[chbot] droid hackfest - Sunday?

Thu Jun 25 11:55:46 BST 2009

No matter what I think I will start early at 10AM and anyone else roboty
or creative welcome to come along at the earlier time!!!

Otherwise everyone welcome to come along after 2 when the chch creative
space normally starts. Text or Phone on 02102655376 if I don't hear the
doorbell (I will try to be diligent!).

Morris.

On Thu, 2009-06-25 at 20:53 +1200, jimmy allen wrote:

> sounds great i would be interested
> 
> On 6/25/09, Morris <skibear at gmail.com> wrote:
> > Who is keen on doing some robot hacking on this Sunday and next Sunday?
> > 10AM till lateish?
> >
> > If possible discuss on chchspace at googlegroups.com (sign up if you
> > haven't - http://chchspace.nztech.org/)
> >
> > Options:
> > * You could bring your own robot bits
> > * I could help someone that want to do the electronics/mechanics but use
> > python and an arduino for control.
> > * You could help me (see below!)
> > * Just come along and do some other stuff! (Normal chch creative space).
> > * I have second hand motors and batteries I can sell for what I paid for
> > them - $1 each. I have about 10 each of : 20W motors, 7.2Volt 1500mAh
> > NiMH batteries, and 12Volt SLA/VRLA batteries which were 800mAh new but
> > I guess wont be near that now.
> > * I would love some criticism of what I have been doing!
> >
> > Following pdf has excellent information and links to projects using the
> > WL520gU for hardware projects:
> > http://mightyohm.com/files/wifiradio/Jeff_Keyzer-Hacking_the_Asus_WL520gU.pdf
> >
> > Cheers, Morris
> >
> > Developing a wifi remote controlled robot that can be controlled by a
> > GUI. Using browser e.g. Internet Explorer on Windows, or Safari on
> > iPhone). General design can be used to control any actuators or read
> > many sensors (e.g. USB devices!) but is only suitable if you are not
> > trying to make a "micro" sized robot (and is not good a good fit if you
> > want robot to be alive for many hours without recharging -- unless you
> > use a car battery!).
> >
> > Progress on the following design:
> >
> > 1. Dumb Duemilanove/Arduino microcontroller
> >     * So far have used pyduino (running on the router) to do PWM control
> > of an LED, and reading a micro-switch. Just done using command line
> > using example.py that comes with pyduino to select input/output pin and
> > watch results.
> >     * ATMEGA328 connected to router using USB (FTDI serial
> > communications).
> >     * Installed firmata onto arduino (standard sketch that comes with
> > arduino.cc build tools). www.firmata.org
> >     * Running pyduino to control firmata code.google.com/p/pyduino
> > Treat microcontroller as dumb device (no C code required!).
> >     * Super simple to read analogue inputs too (haven't yet tested).
> >     * There is firmata code for controlling servos too (I want to get
> > that going soon but I would like help).
> >     * Later on will be <$10 using cheaper ATMEGA chips with veroboard or
> > simple PCB. Current board is $65 but only one evening's work to get it
> > up and running using USB so worth it!
> >     * Later can use cheap serial connection ($5 USB, or maybe connect to
> > interal 3.3V serial port of the router)
> >
> > 2. wireless router running Linux and Python scripts.
> >     * Router is to be the main brains of robot. Currently testing Python
> > scripting (controlling an Arduino - fun!) but intend to use Python web
> > server for GUI interface and Ajax (so can control robot from web page
> > using mouse and keyboard).
> >     * Asus WL-520GU wireless router USB 2.0. Costs $86 from
> > http://www.cbcnz.com/product_info.php/products_id/146191 on corner
> > Fitzgerald and Kilmore - they have them in stock. Maybe a little cheaper
> > from AKL.
> >     * Running OpenWRT Linux from www.openwrt.org - Kamikaze 8.09.1
> > version using kernel version 2.4 (tftp the file
> > http://kamikaze.openwrt.org/8.09.1/brcm-2.4/openwrt-brcm-2.4-squashfs.trx
> > into the unit).
> >     * Running Python installed to a 1GB USB stick (because I wanted the
> > full version not python-mini and standard 4MB flash not big enough for
> > full version).
> >     * wireless working well.
> >     * super easy to add and remove packages from the unit using opkg.
> >     * the internal flash is mounted as a flash drive and you can just
> > edit individual files or upload them.
> >     * USB is not true 2.0 speeds due to 200MHz CPU hitting 100% at
> > relatively low speeds.
> >     * Kernel 2.6 available but broadcom driver is apparently not stable
> > so wifi performance bad.
> >     * Haven't started on web server stuff - but not expecting anything
> > difficult. Could also use the internal luci (Lua script) web server if
> > have to.
> >    * Using USB hub so can also plug in USB memory and Duemilanove at
> > same time.
> >
> > 3. Electronics
> >     * What I intend to work on this Sunday! Any help or criticism would
> > be appreciated.
> >     * Or I would love to just use the router and Duemilanove with your
> > electronics&mechanisms (then I can work on Python control control code
> > or web server instead!)
> >     * Planning to wire up motor driver electronics Sunday - got $10
> > L298N dual 3A motor driver which is super simple to use.
> >     * Got 7.2V and 12V batteries but no proper chargers yet. (ideally do
> > using arduino!)
> >     * Got some switches and other sensors.
> >     * $8 USB sound card (still to arrive from AKL) - need simple
> > amplifier for speakers (maybe use microphone?).
> >     * Intending to play with a USB webcam (maybe use microphone?).
> >
> > 4. Mechanics
> >     * Tried motors and wheels. Goes fine with 12V and fast with 24V!
> >     * Currently just hacked together badly (wire and random junk).
> >     * Investigated places to get Aluminium framework "meccano
> > compatible" for a flexible framework that can be quickly cut and
> > screwed. Would be best if can share costs.
> >     * Got some Servos and intend to use some mecanno to make an arm.
> >
> >
> >
> 
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