Is there a way I would be able to load my own programs onto the SSC-32? If so, what environment do I use to load the programs to the the SSC?
Thanks,
Brandon C.
The SSC-32 code is done in C but it also has highly optimized machine language code in it. There are parts of the program that Mike actually had to count machine cycles to ensure the timing was perfect. It is a very tight bit of code, not at all for the beginner.
I don’t think you understand what I’m saying. I don’t want to modify the firmware. I want to program the SSC-32 to be used as a robot controller instead of just a servo controller. My question was if this was possible.
Brandon C.
Hi Brandon,
Jim is saying the SSC-32 code space and “task time allocations” are pretty much full, no way to add much of anything (VERY complex code). It can be updated via RS-232, but that’s not for the uninitiated. Very complex to add much of anything to the code in the '168!
Possible? Yes, its board has a programmable uP. You’d have to modify or replace the code on the chip to accomplish that. One could develop an entirely new program for the '168 chip, and download it, but the circuit of the SSC-32 (serial shift registers) is optimized for driving 32 servos, a task that it does quite well!
'Hope that answers your question!
Alan KM6VV
Hi Alan,
I am actually using the 'ole ATmega 8. I don’t really use my SSC much anymore, and may get the new one sooner or later, so I don’t really mind messing my current one up. what I want to do is make a program that can take analog input from sensors, and make decisions to control two servos on a basic rover. Not very complex.
Thanks for the help!
Brandon C.
BTW, I found a program called the “AVR Studio”. would this work for programming?
Hi Brandon,
You can certainly do that! I’d buy a new ATmega 8 chip, (or '168, even better) and mess around with that.
The AVR Studio along with an appropriate programmer module will allow you to program the chip, however you’ll have to work in ASSEMBLY, unless you pop for the CodeView C compiler for it. There might be some GNU compilers available as well.
The hardware of the board would certainly allow you to control a few servos, but beware that it’s not a simple task to program SPI and all the interrups needed to get up a few servo channels. Obviously it can be done! 8 or less servos is usually not that hard. My Loki used just the uP, and controlled 4 servos, as well as ran an autonomous program, and a “training” program as well.
Two servos you say. Actually, you could just ignore the SPI stuff, and use two of the outputs to the shift register parts to run the servos. This can be done, as I mentioned with a little simpler code then the SPI and complex update stuff.
My pleasure!
Alan KM6VV
Why would I need a programmer? I can’t just use the on-board serial port to program the chip?
Brandon C.
In order to use the serial port to program the chip (any chip) the chip has to have a “boot loader” on it. And you need the appropriate PC program that can talk to the boot loader and thus program the chip.
In the case of both the SSC-32 and the BB2, there are (different) proprietary protocols and programmer programs to accomplish this. Normally, these protocols are not released to the general public.
I don’t know what the SSC-32 chip requires in the HEX format file that it updates the chip with. That information might have been available (download from LM site) for the original ATmega 8 chip version.
Alternately, there are boot loaders available for these chips, just probably not compatible with what’s on your chip. And then, you have to have a way to program the chip initially!
Alan KM6VV
Ah well, I guess there’s no point. If i were to get a programmer, I would buy one for my 6 PIC chips that I can’t program yet.
The PICs are nice, I think there is a new programmer for them that’s quite inexpensive. PICKIT3?
What PIC chips?
You have an Atom Basic Pro, why not just start writing C or ASM code for it? You can get another BB2, or weren’t you making a similar board for the module?
Alan KM6VV
I don’t have an Atom Pro. 
I would just use my Propeller Robot Module, but it’s too big for the rover I am building. I think I have a PIC24F and a PIC18F. Both are pretty fast.
Brandon C.
I googled the PICkit 3 and it seems to be $69. I found the PICKIT2 for $35 but I’m not sure if it’s compatible with my chips.
Anyway, I am going a little off topic. I should probably create a new thread.
Brandon C.
Sorry, I thought you did.
I have two bots (Biped Loki and Hexapod Shelob) that are running the IC 18F4620 chip. Good part!
Alan KM6VV