2015 Beta Testing - The Components are Here.

[controls weenie]

I wanted to share with you the reason I am asking about the PWM voltages. A few of the kids and I are designing a "PWM Extender" which will attach to the robot and inline with the PWM cable. The "PWM Extender" will be 2.5" x 1.5" PCB with a row of 8 LEDS to indicate the servo (or motor) command. This will allow our team to monitor (or debug) the robot health from in the stands. The "PWM Extender" is parasitic in that it will steal from the 6V supply (middle conductor) to power a ATMEGA88 uController to drive the LEDs as a function of the signal command. There is a 5V voltage regulator.

Our team would like to place as many indicators on the robot so the driver and operator do not have to look down at the laptop. We have noticed that no one ever looks down during the competition.

Yes, it is active but only for the LEDs. We would be glad to share the design, gerber files, uController code, etc with anyone who wants it. But, I have a feeling that most will reject it.

Your thoughts?