Hi, so I’ve been wanting to build a robot for a long time (since i was 5) and FINALLY am getting around to it. I’ve done some google searching for my RC controller idea but cannot find what I’m looking for. I want to use two computer joysticks to control 4 motors. I have seen programs that will hook up a transmitter to a computer to control cars, helos and UAVs but I need something customize-able. Has anyone else done this?
If you want to hook up joysticks to a computer, you need a program which will read (and interpret) the values, then send a signal wirelessly to a microcontroller.
We have a program which can accept a game pad controller (PS2):
lynxmotion.com/p-895-free-do … tudio.aspx
lynxmotion.com/p-820-usb-ps2 … oller.aspx
The programs works with the SSC-32U:
lynxmotion.com/p-1032-ssc-32 … oller.aspx
If you want more specifics, we’d need to know what you wanted to control etc.
I have seen the PS2 type controllers and I may end up using it, however I would really prefer to use full size joy sticks to control 4 drive motors. I am basically building a battlebot that may weigh up to 250lbs
You simply need a program which accepts joystick interface - what that program really depends on your needs. In many cases it’s often easier to not have a computer as an interface and connect the buttons / potentiometers on the joystick to a microcontroller, and/or create a custom handheld controller.
I am definitely interested in making my own controller. Can you give me a quick run down of how to make my own transmitter out of joysticks?
You probably can’t do better then an R/C transmitter and receiver. You get a stream of PWM for R/C servos, which can also be converted to run DC servos. I’ve done it with RoboClaw motor drivers.
Alan KM6VV
I could use a manufactured transmitter and receiver… but I want to do something different. I have something very specific in mind for the way the robot is driven and I want to explore every avenue to make my idea work. Id like to leave the manufactured controllers as a last resort.