Quick Project Update: MBAR

Quick update!
Today I made a breakout board for my SN754410 IC's ( H-Bridges ), so that they could be easier and more solidly interfaced with, and controlled a motor via the Propeller!

This is a big step, in that I got more familiriazed with coding the Propeller to control motors ( which is a huge step to actually building a Robot)

Here is a pic of my creation:

Cheers!

Project Update: MBAR

Hey guys, here's a quick update to where I stand on the MBAR:

I received my Parallax Propeller, the Gadget Gangster USB version, and a 3208 ADC chip ( ADC Stands for Analog-Digital Conversion ) which the Propeller doesn't include in each pin like an Arduino.

Right now I'm in search for the best platform, one of the candidates is the Rover 5 Robot platform, it has 4 motors, each with an encoder, and is tracked, it comes in at $60 ( STEEP!) but it seems like it solves all my platform needs, so it would be money well spent.

Another option is to use Continuous Rotation Servos, which are basically servo motors which have been hacked to avoid the limit of 180 degrees, the advantage of this is that they're cheaper, and A LOT easier to program, as programming Encoders takes time, pins, and processing time.

I also finally registered on the Parallax forums, in order to inquire about one of my latest ambitions: Machine Vision!

I plan on using a small CMOS camera ( some come in at around $10 ) in order to track objects, and follow them.

Another ambition of mine, which is actually more complicated, is to use a General Algorithm, it essentially means that the Robot will run an algorithm in order to find out its best way to operate, this includes how to move more efficiently, which path to take, etc, I've only skimmed the surface on this one, but it seems like a lot of work.

My goal is to have a Robot which can teach itself the environment variables, and eventually work through them, adapting.

Let's see where this voyage leads!

Quick Update: MBAR

Just a quick update:

I've ordered a propeller unit from the Parallax website (www.parallax.com), cant wait for it to arrive!
its leaving Cali right now, so I should get it sometime around next week, meanwhile I even had an Idea for a future project:

A Pseudo-Neural network of parallax MCUs! Imagine the possibilities of about 3 or 4 Propellers fully communicating with each other,

Is that how the Robot take-over begins? lets find out... muahahaha.

Project Update: MBAR

So here goes the first of many bumps on the road:

Which Microprocessor to use?
I am an avid fan of the Arduino, however I just recently came across a Propeller MCU, which seems to have much better functionality. Here are some pros and cons, in my view:

Arduino Pros:

• Simple, C language programming.
• Lower Power Consumption ( will be an issue when going completely autonomous)
• Very broad documentation and community base.
• Price & Availability ( I already have one, but I'm looking to get one of the new Megas)

Arduino Cons:

• 16 Mhz clock
• Only one core ( can't multi-task, this is a real issue)
• Any add-ons to actual functionality are expensive and separate

Propeller Pros:

• 8 Cores!! Thats right, 8 cores. nuff said for multi-tasking.
• Up to 80 Mhz (with 5 Mhz crystal) That's a lot more processing power than the Arduino.
• Completely compatible with any sensor that works with the 'Duino
• (Semi-Pro) Price, $50.
• Comes with VGA-Out and SD-Card slot on board!
• 32-bit processing, as opposed to 'Duino's 8-bit

Propeller Cons:

• I've never programmed in Propeller, so it might take a little
• Not AS MUCH documentation, but still pretty good.
• Only 32 I/O, While the Mega can get up to 64 I/O

An Addon: I just read news that said there is a Propeller II coming out soon in 2011, it includes:

• Up to 160 Mhz Clock
• 92 I/O, all with ADC and DAC, Pull-up/Push-down resistors, amond other things.

Seems like it would be interesting to wait a little.

EDIT: Propeller II Feature-List

Welcome to TASD

Hey guys, I finally got the motivation to start a blog. Here goes a little about me and this blog's goals:

I am a male, 19 years old, I am currently in college, and I love tinkering on my spare time.

A couple of projects I have built, and will soon revamp include and Arduino-based obstacle avoidance robot, and an optic multi-touch screen.

I am looking to be an electrical/mechanical engineering major, later to specialize on my passion: Robotics.

In this blog, I will post regularly about projects I am taking up.

Some ideas in my head:
-MapBot v2.0

-Bigger Multi-touch Screen

-A Valveless Pulse-Jet engine, and perhaps a Turbo-Jet engine as well.

-A turbo-powered Go-kart ( with one of the Jets mentioned above)

-A red-oak Longbow, aiming for #50 @ 28"

I will start these projects one by one, and provide a walk-through with documentation about each one.

Let's hope I can keep up with this!