I have purchased an SSC-32 servo controller, a 3DOF leg kit and have had a blast puttng the leg through a range of motions. The ultimate goal is to build either a hex or a quad kit. First I’ll purchase a Lynx kit, but ultimately I would like to build a larger version using servo/gearbox kits. I’m sure it will be a very steep learning curve with my limited abilities.
I do not understand the relationship between the SSC-32, Bot Board, Basic Atom 28 and the PS2 controller. The kits have all of these, but which piece does what work and how do they handshake. I know the SSC-32 is tethered to a PC, does the Bot Board download multiple programs from the SSC-32 and operate the hexapod without a tether? And does the PS2 remote trigger different programs loaded in the Bot Board?
There is more than one way to do this, but I think the method you are asking about is this.
The Bot Board is programmed with a BASIC program that is created by PowerPod. PowerPod is a PC program that creates Basic Atom code with the features you select, such as body style inline or round, etc. After the Atom is programmed its job is to chat with the PS2 controller so it knows which of the buttons yer pressin, and which way yer pushin the sticks. With this new found info the Atom then sends the proper commands to the SSC-32 to make the robot walk with the appropriate speed, direction, leg lift and body ride height. That’s the gist of it.
Yes, but that doesn’t mean it’s the only way to control the bots. It’s just one of the easiest ways to do it. For now autonomous behavior requires the builder to edit the basic code.
Yep!
The PowerPod generated basic code is transfered to the Atom chip via the Atom IDE.
Yes, hexapods are more popular so that’s why we have the tools for building code for them. We plan to do the same thing for quadrapods if we ever get to it.
have you ever supersized any of your bots using servo powered gearboxes like those available at Servo City? they have a couple that can move a 130 pound load with a 1" arm. I know they are very expensive (I bought four of them), but think of the full size realistic creatures that could be built. Add some foam rubber, hair and airbrushing and you could have all kinds of critters walking around.
You could use SEQ to create a walking sequence, and export that to Basic code. All that could be done with minimal programming- you’d just need to make the control scheme, which you could probably borrow from the powerpod program output.
SEQ is a windows based program that lets you create a visual representation of your servo layout, adjust each servo position using a slider bar, and take ‘snapshots’ to create steps. These steps are combined together to create sequences, which you can then export into basic code. Its a great program overall, and if you’re not a programmer it’s probably going to be the easiest route for you. I suggest checking out the manual on the page I linked for more in depth info on the program.
Octapods are gaining in popularity now also. My big goal for this year is to build an Octapod. That’s after I complete MsBRAT and W.A.L.T.E.R. 2.0. I stilll want to see The Bipod walk too!
Have you heard of anyone building one using the larger servo powered gearboxes? With that kind of power you could make one that stood 3 - 4 feet tall. That would be awesome.
head first. 
…no worry