Convert IR drive to Remote Control
I have built a four wheel IR vehicle based on the Parallax BOE/Arduino robot using four high speed continuous rotation servos. I would like to convert it to a remote control type vehicle. Is this even possible? If so, what type transmitter and receiver should I consider as well as any other equipment I might need?
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http://incredulist.blogspot.com/p/cypherbot_23.html
It's not clear if "IR" was used for obstacle detection or if you were using IR for remote control.
One remote control option (some say the easiest) is to use a TV remote.
PJ's XBee remote is another relatively easy option. Here's ValtT's XBee remote project.
http://forums.parallax.com/showthread.php/158011-How-To-Use-XBee-to-communicate-between-ActivityBoard-and-ActivityBot
XBees are relatively easy to use but they're also kind of expensive (IMO).
I've used Nordic nRF24L01+ modules in several projects. These modules cost a couple of dollars on ebay. I used a pair of these with a PlayStation 2 controller to remotely control our Roomba.
Here's a link to the latest version of my nRF24L01+ remote. I have more information about these modules in post #1 of my index (see my signature).
You can also use normal RC gear to control a robot. Here's a relatively inexpensive RX/TX combo.
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__9042__Hobby_King_2_4Ghz_6Ch_Tx_Rx_V2_Mode_2_.html
Make sure and get a "Mode 2" transmitter if you live in North America (they're more common here (and I think the layout is more intuitive than mode 1)).
I used my RC gear to remotely control my PropBOE-Bot. I could have the robot record the path I input and then play it back. Here's a link:
http://forums.parallax.com/showthread.php/138903-PropBOE-Bot?p=1086427&viewfull=1#post1086427
The record and playback video and code is attached to post #16 of the thread.
Most microcontrollers can read the pulses from the receiver of RC gear. The pulses coming from the receiver are the same used to control servos. If a RC transmitter has the right kind of channel mixing, it would be possible to control a BOE-Bot type robot without a microcontroller.
My latest favorite robot remote is a wireless Nunchuck. Post #86 of my Halloween Hex thread has some information about this type of controller.
http://forums.parallax.com/showthread.php/157497-Halloween-Hex?p=1321718&viewfull=1#post1321718
Some of the new game controllers which use an USB connection are not easily converted for use with a microcontroller. IMO, it's a lot easier to use older game controllers as a robot remote input device.
It's also possible to add a Bluetooth module to a robot and use a smartphone as the controller (I haven't done this myself). WiFi is another option I haven't tried myself.
There are lots of other robot remote control options I haven't mentioned.
A lot depends on what you want your robot to do and where you want to operate the robot. The various types of remotes have their individual strengths and weaknesses and some are more suited to some tasks than others.
As kwinn mentioned, if you tell us what your goals are, we could suggest which option would work well for your application.
Edit to add: If you want to make your own remote like PJ, ValeT or myself have done, one option for a joystick input this one sold by Parallax. It's really nice. The joystick can be configured for use a throttle or as an elevator control. If used for throttle control, it can be configured to have "clicks" as it's adjusted (as often found in airplane remotes) or it can have a smooth continuous throttle control as needed for helicopters and quadcopters.
Forum member Paul K., used two if these joysticks in his Q2 remote. His Q4 uses four of the small joysticks. Paul uses a XBee with his remotes. Here's his thread about developing the Q4.
http://forums.parallax.com/showthread.php/133249-XBEE-Robot-Controller-32-Channel
Paul's website:
http://quantumri.com/
I just noticed I have a "Robot Controllers" section in post #12 of my index. There are a couple of remotes listed there which haven't been mentioned in this thread.
My ultimate intention is to use the robot like a remote controlled car. I am using a Sony TV Remote now. What I would like to be able to do is drive it around using a game type remote (something like a PS3 controller).
I have built the vehicle using 4 high speed servos connected to the BOE Shield. The only programming I have used to date is Arduino and an awful lot of that is copying what other folks have put in the public domain. I have used the IR receivers strictly for IR control and not for obstacle avoidance. I would like to drive the vehicle for several hundred feet outdoors.
I'd suggest you start with a traditional RC system. Later on, you can add a micro between your receiver and the servos for enhanced features. Hobby King has some good prices, and you may wish to visit a hobby shop to speak with someone about mixers and specific recommendations.
IR Remote Parts Kit - https://www.parallax.com/product/29122
3 Function Universal Remote (just the remote) - https://www.parallax.com/product/020-00001
IR Remote for the Boe-Bot Text - https://www.parallax.com/sites/default/files/downloads/70016-Web-IR-Remote-for-the-Boe-Bot-v1.1.pdf
This is an excellent book - now free in pdf!
These should really give you everything you need to get it going! Have fun and let us know how it is going.
My pal erco did some great work on this - he used a remote to control the old blue Scribbler Robot - See attached file for a BASIC Stamp.Scribbler Remote.bs2
You can download the BASIC Stamp Editor on the Parallax site and take a look at the code (it has good remarks - so you can get an idea how it works.)