New to robotics

russ christensen

Hi everybody, I'd first like to say thanks for all the outstanding posts on this forum.· I have spent no less than 16 hours studying and going over all the different projects that everybody here has embarked on.· I am a computer programmer of sorts, mostly c++ and .net, but am pondering the possibilities of getting into robotics.· After doing a ton of research i've decided that the Propeller chip is gonna be my platform of choice for its capabilities.· That being said, I'm writing this to ask for some pointers/recommendations.· So far, my plan is to use the Wheel/Motor Mount kit as the basic movement of my robot.· I'm going to custom build a chassis from home depot parts, add various sensors to begin with (I hear the ping is essential).· I'm going to put a third party wireless video camera, hopefully with audio, that will interface with the computer, as well as a bluetooth gps unit that will also talk to the computer.· The idea is that i'll have the Propeller handling all the motors and sensors, while doing all the actual control of the unit and path detection on the computer with custom c++/.net code.· Maybe even using the MSRS.· What i'd like some help with is choosing the type of breadboard you guys recommend for my sensor interface, i'd like to have realtime communication with the computer as well using bluetooth, talking to my custom app.· All of this is way down the road, as i plan on first just figuring out basic's about the spin language and stuff as i have not used it before.· If you guys have any suggestions for me, or any advice before i shell out the cash for this system, i'm all ears.· As soon as i convince my wife to let me spend the money, i'll be placing my order.· I guess i'll finish with my ultimate goal, I plan on pursuing a masters degree in artificial intelligence once i finish my BS next year, and i'd love to apply that to robotics at the same time.· I appreciate any information and tips you might have for me.·

Russ

SRLM

I'd get the USB protoboard for your Propeller platform. Also, either download or buy the two propeller books available from parallax. I assume you've looked at the thread about about the 12 v wheel mounts?

russ christensen

I believe your talking about the i believe 17 page long thread, yes thats the post i was looking at which made me want them.· Also i do plan on grabbing every book avaliable to learn the system.· [noparse]:)[/noparse]·

Mike Green

Do look at the Propeller Controller Board. It's relatively pricey, but it has plenty of servo outputs (8) and digital inputs (10). It has mounting provisions for a GPS receiver, compass, and 3-axis accelerometer as well as 8 high current digital outputs.

russ christensen

the propeller controller board was the one that i was thinking about getting, but david at tech support said i'd have to make my own bluetooth adapter for it.· i took a look at the propeller protoboard, but it seems as though its for a more permanent solution, and i'd really like a more breadboard type solution.·

SRLM

Why are you doing bluetooth with the propeller at all? If you're going to use a PC for your main processor and the propeller as a slave, you might as well let it get all the bluetooth stuff. You can buy a USB dongle for a couple of dollars, and it will be much less hassle than getting a uC to do it.

russ christensen

The bluetooth on the propeller is going to be to communicate with the pc, not the other devices.· The other devices will be communicating directly with the PC in theory.