Scribbler 2 (S2) Early Design Notes - a new Propeller robot
Ken Gracey
Posts: 7,392
Hey there,
Word is out that we've got a new Scribbler in the works (S2), so I've written up some key features in the attached PDF. We're aiming for the same retail price ($99.99) and at this point I don't see why we wouldn't attain that goal. There's a lot of enthusiasm in Parallax about this new robot.
The release of S2 will also have impacts on our supply of original Scribblers.
You are invited to post whatever input you desire on this thread.
Sincerely,
Ken Gracey
Post Edited (Ken Gracey (Parallax)) : 12/2/2009 5:55:42 PM GMT
Word is out that we've got a new Scribbler in the works (S2), so I've written up some key features in the attached PDF. We're aiming for the same retail price ($99.99) and at this point I don't see why we wouldn't attain that goal. There's a lot of enthusiasm in Parallax about this new robot.
The release of S2 will also have impacts on our supply of original Scribblers.
You are invited to post whatever input you desire on this thread.
Sincerely,
Ken Gracey
Post Edited (Ken Gracey (Parallax)) : 12/2/2009 5:55:42 PM GMT
Comments
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Composite NTSC sprite driver: Forum
NTSC & PAL driver templates: ObEx Forum
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Shawn Lowe
When all else fails.....procrastinate!
Ken
Is it a quadrature encoder or a single channel encoder?
Is it only programmed in serial, or is there a usb connection to, and if not is there an easy way to use the prop plug on it, or does one need a more generic usb to serial tool?
Serial only, because of legacy issues to support several key customers that use a significant volume of Scribblers with their add-ons. If you have a USB port only then you will use our USB to Serial converter.
Ken Gracey
It looks great.
Any chance to get a schematic ? Or is that not finiallized yet ?
Bean.
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Does that byte of memory hold "A", 65, $41 or %01000001 ?
Yes it does...
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Looks terrific, can't wait! Congrats on a fantastic job keeping the price at $99 with lots more capability. The built-in wheel encoders are DA BOMB! You didn't leave Whit and me any room for improvement. Now what will I do over New Year's break? Learn Spin, I suppose... [noparse]:)[/noparse] If you're looking for a Beta tester, I'm your Huckleberry!
erco
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·"If you build it, they will come."
The schematic is not yet final. The latest rev involves some simplifications and pin allocation jiggering to accommodate a new stall sensor. I think people will like the new design a lot! (I'm not the hardware engineer, BTW, but I've been consulting on the design and will be programming the low-level control object, along with the GUI code generation for the Prop.)
-Phil
May it have been so loose that it detached itself and got lost ?
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Visit some of my articles at Propeller Wiki:
MATH on the propeller propeller.wikispaces.com/MATH
pPropQL: propeller.wikispaces.com/pPropQL
pPropQL020: propeller.wikispaces.com/pPropQL020
OMU for the pPropQL/020 propeller.wikispaces.com/OMU
This is great news! I am a bit sad to loose the old Scribber, but I understand. I (also) would love to test drive one of these. I can't wait to see how the Scribber 2 integrates with the GUI. That will make the transition for current Scribbler users a snap. I hope the GUI will take advantage of Scribbler 2 features while still working with the original.
It sounds like you have addressed the concerns of current Scribbler users. Stronger motors and the encoders. Love the idea of bi-color LEDs. (That could be fun on the GUI as well). I hope there will be a bit more variation tolerated by the line following sensors. This robot has trememdous Educational potential!
Some Questions:
1. Will the Scribbler 2 come with the demo software or an improved version? This is a fantastic out-of the-box feature of the Scribbler and lets student play right away.
2. Will the Observation Deck monitor the new encoders or external mic?
3. Will provision be made for access to the updated hackers port through the Scribbler 2's body design (access openning of some sort).
4. Will the GUI rollover into the Prop Tool? (Like the current Program Maker rolls over into the Stamp Editor)
Some Comments:
1. I hope things like all the pdf's for line following, bar codes, GUI and maybe a Spin (Yippee!) Programming Guide, internal pics and schematics are continued. That stuff is dynomite for using with students.
2. I know you are working hard to make a $99 price point, but I would love a way to plug a Ping))) into a socket on the front of the Scribbler 2.
Some Suggestions:
1. You have got to get a Propeller Beanie on there somewhere!
2. Perhaps the possibility of some add-ons - like a circular deck that would still let the pin port work, but would allow some experimental work space via connection to the hacker's port.
3. Some mounting lugs on the outside of the body that would accept standard size screws. This could be used to mount things like a deck or hardware for a Ping))) mouting bracket or a display.
4. I like retaining the Serial port for backward compatability and to allow the use of the IPRE Fluke. I would love a USB to Serial adapter in a single cable - perhaps a bit more ruggged.
The funniest thing of all is that my 10 year old son was messing around with me about a couple of months ago. He comes up and says, "Hey Dad, Did you hear that they were making a Scribbler 2" (this is before I or he knew one was coming). "It has hands!"
Just some thoughts... I know it will be great. Can't wait to hold one in my hot little hands!
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Whit+
"We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we're curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths." - Walt Disney
Post Edited (Whit) : 11/25/2009 9:10:57 PM GMT
Okay, maybe that is just a southern thing.
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Whit+
"We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we're curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths." - Walt Disney
Some quesions I can address:
"2. Will the Observation Deck monitor the new encoders or external mic?" 'Hadn't thought about that, so "maybe".
"4. Will the GUI rollover into the Prop Tool? (Like the current Program Maker rolls over into the Stamp Editor)" Yes.
The GUI will conform as closely as possible to that of the Scribbler 1 and will serve the same introductory-level function. Obviously, the wheel encoders and new stall sensor will be an intergral part of the low-level control software, so better directional and distance stability can be assured. My plan is to create an S2 object which will serve not only the GUI but also any Spin programmers who want to use it.
-Phil
@ Ken - Remember the Beanie!
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Whit+
"We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we're curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths." - Walt Disney
I think this is a great idea! It would be especially handy for robotics applications. As you know, I am a·major fan of the Scribbler Program Maker GUI. It made the old BS2 Scribbler instantly accessible for new students. I know the new version is going to make the Propeller Scribbler just as accessible. This will be wonderful.
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Whit+
"We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we're curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths." - Walt Disney
Post Edited (Whit) : 11/26/2009 2:17:37 AM GMT
As a college student, not much money for a stingray.
This will be just what the new propeller users need .
Rob7
FLUX CAPACITOR!
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·"If you build it, they will come."
I guess my ideas on extra mounting spots were a bit wish listey, they are probably molding the body in the original Scribbler forms.
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Whit+
"We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we're curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths." - Walt Disney
Post Edited (Whit) : 11/26/2009 2:21:57 PM GMT
1) improve the wheel bushings and wheel/gearmotor fit for lower wear and reduced backlash.
2) include some tunable PID routines in the GUI for accurate travel distance and turn measurement
Can't wait to get my hands on one!
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·"If you build it, they will come."
I always thought that the pen port could be exploited as a place to mount Scribbler add-ons.
An example would a post that could stand in the pen port for mounting a Ping))) on. It could have a servo as well to rotate the Ping))) also. Some external attachment point (both Ping))) and servo) for such items would be handy or a kit to make such attachments in a neat and simple way.
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Whit+
"We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we're curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths." - Walt Disney
-Phil
Speaking of which, do you have any idea what the hacker poer connection may be like? Scrib1's internal hacker port with itss 3 IO pin connections required the case to be opened (and warranty voided!), but I must assume Scrib2 will have an opening in the case with some multiconnector.
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·"If you build it, they will come."
-Phil
I work in the toy biz with China manufacturers. It is easy, quick & cheap for any good vendor to modify the steel injection mold (namely, adding a shutoff) to create a hole (any shape opening) in the plastic part. And it is reversible, they can fill in the hole with another part if you ever decide to go back.
But it does take some time. IMHO, I'd be willing to slip the delivery schedule a month to add an external port.
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·"If you build it, they will come."
-Phil
Thanks for the encouragement! The DB9 is an option. The IPRE Fluke uses this method (as I am sure you know).
erco,
I've got some ideas if you want to talk.
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Whit+
"We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we're curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths." - Walt Disney
http://www.parallax.com/ProductInfo/Robotics/ScribblerFamily/tabid/825/Default.aspx
When new information is made available publicly·it will also be posted on the associated pages.
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"The Propeller has enabled us to provide a highly capable that brings forward so many new capabilities."
Bean.
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1st rule of finance...Don't lose money.
Never be ashamed of making an honest·profit.
Live within your means...Make do, or do without.
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