Spin Stamp for crawler bot?

PropBot

I'm new to both electronics and programming - so obviously robotics as well, but I am starting a robotics project in building a basic crawler bot. I'll be buying an off-the-shelf RC tank kit (something like this), and will be adding sonar and PIR sensors, as well as initially a webcam (connected through either an XBee or an XBee Pro) - within a year or two I'd like to transition to a computer-based vision system.

With all of that I've narrowed my choices of controllers down to a Propeller-based solution, as I'm very intrigued with the flexibility and possibilities it offers. I'm considering the Spin Stamp, but I just don't know if this is an appropriate choice. Comments, link referrals and/or suggestions are welcome.

hover1

PropBot wrote: »

I'm new to both electronics and programming - so obviously robotics as well, but I am starting a robotics project in building a basic crawler bot. I'll be buying an off-the-shelf RC tank kit (something like this), and will be adding sonar and PIR sensors, as well as initially a webcam (connected through either an XBee or an XBee Pro) - within a year or two I'd like to transition to a computer-based vision system.

With all of that I've narrowed my choices of controllers down to a Propeller-based solution, as I'm very intrigued with the flexibility and possibilities it offers. I'm considering the Spin Stamp, but I just don't know if this is an appropriate choice. Comments, link referrals and/or suggestions are welcome.

The Spin Stamp is a great little Propeller based chip. It will interface well with the BOEBOT Platform :
http://www.parallax.com/StoreSearchResults/tabid/768/txtSearch/boebot/List/0/SortField/4/ProductID/296/Default.aspx

or by it's self on a Super Carrier Board:
http://www.parallax.com/StoreSearchResults/tabid/768/List/0/SortField/4/ProductID/122/Default.aspx?txtSearch=Super+Carrier+board

If you are looking into Robotic with a lot of flexibility, then I might suggest the Propeller Robot Control Board:
http://www.parallax.com/StoreSearchResults/tabid/768/txtSearch/28230/List/0/SortField/4/ProductID/584/Default.aspx

Lot's of I/O and motor control. It's used on the Stingray product:
http://www.parallax.com/StoreSearchResults/tabid/768/txtSearch/stingray/List/0/SortField/4/ProductID/601/Default.aspx

Jim

PropBot

Thank you very much for the info hover1; I'm currently reviewing your suggestions. The Propeller Robot Control board looks most promising but I don't want to rule anything out as yet.

vanmunch

Hey PropBot, Good name. I started out knowing next to nothing a couple of years ago, started with the BASIC stamp and moved to the Propeller this spring and I couldn't be happier. Currently I've been using the Propeller prototyping board (or Propeller Robot Control Board) and using duel propeller servo controlers to manage the servos and save pins on the main board for sensors. Have fun and make sure you post your progress!

PropBot

Thanks vanmunch very cool looking hex there, love the Ping))) "eyes" Doesn't look like this forum tracks rep points, and even if it didn't I wouldn't have any yet anyway, but consider yourself up-rep'd for the penguin and scarf!

PropBot

Looks like I've decided upon the Propeller Robot Control Board and the XBee Pro Series 2, but I'm wondering if I really need one of the adapter boards? the Propeller has a USB connection, and the XBee Pro plugs directly into it, so why wouldn't I be able to use the Prop board's USB?