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  #16   Spotlight this post!  
Unread 22-08-2005, 18:15
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Re: Linux-Powered Robots and Flexible Programming

Quote:
Originally Posted by mechanicalbrain
Based on this years rules i think that the rules are pretty clear about just using the RC to control the bot.
I think that's a safety thing (i.e. if the coprocessor generates PWM outputs that can override disabled mode, or allows additional robot drivers, etc etc). Technically, it IS the FIRST controller controlling the robot, but just reading output from another device. I've seen teams use PID IC's and other "electronic parts" that have powerful DSPs and powers built-in
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Unread 22-08-2005, 19:32
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Re: Linux-Powered Robots and Flexible Programming

My point is that there is nothing new about this other than that it runs linux. Teams have been using auxillary processors in conjunction with the RC as long as i have been involved in FIRST. The rules in previous years have been pretty clear on this. It is a "custom circuit" and as long as it meets the price limits and does not directly output a PWM signal directly to the speed controllers it is legal. They did not mention where the PWM signal comes from. I will assume that this circuit communicates with the RC through the serial port or something like that and Instructs the RC to output the PWM signal. In this case it is legal. If it is intended as a stand-alone replacement for the RC it would not be legal.
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Last edited by Rickertsen2 : 22-08-2005 at 19:35.
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Unread 22-08-2005, 19:40
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Re: Linux-Powered Robots and Flexible Programming

So, wait, let me get this straight:

It might actually be legal to go to a used hardware store, pick up a $50 Pentium 1 laptop, load a micro distro & software-of-choice, and then mount it to the 'bot?

That would be wicked awesome! Like, totally! (/me runs out of phrases)

FIRST: Please let us do this! Please! *Gets down on knees and begs.*
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Unread 22-08-2005, 19:44
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Re: Linux-Powered Robots and Flexible Programming

Quote:
Originally Posted by jdong
LOL, in OCCRA (a local, mini-FIRST-like competition), we've had inspectors stop us from putting limit switches on our robot because it's too "dangerous" and carries "live voltage"
Since the human body generates an electric field, shouldn't we be considered too "dangerous," and not be allowed to touch the controls, as we might "damage" the competition RC?
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Unread 22-08-2005, 23:35
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Re: Linux-Powered Robots and Flexible Programming

Strapping a laptop would be the most cost-effective and featureful way of doing this, if your robot's weight permits (a nicely stripped P2 laptop weighs just slightly over 1lb).


As far as current development, I've began coding the TCP/IP modules framework, along with a true Python serial backend as opposed to this piping picreader hack . I expect to have fully functioning betas of everything within about two weeks if school permits
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Unread 27-08-2005, 23:05
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Re: Linux-Powered Robots and Flexible Programming

Did you implement TCP/IP through the PIC18's serial ports or through the digital I/O?

George
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Unread 28-08-2005, 00:21
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Re: Linux-Powered Robots and Flexible Programming

Quote:
Originally Posted by ghansel
Did you implement TCP/IP through the PIC18's serial ports or through the digital I/O?
From what I understand, the TCP/IP is for connecting to the laptop that is connected to the RC via the serial port.
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Unread 06-09-2005, 09:31
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Re: Linux-Powered Robots and Flexible Programming

have you guys considered handhelds? older ipaqs can probably be had cheaply and are linux capable, then there's the sharp zaurus. i've had an sl5500 for years. now. of course, these lack digital i/o, but if you just want to mount a light weight capable and complete coprocessor i doubt that you could do much better.
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Unread 09-09-2005, 20:40
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Re: Linux-Powered Robots and Flexible Programming

TCP/IP (actually, we switched to UNIX named pipes for latency improvements) is for connecting coprocessor modules to the coprocessor serial communicator. Basically, a way so that the community can make prepackaged software modules in the language of their choice, and have it run out-of-the-box for other teams.


We don't use any fancy protocols across the serial line due to severe processing limitations of the PIC18.
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Unread 13-09-2005, 19:08
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Re: Linux-Powered Robots and Flexible Programming

Thanks. I was mystified there for that exact reason - the prospect of implementing TCP-IP on a PIC18F is rather ridiculous (to put it lightly). I understand now.

I ask because my team is working on something similar in function but much different in execution - but we're not quite as confident as you are, so we won't be releasing anything until we have a working system. It'll all be GPL'ed (or similar) though as well, have no fear.
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Unread 14-09-2005, 16:03
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Re: Linux-Powered Robots and Flexible Programming

Are there any specific things that you (pl) are interested in doing with access to the power of a full computer?
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  #27   Spotlight this post!  
Unread 14-09-2005, 17:48
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Re: Linux-Powered Robots and Flexible Programming

Better image processing is a key factor, but the primary motivation (for us at least) is the challenge and the "cool factor".
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