Is the Javelin right for me?
bulkhead
Posts: 405
What I want: some way to program a "robot" to do something (take in input, give output). This output will be in the form of servo controlled functions (drive, arms, etc)
What I know: how to program in Java (otherwise, I'd probably opt for the basic stamp), lots about RC cars, how to solder
Will the javelin work out for me? I know it can control small current output applications, but is it possible to control larger, more powerful servos (such as those for 1/10 scale RC applications)? Is the servo to controller connection direct, or is another circuit needed?
If I have the servos and sensors i need for my "project," and I choose to purchase just the Javelin stamp and the super carrier board, are there additional parts i will need to make it work? Right now I'm leaning away from the Javelin starter kit, because its quite expensive. What (if anything) would I miss if I just bought the Javelin stamp instead of the starter kit?
I have done much in computer programming, and I've also explored mechanical design for quite a while, and, if it works out, the Javelin stamp could be the link I've been searching for, one which would combine computer programming and mechanical design. If anyone has been in a simliar situation as the one I'm in, and that they could possibly shed some light on my dilemna. Thanks.
What I know: how to program in Java (otherwise, I'd probably opt for the basic stamp), lots about RC cars, how to solder
Will the javelin work out for me? I know it can control small current output applications, but is it possible to control larger, more powerful servos (such as those for 1/10 scale RC applications)? Is the servo to controller connection direct, or is another circuit needed?
If I have the servos and sensors i need for my "project," and I choose to purchase just the Javelin stamp and the super carrier board, are there additional parts i will need to make it work? Right now I'm leaning away from the Javelin starter kit, because its quite expensive. What (if anything) would I miss if I just bought the Javelin stamp instead of the starter kit?
I have done much in computer programming, and I've also explored mechanical design for quite a while, and, if it works out, the Javelin stamp could be the link I've been searching for, one which would combine computer programming and mechanical design. If anyone has been in a simliar situation as the one I'm in, and that they could possibly shed some light on my dilemna. Thanks.
Comments
If you know Java, RC cars and soldering I believe that the Javelin is right for you.
The “control signal” to a large powerful servo is still a “small current output”.
The Javelin can control servos directly but I would prefer to use a servo controller (such as PSC (Parallax Servo Controller(Serial)) or similar).
There are also other motor controllers available for different types of motors.
(servos/motors must have separate power supply though)
I think there are benefits with Java (Basic stamps are faster though).
The “basic stamp community” is larger, but I have got all the help I needed here.
(edit)
I would prefer the “Javelin starter kit” or “Javelin + USB Board of Education Development Board” instead of the “Super Carrier Board”.
Post Edited (diafysal) : 9/30/2005 1:53:16 PM GMT
Finally, will anything that works for the basic stamp work for the javelin stamp also?
Thanks.
(see comparisons )
www.parallax.com/html_pages/tech/faqs/stamp_specs.asp
www.parallax.com/dl/docs/prod/stamps/stampscomparison.pdf
There are more differences. But I'm not the person to ask about them.
“BOE compared to the super carrier”
Not sure about all the differences, but I'm not fond of soldering when doing experiments/learning.
(edit) Seams to be the same size on them.
Basic vs Javelin
I'm pretty sure BS2px can handle stuff that Javelin can't (thanks to speed).
I'm also pretty sure the Javelin can handle stuff that BS2px can't (thanks to language and Virtual peripherals).
But you should get another opinion (then mine) about this.
The pinout is the same for both stamps.
One difference that I learned is “pulseIn” when reading a pulse from for example a accelerometer(Memsic2125). Then the BS2px is about 10 times faster and gets 10 times higher accuracy in the reading.
But get other opinions also.
Post Edited (diafysal) : 10/2/2005 11:19:51 PM GMT