Propeller Robot Control Board/Stingray
Just·read the rather impressive specs on this controller, which comes on the Stingray. I'm curious if anyone is·using even one-tenth of the capacity of this controller in a current robot? Seems like "the total potential·here must be·nothing less than astronomical" (name that reference) and I for one am interested what people are using it for, or what they plan to use it for.
And please don't say world domination. I'm working on that with my Scribbler.
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·"If you build it, they will come."
Post Edited (erco) : 12/1/2009 5:46:26 PM GMT
And please don't say world domination. I'm working on that with my Scribbler.
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·"If you build it, they will come."
Post Edited (erco) : 12/1/2009 5:46:26 PM GMT
Comments
Historically, small processors have run at 1 Mhz to 20 Mhz, and been programmed in assembly (more recently 'C'). It's actually NORMAL to only use a small percentage of a device's capabilities to solve a problem.
The important part here is "solving the problem", not "using up the entire device". Having said that, I can see how having more memory and speed would come in handy when solving mazes, and when running anti-collision algorithms based on a CMU-Cam, for instance.
I too am interested in what people are doing with the new board. I would be all over it but I am neck deep in another project. I will get to before to long (Christmas is coming up ya' know) and I cant wait.
@allan - I understand what you are saying about how the point is not to use every scrap of the board that you can but to efficiently solve problems. However some times it is a nice break just to see how far you can push the boundaries with such a board. Its like taking a new sports car out to a track to see what she can do. Its not how you should drive every day but it sure is fun and interesting to find out every once in a while!
So back on track - Any one accomplished something astounding yet? Any plans?
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Alex Burke
"Beware of computer programmers that carry screwdrivers." -Leonard Brandwein
I am trying to build one of these (see attachment).
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Then I will attach it to something that will go 88 miles per hour.
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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) : 12/1/2009 7:18:29 PM GMT
@Whit - Sweet haha. Let me know how that works out for ya'! I have seen some of the replicas go for several hundred $'s. The whole fusion thing... man... who would of thought it was just missing a propeller. Lol Make sure you check the data sheet on the board, I don't know if its regulators can handle voltage in the Jiga watt range.
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Alex Burke
"Beware of computer programmers that carry screwdrivers." -Leonard Brandwein
The difference being that to make a car perform at it's max all you need is a clear space, while to make a computer (or uC) perform at it's max you need to be much more involved.
Anyway, I'm working on line following with the robot right now. I had some code where it could reliably follow a line but at the cost of some jerky motion. In the video link I am testing in my bathroom since it is the only place in the whole dormitory with hard white floors and enough space to make a full circle. Video: December2009 034(Video - 25.8MB) I'm not using any of the pings in the video. Also, I had six QED light sensors on the bottom of the robot that fed into an ADC. I guess it worked okay.
So now I'm working on a PID based line following algorithm with some simple policies to follow for when it sees multiple lines or loses a line, along with a total of eight QED sensors. Theoretically it should work better but it is not there yet.
@SRLM - Not unless you built and maintain the car [noparse];)[/noparse] Lol, But any way, I like what your are doing with your bot. Thats awesome. And hats off to you with the PID loops, those can be a real headache. I feel your pain on trying to find a place to test out your projects, I went through the same thing myself.
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Alex Burke
"Beware of computer programmers that carry screwdrivers." -Leonard Brandwein
Let the race begin! By the time you get your Flux Capacitor going, my '67 Corvair 140 will be ready to roll and break the 88 MPH barrier... we've gotta get these kids together!
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·"If you build it, they will come."
I have been using Prop chips on robots for a while now, and I haven't gotten close to really using their potential. They are great for robots. My chief lament is that I have never quite found the controller card I wanted. It seems like this may be it, and I am looking forward to using it in the Peanut Tin.
Now a question: The motor slots have a plug identified as Molex #0351560200. Does anyone know a site / store (radio shack / Frys?) where I can get the right plug to put into this board? I really want to find the right plug because I want to avoid soldering as much as possible on a robot that will get knocked around (i.e. combat). Molex does not seem to be the right site, they seem to only have industrial quantities, and it isn't clear to me what the part number is for the plug.
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My Robots
I also don't understand what you mean by "you need the pins as well". Are these pins that go into the plug? Wouldn't I attach the plugs to wires?
I appreciate the help, but I am wondering if there is someone out there who has really bought the correct plugs for "motor a" and "motor b" on this board and can point me in the right direction.
Thank you again though! That was a very fast answer.
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My Robots
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My Robots
Curt
Ha - a dying breed for sure!!!
I had a '63 back in the mid 60's High School days. All tweaked up for the Friday night drags at the "GM Strip" right in front of the Framingham GM plant. Worked in a Jenny station after school and weekends. I became known as a Corvair wizard back then (a curse??) and occasionally got calls from mechanics all over the state for help. Ahhhhh, the good old days!!
Apparently I'm not alone: http://www.wittelaw.com/personal/groupred/
Maybe a Propeller Robot Controller Board is all it needs...
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·"If you build it, they will come."