|
|
|
|
|
| |
Posted by Win Heagy on December 13, 2005, 8:28 pm
Please log in for more thread options
Hi,
Anyone have one? Comments?
Is it possible to program it without buying the
programming kit? Can I build my own interface and
cables? What about the software, compiler, etc.?
How reusable is the remote control. Looks the the
PWM hardware is not in the receiver, but rather in the
controller interface box. Unlike a hobby R/C unit that
generally has everything built into the receiver. So,
if you want to use other receivers, is this possible?
Will it work with other company's receivers?
Thanks,
Win
|
|
Posted by J. Clarke on December 13, 2005, 9:33 pm
Please log in for more thread options
Win Heagy wrote:
> Hi,
>
> Anyone have one? Comments?
Meccano that died and went to heaven.
> Is it possible to program it without buying the
> programming kit? Can I build my own interface and
> cables? What about the software, compiler, etc.?
The quick answer is "yes". Google "vex mplab" and "vex easyc" and you'll
get a lot of hits. A couple of places to look for information are
<http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=146> and
<http://www.vexlabs.com/forum/>.
> How reusable is the remote control. Looks the the
> PWM hardware is not in the receiver, but rather in the
> controller interface box.
The receiver outputs signals encoded as PWM that are interpreted by the
onboard controller and acted upon. The servos are controlled directly by
the PICs--you can program it to operate autonomously with no receiver at
all.
> Unlike a hobby R/C unit that
> generally has everything built into the receiver. So,
> if you want to use other receivers, is this possible?
Possible, yes, but likely more effort than it's worth unless there's some
compelling reason to do so. There's a serial port on the controller that's
intended for programming but there's no reason it can't be used for a
control interface instead--that would likely be an easier route for
alternative remote control.
> Will it work with other company's receivers?
>
> Thanks,
>
> Win
--
--John
to email, dial "usenet" and validate
(was jclarke at eye bee em dot net)
|
|
Posted by pogo on December 13, 2005, 10:17 pm
Please log in for more thread options > Anyone have one? Comments?
>
> Is it possible to program it without buying the
> programming kit? Can I build my own interface and
> cables? What about the software, compiler, etc.?
>
> How reusable is the remote control. Looks the the
> PWM hardware is not in the receiver, but rather in the
> controller interface box. Unlike a hobby R/C unit that
> generally has everything built into the receiver. So,
> if you want to use other receivers, is this possible?
> Will it work with other company's receivers?
>
> Thanks,
>
> Win
I briefly explored this while I owned it for a couple of days --- then I
took it back after researching various questions like the ones you are
asking. I emailed the guys at Vex Labs ( http://www.vexlabs.com/ ) hoping I
could use the Pic Quick Start kit to do the programming, but the bad news is
that you do need the programming kit itself. The guts underneath the hood
is just a Pic chip, and I would guess that some serious Vex hacking will be
coming to the net in the near future, but for now I'd say you probably need
the kit. It's only 99 bucks at Radio Shack. I would also guess that after
Christmas you might see quite a few Vex odds and ends on eBay - so then
might be the time to snatch them up !
From what I could tell, you needed to have the receiver plugged into the
controller unit, since it uses a phone handset type cable. You could not
plug the servos into the receiver. The transmitter was nice - 6 channels and
various adjustments for trimming output !
The guys at Vex labs were very helpful in answering my questions and
determining that it was not what I needed for my near term projects.
Hope that helps.
|
|
Posted by pogo on December 13, 2005, 10:26 pm
Please log in for more thread options Well, this link - as given by J.Clarke - discusses hacking it up yourself,
but for $99 it might be worth just spending the extra cash:
http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/showthread.php?s=9abf310e5feb7bcf9fd11535a
3ccc204&t=37660
|
|
Posted by mingv on December 15, 2005, 10:34 am
Please log in for more thread options
> Well, this link - as given by J.Clarke - discusses hacking it up yourself,
> but for $99 it might be worth just spending the extra cash:
> http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/showthread.php?s=9abf310e5feb7bcf9fd11535a
> 3ccc204&t=37660
>
>
this link might be less likely to break:
http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/showthread.php?t=37660
|
| Similar Threads | Posted | | nyc robotics | September 25, 2005, 12:05 am |
| Robotics BBS | January 16, 2006, 2:05 pm |
| RC robotics | February 14, 2006, 12:00 am |
| robotics | July 23, 2006, 12:29 pm |
| Robotics FAQ | August 24, 2006, 11:39 pm |
| new to robotics | March 24, 2007, 11:21 am |
| Rip-off CCS Robotics Development Kit | July 27, 2005, 1:32 am |
| Python in robotics | August 5, 2005, 9:49 pm |
| Getting started in robotics | September 9, 2005, 3:30 am |
| help getting started in robotics | November 17, 2005, 11:54 pm |
|
|
|
XML site map
>
> Anyone have one? Comments?