I am going to be a Senior this fall, and I am looking to build a remote controlled arm. (Most likely the AL5D). Actually I want to do the same thing as a previous poster (viewtopic.php?f=6&t=6046), but I want to use an rx transmitter rather than a PS2 controller. I am assuming that the rx transmitter would give me much more range than the PS2 controller. I also wouldn’t mind beaing able to control it over the internet, if that is doable (I can’t find enough info on the specifications of these systems in layman’s terms). If anyone could help me get started, it would greatly be appreciated.
Check out the Lantronix WiFi module, see Mouser.
Alan KM6VV
So this is what I found,
my.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Lant … EpRMybo%3d
I don’t really know if this what your talking about because I don’t understand much about this. If this is what I need in order to do it though, I will also need to know how to make it work. Thanks for the input.
The simplest over the internet setup would be to use a computer connected to an arm/ssc-32 setup with a webcam for vision for controlling the arm.
Actually this one.
mouser.com/ProductDetail/Lantronix/MP1001000G-01/?qs=sGAEpiMZZMsRr7brxAGoXYBnwzG7B6e4RBX72l82EKo%3d
This module is used on the Surveyor robot. Others would also work.
The Blackfin implementation supports a WiFi camera, and a serial channel for control. Plenty of documentation on the Surveyor website. So instead of running a pair of drive motors, you connect to an SSC-32, and run your arm. This site also sells the Lantronix module.
I’ve set up a WLAN, and I can view via the Blackfin camera on a PC by opening a viewer.
By aliasing the WiFi IP, internet access is available. (I haven’t gotten that far, a WLAN connection is enough for now).
HTH
Alan KM6VV
Ok, so instead of using the mouser product, i should probably go with the one from surveyor right? Or do I need the module from mouser to make the surveyor module work. I’m kinda new to this whole field, but am pretty good with hands on work if you know what i mean. I’m really good with a visual or other instructional aid. Anyways, do I buy the SRV-1 camera module and then do what with it. I don’t understand what it needs to connect to the robot, ot the arm for that matter. Nor do I understand how to communicate with it. Thanks for your patience.
Edit:
I think this may be what I need…
surveyor-corporation.stores.yaho … lcawi.html
But I still do not understand how to connect it all together in the fashion that is applicable to my needs. Again thanks for the help.
The $350 for the blackfin setup is a chunk of change. You might consider a different approach like below using a netbook (which has usefullness and resale value beyond the senior project).
well i mean, i dont really feel like purchasing a netbook bc I already have a MiFi from Verizon, and a few of the usb versions as well. What I don’t understand is how to connect to the other computer to control it. I guess I’d use the remote assistance right? The computer attached to the robot would be hardwired through the serial port correct? Then the laptop in my hands would connect to the remote assistant in order to control the other computer to control the robot? Am I on the correct path, or is there a better way to do it. And I mean I also want to be able to keep it pretty streamlined, rather than bulky. Idk if I could do this by adding an additional layer on top so that the computer could slide into a slot, with the arm on the deck above that. Sorry if it is a little wordy, I can try explaining better if needed.
The Mouser parts can be bought separately. Surveyor offers a complete solution. You can buy as little or as much as you want.
The Blackfin camera can control servos and R/C motors, or drive an SSC-32 with serial.
I suggest your read the documentation on the Surveyor site.
Alan KM6VV
ok, i think i get it
so the wifi would communicate with the blackfin which is linked to the serial port of the SSC-32 which would be controlling the arm and the robot correct?
anyway, for now i would just like to be able to control the arm and rover from the rx transmitter or ps2 controller
i don’t have enough experience with your products to be able to tell which has better range bc I have heard about the 100m and 300m systems but i don’t quite understand them yet (aka I don’t know if the r/c controller would do better)
anyway, for the project I’m going to start off with the arm (AL5A to save money), and then do the lightweight wrist upgrade to add length as well. Then I plan on buying the rover body or sumo body depending on what i feel like when i get there. Anyway, I think I’m on the right path. Oh and I don’t have a serial port on my computer, so I’m in need of a usb to serial adapter, but the store is out of stock. It says that others have issues with data transmission and reception, so I was worried to use another brand. Any suggestions?
Again thanks for all the help.
Edit: I was wondering if the SSC-32 comes with the version 2 IC chip or not. Thanks
Controlling the arm from the PS2 is completely different than controlling the arm from an RC radio.
The radio control scheme simply connects a radio channel to each axis of the arm. It is practically impossible to move the arm in an intelligent way. You move the shoulder, then the wrist needs adjusting, so you move it, then the elbow is wrong, it’s not easy…
The PS2 controller version uses IK to allow moving the wrist in 3D space in real time. You can adjust the angle of the gripper relative to the ground plane, and the up, down, left, right, too and fro are all easily adjustable with the PS2 controller.
Yes the V2 chip has been shipping with the SSC-32 for several years now.
Robot Dude:
Thanks for clearing that up, I knew there had to be a reason why so many people were using the PS2 controllers, and not the R/C controllers.
Anyway, is there somewhere specifically that I need to go in order to get the long distance PS2 controllers, rather than the short range ones? Thanks
Edit Added: Also wondering if there would be video transmission interference since the wireless cameras usually run on 2.4ghz as well as the PS2 wireless controllers. Would this require me to use a Wireless IP camera in order to bypass the problem?
There’s really no way to know for sure without testing, but the PS2 chooses a channel (1 or 4) at power up. The cameras usually have 4 channels,and a way to select one.
Again, thanks for clearing that up. Still looking to find a 100m or greater PS2 controller. If a mod is necessary, I just need a link to it. I did a few searches but couldn’t find anything. Thanks
The only way to get what you want as far as I know is to build a DIY radio system.
viewtopic.php?f=21&t=4399
If you need bidirectional communication then check out this thread.
viewtopic.php?f=21&t=5447
Thanks again,
anyway I have a big problem right now. Every time I push the center servo button, the top half of the base along with the rest of the arm falls off. I don’t know how to fix this, and I worried to continue as to cause damage to the robot. Thanks
Sounds like you forgot to put the base servo’s screw back in. Have a close look at step 9 of this tutorial.
You are exactly correct, I figured it out after I posted the question, and was just logging on to delete the post. Thanks
But now a new problem has risen. The arm is controlled perfectly through the Lynxterm, however RIOS does not see it. I have started the application after the robot is powered, and visa-versa. I have read the troubleshooting guide but couldn’t seem to solve the problem, any suggestions?