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Controlling multiple boe-bots with laptop using C# or basic stamp. — Parallax Forums

Controlling multiple boe-bots with laptop using C# or basic stamp.

labheshrlabheshr Posts: 10
edited 2008-02-08 21:27 in Robotics
Hi !

I am interested in controlling multiple boe-bots thru my laptop which I plan to use as a control station.

Can this be done with MS Robotics Studio and demo code they provide? How does it need to be changed?

Otherwise how can I use basic stamp to control multiple boebots?

Please enlighten me if any of u guys have an idea.

Thanks in advance!

Regards;
Labhesh.

Comments

  • DiablodeMorteDiablodeMorte Posts: 238
    edited 2008-01-30 00:45
    Ok, let me give it a shot.. Firstly, I don't think it's possible for one basic stamp to control multiple boebot's unless you want to physically link them togethor w/ wire. The best solution would be to ustalize RF and form some type of wireless link with each boebot. You can use Parallax's RF radios(BoeBots would only really need recievers, and the laptop would only need a transmitter unless you wanted bidirection communication) or some third part RF radio.

    If you go the parallax route you are going to have to conisder a couple of the following?
    What RF protocol do you want to use - ie, how is the packet information formatted - this same consideration applies to all serial communication
    How will boebot's be differentiated? - How will the laptop be able to tell one boebot what to do w/o them all trying to say move forward..

    If you go another route, some RF radios have built in networking. From experience I only know much about the Xbee radios. These radios form their own networks with out your input. If you went this route you would still have to worry about the protocol but the differentiation would be done for you.

    ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
    Current Projects:
    Robot Control Via Skype API - Dev Stage(50% Complete) - Total(25%)
    Robot Localization Via Xbee's - Research Stage
    IR Tracking with Propeller - Research Stage
  • Trevor TaylorTrevor Taylor Posts: 13
    edited 2008-02-05 00:53
    If you buy the "MSRS" version of the Boe-Bot it comes with a Bluetooth module and there is software to download to the Boe-Bot to communicate with MSRS. That is all taken care of.

    However, running multiple versions of ANY robot with MSRS is a little difficult because most services are written for a single robot.

    You should ask your question on the MSRS Discussion Forum and also search the forum because this has been discussed in the past.

    Trevor
    ·
  • labheshrlabheshr Posts: 10
    edited 2008-02-08 21:12
    Thank u all for you quick and interesting replies.

    What would be the range of operation if I were to use RF instead of bluetooth for robot communication.

    @Martin Hebel:

    Thank u for sharing your project. Could you comment on range of RF in your project.
  • Mike GreenMike Green Posts: 23,101
    edited 2008-02-08 21:27
    Range depends on transmit power, antenna size, and frequency. xBee or ZigBee modules can have a range of perhaps 400' to a mile depending on the specific power output (and power drain). The RF modules that Parallax sells have ranges in the low to middle of that (like 800' or so). Figure that 100mW will typically get you ranges on the order of a mile. That's about the highest that can be used without a license.
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