Interfacing the Digital Sidecar

[docdavies]

Eric,

Perfect! This is where I was hoping to go. I had been running the Arduino off the Power Distribution Board (PDB) line that went to our DSC but you're right, I can pull it off the DSC when I connect it back up.

We actually have been thinking of making it a fall robotics project for our students. I just wanted to make sure it's possible, and that I understood enough about it to actually mentor the project.

I think the PWM situation is in hand. I've found that you can directly use the PWM outputs from the Arduino to the jags and it works fine (thanks for those of you who provided suggestions for that work!!!). And the GPIO lines can also directly activate spike relay's. The only problem I've had so far is having to run the GPIO output to a 2222 transistor to run our 12V pneumatic valves or a relay to run the 24V ones.

I did not implement any sensors (we were just using the old Breakaway robot for driver training), and this is another big step for me.

Thanks again folks,
Doc

[miker4004]

Robot open!

It's all done ..
http://www.team221.com

[Japper]

Does anyone know if the digital side car can be controlled by an arduino through the I2C port on the sidecar?

If so, I am thinking that this might make for a nice little project to create a test system to plug into the I2C port for manipulating the items connected to the sidecar when the cRio is not connected (like during the build season or doing sysem checks in the pits...)

thanks in advance for any useful ideas...

[Alan Anderson]

Originally Posted by Japper

Does anyone know if the digital side car can be controlled by an arduino through the I2C port on the sidecar?

Nope, sorry. That port on the Digital Sidecar doesn't have any "smarts" built in and can't affect the other pins.

If you want to control the Digital Sidecar with an Arduino, try the RobotOpen Control Shield.

[Japper]

Thanks Alan!