Trossen Robotics Community

[Project] Second Amendment � Quad Mech

Adam — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 03:00:40 GMT

Quote:

Originally Posted by Upgrayd (Post 36272)

Off to the side of SA's control program I have been working on an application to analyze and visualize results from IK solutions. I found that SA's leg configuration produced many less true results than a simple change in joint orientation could produce.

With this new leg configuration SA will be able to take larger more controlled steps with better center of gravity management.

I see what you did, but I don't understand what you mean by : "SA's leg configuration produced many less true results than a simple change in joint orientation could produce."

Problem with speed control - smaller wheels or better PID

Adrenalynn — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 22:03:42 GMT

Welcome to the forum!

Have you had a look at the motor calculator over at SOR? http://www.societyofrobots.com/RMF_calculator.shtml

[Discussion] Python Project Sharing and help Thread

Connor — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 18:43:51 GMT

Quote:

Originally Posted by ROBOTMAN (Post 36274)

Oops I meant to say that it would be to big of a learning curve to learn java on top of learning arduino and python. I'm surprised that python doesn't have something for this because it seemed to have solutions to everything else. What about something like iron python? I played around with html and it looked solid but I was not sure how to put it into server form. Maybe I left out one point I want this to run along side my robots software on a small laptop running windows 7. So I could press the kill switch on my cell or take control of the bot.

Oops posted just after you said that I'll take a look at it. I have windows seven home.

http://pyserv.sourceforge.net/
Is a python servlet module that lets you make a application act as a webserver. You'll need to figure out how to write your gui in HTML or like other sugested, Flash or Java etc..

Thanks, Connor

[Project] Roz

Noog — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 00:54:39 GMT

Quote:

Originally Posted by JonHylands (Post 36236)

Yeah, this version of the feet is simply for the flat-floor walking contest we're running this weekend.

Over the next few months, I'm going to design and build new feet that have multiple pressure sensors per foot, with full terrain compliance and linear leg compliance as well.

I have big plans for this robot. See my MicroRaptor wiki page for some of the stuff I'm going to be working on. Specifically, see the AI/Sensing/Navigation/Goals pages for where I'm going to start. The AI-level stuff will be running offboard on a PC, and the motion control will all be on the robot, running on an ARM7.

- Jon

The wiki looks good and I am glad to see new updates in your blog.

I think your goals are ambitious but still realistic and I look forward to seeing how you implement your ideas. :veryhappy: Being able to off load the heavier processing to a networked PC will certainly make it easier to implement the advanced ideas. So do you plan to change from the Arbotix controller to an ARM7 in the future, or would you run both at the same time?

Are you doing any sort of power control and monitoring? In my current project I have included an Attopilot to monitor the voltage and current draw from the main battery. It is a bit of overkill, but it will give me an easy way to monitor my power usage.

You mentioned that you are using a LiPoly battery, did you include a low voltage cutoff of some sort?

Good luck getting the IK routines running with Roz.

Noog

biped arm design

Adrenalynn — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 21:11:17 GMT

I think you'll find that doing IK offboard is non-trivial.

Autonomous Mech Thread

Adrenalynn — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 17:32:58 GMT

Quote:

Originally Posted by societyofrobots (Post 36246)

xdream, very impressive!

This is where all the non-believers suddenly get afraid and strongly consider a semi-autonomous mech

"semi-autonomous" - you're a year plus too late to scare us with that. We've all been dialing that in.

But, no, not in the least "frightened" for reasons well-hashed.

[Project] Mech-Zeus/ Axon

rebel — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 16:30:35 GMT

Awsome :d

[News/Announcement] Axon II Microcontroller (product release)

rebel — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 15:48:28 GMT

Cool I want one :p

[Project] Light Following Robot + Neural Network

Pi Robot — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 14:55:58 GMT

This is a followup to my earlier post describing the use of a simple neural network to control a light following robot. In the original demonstration, the connections between input and output neurons were hard coded with values that were known to steer the robot in the right way. In the current demonstration, the neural network is initialized with random connections and the correct behavior has to be learned.

In the video below, the robot begins with a random 2x2 neural network for controlling the motors based on the values of the two light sensors mounted on the front. A supervised learning algorithm employing the Delta Rule is used to train the network by utilizing a known solution to provide the teaching signals five times per second. At the beginning of the video, you can see that the robot turns away from the light and even goes backward. However, within 10-15 seconds, the network is already sufficiently trained to follow the light beam.

For more information, see http://www.pirobot.org/blog/0006/

.

[News/Announcement] Axon Microcontroller (product release)

societyofrobots — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 14:18:57 GMT

A hexapod doing IK using the Axon.

YouTube- Pumpkin Dance: Introducing the Creeper 2

Quote:

Designed, built and programmed in about record 3 weeks! It runs C on an Axon microcontroller. It uses all digital servos and can lift over twice its body weight. The software (soon to be given out open source) allows for 6 synchronous degrees of motion. Future additions will include foot sensors and a remote control option.

Roboard for sale

sniperscope — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 13:46:23 GMT

Due personal economic issues, I am putting my Roboard for sale. Powerful Computer dedicated to robotics applications

Compatible with windows, Linux and Dos

A true computer based solution for building intelligent robots
1- RB-100-Cable : RB-100 Cables (COM ports, LAN, Audio and A/D cable).
2- MiniPCI-VGA : Mini PCI VGA Card for development .
3- AC power supply.
4- One 4 gig micro-SD card (with installed OS). It took me a week to get this right.
Mint Condition
Best offer email me please. joev@hvc.rr.com
Thanks

[Question(s)] Indoor Navigation Solutions?

MikeG — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 03:44:55 GMT

Quote:

Originally Posted by Connor

Localization can be done using distance measurements and probability based on previous location.

Let us know how it works out

[Question(s)] Downloading prog from Ardunio?

mannyr7 — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 03:06:21 GMT

Pretty much what I figured, thanx Fergs.

Dynamixel lighting?

Adrenalynn — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:27:46 GMT

>> going to have to take the bot apart

Naw, you don't need to take it all apart. Just unplug each servo from the chain, one at a time, and reset the ID. No reason to go disassembling it. I change my servo ID's more frequently than my mind, and that's sayin' something. ;)

The Ultimate Phoenix Thread

MSK Mech Commander — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:06:13 GMT

I've been trying to mix up the controls on the Phoenix for the PS2 controller but I need a technical reference manual. I can't seem to find the command codes for the PS2 joysticks. Help?:confused:

[Question(s)] Automatic Door Opener

Adam — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:35:08 GMT

Honestly, for a senior project, I would try to think of some other ideas before moving forward with this one. The whole "robot that gets me a drink" thing has become a cliche, I've never seen it done well, and I personally don't find it to be that interesting anyway.

There are so many interesting things that can be done with robotics technology.

[Project] Monster Truck Rover - Semi-teQ II

seesoe — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:55:41 GMT

here is the controller, the serial cable, and the rc outputs

im going to try and start building the frame this weekend so stay tuned:)

Attached Thumbnails

[Project] Accelerometer Controlled Marble Maze

Alex — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:38:51 GMT

Accelerometers are definitely a great way to introduce kids to robotics. Nice work Dan! I'm with Adam too, nice touch with the gumball prize:)

Too bad I missed the demo @ iHobby:(

[Contest Entry] Home Built Wireless IP Executor

tonald — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:51:21 GMT

Here is my latest video.

MDD motor controller:

32 channels servo motors controlling
4 DC motors controlling.
2 stepping motor controlling.
8 channel ADC
PC side software

MDD Wireless interface type 1:

2.4Ghz transreceiver
used for wireless UART command transmission.

Videos are below:

[News/Announcement] March 6th - Central Illinois Robotics Bot Brawl

tobor — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 01:10:21 GMT

Quote:

Do you have a u-18 for mini sumo?

In the past we've tried dividing our sumo competitions into a regular and "advanced" tournament but it's never worked very well. Usually the advanced tournaments would end up with only a few entries which made for a brief and less than exciting competition. We've discussed alternate methods of separating advanced and beginner entries but we could never find an effective criteria.

Another way to help beginners is by hosting different classes of sumo. Our club offers three types of sumo competitions ranging from LEGO to 3kg. We encourage our advanced competitors to strive for the more challenging events which helps beginners have a chance to succeed in the other events.

Dan Toborowski
President
Central Illinois Robotics Club
www.circ.mtco.com

Introduce yourself!

Formori — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:27:13 GMT

Hello all,

My name is Ryan, and I've been reading some of the forums and tutorials here for a while, but now feel like I've got something worth contributing. I've been into electronics since I was young, taking apart all of my toys that had any electronics, and even some that didn't :). I'm currently a student at the College of the North Atlantic in Telecommunications Engineering and going on to finish an Electrical or Mech Engineering degree next year. I've been playing around with robotics, electronics, RC, and modelling more in depth in the past few years, and now have finally gotten some major projects underway. My two current major projects are a self-balancing platform that is remotely controlled and a semi-autonomous hexapod, both are somewhere in between design and build phases right now :p.

Outside of robots, I enjoy camping, hiking, climbing, photography and model building. I'm currently building a model Grammy trophy for a friend of mine's birthday, she's a big music lover, so it'll be an interesting gift.

I'll be, hopefully, posting and asking questions soon. And if anyone needs info about Nitro RC or modelling techniques, just send me a PM and I'll be happy to help.

Knee Servos (MANOIAT01)

Tyberius — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 21:05:36 GMT

Quote:

Originally Posted by nagmier (Post 36182)

I was under the impression there were no upgrade as such available, I am not familiar with this particular group of parts. That would seem to be the best solution though maybe not the cheapest..

2nd link in her original post is a link to an upgraded, metal gear version. These servos are spendy though ;)

New camera find, and interest must be building...

nagmier — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 03:10:30 GMT

Keep us posted Lynn I have been putting off buying a trendnet since my ROV has a WIFI Connection to its PC but I'd be interested in something in a couple months

[Project] Mola Project

Charles — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 03:00:47 GMT

Sorry for the delay in replying. I've been very busy lately with NaNoWriter. Anyway here's an updated part list from all the recommendations I've been provided and the research I've done:

(2) Arduino Pro Mini 5V/16MHz
(2) SFE Polymer Lithium Ion Batteries - 3.7V 860mAh
(2) Pololu 5V Boost Regulator NCP1402
(1) 5.5Ft Weather Balloon
(1) FTDI TTL -232R-3V3 USB - TTL Level Serial Converter Cable
(1) Dynalloy Flexinol Wire 0.005"
(4) SFE Concave Button - Black
(2) XBee 1mW Communication Module
(1) Phidgets Mini Joystick Sensor
(1) Right Angle Pins
(6) PNP Bipolar Silcon Transistor
(2) Dimension Engineering 3.3V 1A Switching Voltage Regulator
Wooden Poles 1/8"
Helium
Wire

I've downloaded the Eagle software and I'll start of the layout tomorrow at school.

Bioloid Boards Again

siempre.aprendiendo — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 23:15:46 GMT

Quote:

Originally Posted by JonHylands (Post 35611)

In any case, it means there won't be a Bioloid wifi board for at least a month or two, assuming they come through on their promise on the UART speed, and the latency is tolerable.

- Jon

Quote:

Originally Posted by JonHylands (Post 36125)

So, my "new" wifi module (from ConnectOne) has passed both tests - I can hook it up to my router and get an IP address, and I can talk to it over the serial port (using an FT232) at 1 Mbps.

I'm going to start laying out a new board for this, but it looks like the full speed wifi board is going to become a reality.

- Jon

Wow. A wifi board for Bioloid at 1 Mbps would be amazing :robotsurprised: