This is my first post here, i hope you don’t mind answering to very basic questions (i have very little experiences with servo motors).
So, i’m working on a project - puppet show. There are 5 scenes, each scene have around 5 puppets, and each puppet have 2 hobby type servo motors (4,5-6VDC/1A). All together there are less than 48 motors…
Each scene also have a light which needs to turn on when the scene starts, and turn off when it stops.
Show have to start with a push of a button because it makes a part of exhibition.
I contacted Mr. James and asked about solution for programming all this. He kindly suggested to use 2 SSC-32 and 1 Boat Board II.
I would like to know a bit more about programming the Boat Board ;
Can i use Visual Basic to do it?
Is Basic Atom easier to learn than Visual Basic? Is there any other easy program beside this two, preferably not made by Microsoft…
I would like to know this because we will need to do the programing for similar things in near future.
Does the Boat Board come with microcontroller or i need to buy it separately? Which model would you suggest for my application?
I will be very happy to get any answer/opinion about this.
Is it your intention to have a PC (assuming PC as you are referencing VisualBASIC) connected to the puppet show?
If this is the case then you can connect each SSC-32 to its own serial port, eliminate the BB2, and write your program in VisualBasic.
If you do not plan on having a PC connected then you would need a board such as the BB2, it uses a language based on BASIC with many custom language extensions, but that is about where the similarity to VisualBASIC ends.
Do you want to control the movements with a PC or would you rather use a microcontroller. If the movements are likely to change a lot then you might want to stick with a PC program as the editing of the movements would be much easier. Our Sequencer program is limited to using one SSC-32 at a time. There is an animation program from Brookshire called VSA, but I don’t know if it can control more than one SSC-32 at a time or not. I have written their support email address…
Hi,
thanks for the replys.
I can’t use computer to run the show, because our customer wants to start it with a push of a button. Also, we will make similar shows in the future and it is much better if we find “stand-alone” solution. So it seems like microcontrollers are the only solution for this…
Let’s say i don’t mind using Basic Atom that comes with BB2 for programming. Is it ok if i buy 2 SSC-32 and 1 BB2 for programming them?
What about microcontrollers? Lynxmotion is selling several models, i don’t know which one i need for my needs.?
Yes the Bot Board II with Atom Pro 28 is the most powerful solution we offer. You can connect as many SSC-32’s to it as you need. The programming aspect can be simplified by using our Sequencer program to generate the moves, then you just need to export them and incorporate them all into a basic program. Good luck with the project.
We have been running a total homebuilt puppet show for past 2 years.
Using a SSC-32 and VSA program, our own recorded music and voices. And one of our older computers.
With only 2 servos in each, 9 puppets =18 servos
Brookshire has an item that can make your show run without computer connected. Quite expensive, unless you’re selling it to someone that has more money than me. But it’s whatever one needs. They were great to help me get started. As was/is Lynxmotion.
We have run flawless for past 2 years.
Maybe not professional by some standards, but It certainly has been enjoyed by many.
I do lubercate, recheck and more add programming prior to each season.
You could certainly purchase a second SSC32 and operate the same.
This morning I ran a slight problem. Adding a lot of servo use at the same time. I have been operating on one power source. The servo movement was … , off. I’ll split the SSC32 power sources. It may only be the power cord I’m using today. It could also be the older 500mhz computer. If I have further problems, I’ll be looking for help.
