm using servos or motors? If it is actually using servos and you don’t want a computer in the control loop, then do a google search for “servo tester schematic” and “servo 555” for making a servo controller that is usually controlled by a pot. If your arm uses motors (your discription sounds like it uses motors), then consider making a mechanical switch setup that is operated by a stick/yoke setup.
The pot controller setup sounds like what I’m looking for, if I’m unable to find anything searching for those - can you reccomend reading material with what I’m looking for?
The next question is, can I mod this to control several servos through the addition of several potentiometers using the 1 PIC chip or would I need one of these units for each servo?
