I don’t know whether to start a new topic here or not (sorry!) or post on someone else topic (but worried about hijacks). Is there an FAQ section I’ve missed.
I was looking around and this site has really sparked off my robots itch again… (I did Cybernetics ages ago at Uni)
Initially I was trying to select the correct Brain / Controller unit (I already have a Pi and would like to use that if possible?). I have looked around but couldn’t see any way to drive the motors? I was looking to start out with a very basic drivetrain (eg. robotshop.com/eu/en/tracked- … s-kit.html ?). If the Pi isn’t suitable I’m happy to try another (but I’d rather have a .net capable if poss) but don’t have a crazy budget for my new hoby!
I’m experienced c++ / c# but it’s been ages since I did any electronics / controllers (Sorry!). Not really interested in building a “remote controlled” device but something more AI based as that’s my experience / background
Which forum would this question be most applicable for? Again, sorry for the random dump and thanks in advance for any help!
The Pi offers amazing value which is really hard to beat. However, connecting additional devices like motor controllers is less straightforward than with a small microcontroller (which ironically costs about the same). The platform you mention only has one motor, so it an only go forward and backward (no turning). Can you tell us what you’d like to do? For example would you just like to see what it takes to program a simple mobile robot? Any secondary objectives? For example we designed a simple Arduino-based Rover kit for people looking for all the basic components needed to make a mobile robot: robotshop.com/en/dfrobotshop … c-kit.html
Well, I just happened to have a Pi anyway and saw that they had lots of “usbable” items. I didn’t expect it to be the most suitable for robot control so happy to find an alternative.
What I’m thinking about is starting with a small simple robot (either wheeled or tracked), with 2 sensors (IR to start with). However, I would like some ability to upgrade to support more sensors. I’m not interested in making it “remote controlled” but more just autonomous.
My main software experience is c++ and c# so I’d prefer a controller that would support .net, I’ve seen this :http://www.netmf.com/Gadgeteer/get-started.aspx but I’ve no idea if it would be suitable.
You mentioned that track would only go in 1 direction, how could I tell that? These are the things I’m trying to avoid as complete n00b!
