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Wireless Boe-Bot? — Parallax Forums

Wireless Boe-Bot?

ScopeScope Posts: 417
edited 2010-02-10 02:27 in Robotics
I've been looking at the Parallax web site but I am unsure exactly what the complete list of items I need to make my Boe-Bot wireless w/my computer.

Does anyone have a list - everything I'll need to make this happen?

Thanks a whole bunch,

Scope
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Comments

  • dandreaedandreae Posts: 1,375
    edited 2010-02-09 14:47
    You can use the Easy Bluetooth Module part number 30085 with a Bluetooth dongle on your PC.· Here is a link for more information:· http://forums.parallax.com/showthread.php?p=807104·



    Dave




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    Dave Andreae

    Parallax Tech Support·
  • ScopeScope Posts: 417
    edited 2010-02-09 16:58
    Thank you Dave.

    Should I also consider the XBee RF Module? Parallax claims [noparse][[/noparse]these] "modules are the easiest-to-use, most reliable and cost-effective RF devices we’ve experienced."

    So, yeah, I'm still confused - sorry. turn.gif

    I just want to make sure I order the right parts - I can figure out (I think) how to make it work but my goal is to be able to send/receive from my computer to/from the Boe-Bot.

    Thanks,

    Scope
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  • Mike GreenMike Green Posts: 23,101
    edited 2010-02-09 17:15
    1) None of the wireless modules will let you program the BoeBot from your PC. There are timing constraints on the downloading protocol that prevent it from being used wirelessly.

    2) Since most computers these days have built-in Bluetooth, one advantage of using a Bluetooth module on the BoeBot end is that you don't need something on the PC end.

    3) The xBee modules are a little easier to use than Bluetooth, but you need an xBee module on the PC side of things and you need a USB adapter for the PC xBee module. Parallax has or shortly will have a USB adapter for xBee modules. You can also make your own pretty easily.
  • ScopeScope Posts: 417
    edited 2010-02-09 21:00
    Thanks MG!

    I think I'll go w/the Parallax Bluetooth module

    I hope this system will allow me to receive data from the Boe-Bot as it's being gathered.

    Happy roboting . . . or . . . whatever it is we're doing (or trying to do, in my case - ha).
  • ercoerco Posts: 20,256
    edited 2010-02-09 21:18
    Scope: If this all relates to your classroom robot, you could alternatively use an IR link and skip the bluetooth/xbee/pc setup in favor or a small, portable controller. Obviously you can use a Sony-setup IR remote to drive (or trigger various routines from) the Boe-Bot, and the Boe-Bot can send data back using IR (Stamp modulates an onboard 555 oscillator) to another Stamp receiving IR, decoding the info and displaying on an LCD (or DEBUG output to a PC).

    A side benefit might be to encourage your kids to hack into the system and take control of your Boe-Bot. Hey, if they want to learn about robotics and stamps to "mess with your robot", they get an A for effort.

    erco

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    ·"If you build it, they will come."
  • ScopeScope Posts: 417
    edited 2010-02-09 22:03
    erco,

    Awesome suggestion - I'd love to have my students become involved and participate on that level.

    First, however, I need to develop some roots - I want to run before I have mastered crawling, so to speak. As far as the IR link & small portable controller, I hate to admit that I don't know what components would be involved or how this works.

    Usually, if I can't "see it," I usually don't understand it, thus I begin experiencing HAGWAC syndrome.

    Perhaps this hobby is really not for people like me but . . . I really love it, so, I reckon I just move slower than the average bear.

    And, that's okay. [noparse];)[/noparse]

    Thanks for everyone's patience with me - and the encouragement, suggestions, recommendations, & so forth.
  • ercoerco Posts: 20,256
    edited 2010-02-09 23:42
    No problem, Scope. FWIW, I was trying to suggest a simpler and very well-documented IR system. Parallax has an easy routine to read a $5 universal television remote control, so you can literally be driving your Boe-Bot using a TV remote within a matter of minutes. Getting data back from the robot takes more time, but once you understand the process, it's pretty easy.

    Have a look at http://www.parallax.com/dl/docs/books/edu/IRRemoteBoebot.pdf

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    ·"If you build it, they will come."
  • ScopeScope Posts: 417
    edited 2010-02-10 01:16
    Ok - very inexpensive, reasonably simple ~and~ it gets me started - perfect!

    Mega-thanks!

    www.parallax.com/StoreSearchResults/tabid/768/List/0/SortField/4/ProductID/149/Default.aspx?txtSearch=ir+remote
  • ercoerco Posts: 20,256
    edited 2010-02-10 02:27
    Great.· I'm sure you saw that book is available as a free download, too, same page! Almost any universal remote will work (set as a Sony TV) and the 38 khz IR sensor is available most anywhere, even Radio Shack, for 4-5 dollars.

    Anybody who hasn't driven their Boe-Bot or Scribbler via IR remote is just plain missing out! When you're ready for more IR fun, check out an article I wrote last year at·http://www.botmag.com/articles/scribbler.shtml·Among other things, it shows how these robots can track to an IR beacon, which might be an option for you at some point.

    erco

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    ·"If you build it, they will come."
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