Hello,
before buying the product I have a few questions:
Is it possible to store some simple servo output sequences directly in to the SSC-32U ?
Is it possible to trigger the execution of the stored sequences using a digital or analog input of the SSC-32 ?
Hi,
Here are answers to your questions:
Yes, that is possible. Sequences can be stored inside an EEPROM chip that is on the SSC-32U and then played back at a later time. You can find more details about the GP Sequencer here.
No, that is not currently possible. The general inputs (analog or digital) can be read using a serial command. This can be done by a computer or a microcontroller, SBC (Single Board Computer, such as a Raspberry Pi), etc. using the USB, UART TTL or Bee interface (typically using wireless communication).
The SSC-32U cannot play its own sequences by itself. It needs a controller to tell it what to do and when. That being said, the controller can be very simple, such as a small microcontroller like an ATtiny based microcontroller board (worth a few USD).
Sincerely,
amazing !
apologies for the hyjack but this is exactly the same question that I just joined the forum to ask. Why is it that this simple basic statement is not included anywhere in the SSC-32 specification ? I have spent over 8 hours today trawling the net looking at various servo controllers and this basic information is never explained anywhere.
Some controllers appear to be capable of running servo sequenced programs from the controller itself ,either via a PC USB lead or standalone and others like the SSC-32 require an additional module to store and run the servo sequence . Its extremely confusing for a complete novice like myself .
Could I suggest that you make a video of a complete basic servo sequence project to show what hardware is required which utility software is compatible what additional modules to the SSC-32 are required to run a programmed sequence , and how it is all connected and powered . Lastly include a typical sequence program from start to finish … it would save a lot of confusion and questions
Apologies for the thread hijack and the incorrect nomenclature but I am a novice .
Hi Johnny,
Here are answers to your questions and comments:
I understand. Should be fine in this case since the issue seem to have been resolved.
That being said in the future we recommend you make a new topic and link to any that are related instead.
Also, if you wish to link to a specific post in a topic, you can get the URL by clicking on that post’s date. See the image below for an example:
We apologize concerning your difficulty finding this information. Please note that it is both provided on the product’s page (under Useful Links) and also in the SSC-32 manual.
Indeed, many RC servomotor controllers have different features available and different typical use cases and setups possible. As far as we know all of these products include manuals that details all of those features and how to use them. Of course, if unsure, please feel free to post on our forum and ask away! Our community will be glad to assist you!
In the case of the SSC-32, it was originally designed to be placed in mobile robots (Lynxmotion robotic platforms) which would also include their own microcontroller board, hence why it does not perform any tasks on its own. The other use case is in the Lynxmotion robotic arms (such as the AL5 series), which is used with a computer.
That is certainly a great idea and I’ll keep it in mind for the future! We recommend that you have a look at the information already available on the Lynxmotion website, such as assembly guides and here, sample code (GitHub repos here), electronic guides, example robot projects and tutorials and a small video gallery of robotic platforms.
Could you explain a bit more what you mean by a typical sequence program?
We hope this helps!
Sincerely,
thank you for your comprehensive response however you appear to have completely missed the point !
The point I was making was that the two questions the OP posted are exactly the basic information that he and I require . It may well be hidden somewhere in your vast specifications and tutorials but how many hours do you expect a casual enquirer should spend searching all over your website for it ?
As a novice buyer I need to know
the links you supplied are far too complicated for a beginner to decypher and assess . if I could read and understand all that I wouldn’t be asking these simple basic purchasing questions.
Your site is vast and extremely diverse but nowhere does it cater for someone who has zero knowledge and experience in Robotics to help them make purchasing decisions .
The two answers that you provided to the OPs questions is all that I was looking to find…I now see that regrettably the SSC-32 is not capable of performing the function I am looking for .
Unfortunately that fundamental information is nowhere to be found in the SSC-32 specification and description . It doesn’t even tell me if servos can be connected directly to the board !
this is an example of the sort of simple tutorial I am suggesting https://youtu.be/AqToEWmTVXA
My most sincere apologies if that is the case!
Your point is well taken. We’d actually expect users to not look around for hours. That being said, it seems to have been your case and we apologize for that. We’ll look into a way of improving access to the basic information of the product. I’ll most likely recommend adding the “Overview” information from the SSC-32U manual (page 3) to the product page in the main description.
This information says the following:
Please note that the SSC-32U was meant as a replacement for the SSC-32, a device used in larger robots with typically 12-24 RC servomotors and complex IK (inverse kinematics). As such, the documentation was geared towards more experienced users/makers that are used to complex robots. In that perspective, I feel the documentation is adequate for this level of users (the target market).
Of course, this does not deny that a simpler overview of the SSC-32U and its features, capabilities and limitations is not a good idea! We’ll keep this in mind in the future and see where we can improve this documentation to provide a better experience for less experienced users.
Actually, it does through our educational blogs. You can find tutorials in our blog section that can help you get started, such as this one: How to make a robot. It has 10 lessons that go over most of the basics of everything required to make your first robot project a success.
Of course, as you already did now, feel free to ask questions on our community. It is full of experts on many different subjects of robotics that will be glad to share their knowledge and experience!
We wish you much success with your robotics project! Feel free to post about it here. We are certain the
RobotShop community would be interested in learning about it and helping you out when you face challenges.
Sincerely,
