How does the mini ssc mode work? What does it allow you to do? Does it make the SSC-32 compatible with mini ssc software? How do you activate it or make certain that it is active?
I am disapointed with the SSC-32 because it does not seem to have nearly the avalible software as the mini. I need a program that will allow me to use a wave file as a time line so i can sync sound for my animatronic. The VSA by brookshire looks ideal but i cant get the SSC-32 to cooperate with it. I really don’t even know where to start to program it myself.
The SSC is a servo controller. If you want special features such as synching audio time code with servo movement, that is where you come in, and figure out a solution to achieve that goal. The ssc-32 will not do such a task as you stated in your post, but with some additional hardware and programming you can do what you need.
If the SSC-32 had every feature to suit everyone’s desire, the board would be as large as a PC board!
The SSC-32 is a servo controller and nothing more.
As for music & animatronics you will need to do some research:
If you want to learn more about this, you can start with this forum link:
The MiniSSC-II mode is always available. There is nothing to activate or enable. If a binary command is sent it automatically interprets it as a MiniSSC-II instruction.
Well the MiniSSC-II has been around for 10 years, compaired to the SSC-32’s only one year. Scott Edwards has decided not to make any improvements to the thing, I begged him for years, but nothing. I predict you will see more software being developed for the SSC-32. I doubt anyone is developing or even supporting programs for the old Mini any more.
I don’t have this software, so I can’t help you troubleshoot it. Obvoius question, are you setting the SSC-32 for 9600 baud? As far as I know the SSC-32 is the equivalent of 4 MiniSSC-II’s all connected to a single serial connection. More specifically, the first one set as normal, the second with the “I” jumper installed, the third with the 16 to 31 addressing option and the forth with the “I” jumper installed. The “R” jumper installed on all.
I have tested the SSC-32 with our Sweet Servo 16 (MiniSSC-II) program and it works great. I can control half of the servos (0-15) from the program directly with no issues.
I know it is not going to help you right now, but we do have plans to develope a timeline based sequencer this year. I received an email a few months back from a guy who was complaining that the VSA software hadn’t been updated in a couple years, and he was having trouble getting a hold of anyone. Is that still the case? He was wanting another animation control program solution.
That info helps. Right now the board is set to 115.2K for computer control. If 9600 Buad will make a difference in how it communicates i will try that. I downloaded the free VSA trial and it didnt make anything happen. I will try it again with the different baud rate.
As far as contacting Brookshire, I have tried with no response. It is frustrating because my problem is fairly simple, but there is no software to solve it. If you or any company was to develope a program that used a WAV. or MP3 file as a time code and played back the audio in sync, that would be exactly what i am looking for. I also need multiple avalible tracks or programs to do a variety of routines either on command or by sensor trigger.
Who ever gets this software to market for the SCC-32 and properly promotes it (especially amongst the Haunted House Industry) will see success because that is the missing link for animatronics creators that can’t write control programs.
My plan was to call Brookshire and see about getting a control package assembled but since they don’t seem to be in the business of dealing with customers any more i need to seek alternate methods.
I guess i am just bummed beause the SCC-32 is a great controller IF you are capable of writing your own controll software, which i am not at this point. I can use a control program with out a problem, i just can’t write it myself.
