Interfacing the Digital Sidecar

[docdavies]

I've been working with some folks to adapt our old robots to run with an Arduino. We've got all the circuits we need up and running for our old Breakaway robot and that finally is going well.

The problem is, most of the interfacing resembles a rat's nest /wire maze / nightmare on a couple of plug in breadboards. Works ok, but heaven help us if it takes a good hit.

I'd like like to be able to come up with an interface, whether it's a DB37 pin breakout interface board, a homemade soldered prototype board, or a custom made shield for the Arduino.

Ideally, you unplug the DB37 from the cRIO, plug it into the interface, code the appropriate Arduino software and go.

I've looked at the digital sidecar schematic and MY impression, is, if I pull the right lines out, I can get them attached to the Arduino. There does not seem to be anything magical, and in fact using the DSC's power capability is a plus.

Ah, but I've messed around with enough stuff to realize I don't always know what's going on, or, things are never quite what they seem.

Can anyone confirm I can accomplish what I want to do, in other words through some mechanism, couple the DSC directly to the Arduino?

Thanks,
Doc