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<I>Who is keen on doing some robot hacking on this Sunday and next Sunday? 10AM till lateish?</I><BR>
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If possible discuss on <A HREF="mailto:chchspace@googlegroups.com">chchspace@googlegroups.com</A> (sign up if you haven't - <A HREF="http://chchspace.nztech.org/)">http://chchspace.nztech.org/)</A><BR>
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Options:<BR>
* You could bring your own robot bits<BR>
* I could help someone that want to do the electronics/mechanics but use python and an arduino for control.<BR>
* You could help me (see below!)<BR>
* Just come along and do some other stuff! (Normal chch creative space).<BR>
* 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.<BR>
* I would love some criticism of what I have been doing!<BR>
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Following pdf has excellent information and links to projects using the WL520gU for hardware projects:<BR>
<A HREF="http://mightyohm.com/files/wifiradio/Jeff_Keyzer-Hacking_the_Asus_WL520gU.pdf">http://mightyohm.com/files/wifiradio/Jeff_Keyzer-Hacking_the_Asus_WL520gU.pdf</A><BR>
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Cheers, Morris<BR>
<BR>
<B>Developing a wifi remote controlled robot that can be controlled by a GUI. </B>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!).<BR>
<BR>
Progress on the following design:<BR>
<BR>
<I>1. Dumb Duemilanove/Arduino microcontroller</I><BR>
* So far have used pyduino (running on the router) to do<I> </I>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.<BR>
* ATMEGA328 connected to router using USB (FTDI serial communications).<BR>
* Installed firmata onto arduino (standard sketch that comes with arduino.cc build tools). <A HREF="http://www.firmata.org">www.firmata.org</A> <BR>
* Running pyduino to control firmata <A HREF="http://code.google.com/p/pyduino">code.google.com/p/pyduino</A> Treat microcontroller as dumb device (no C code required!).<BR>
* Super simple to read analogue inputs too (haven't yet tested).<BR>
* There is firmata code for controlling servos too (I want to get that going soon but I would like help).<BR>
* 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!<BR>
* Later can use cheap serial connection ($5 USB, or maybe connect to interal 3.3V serial port of the router)<BR>
<BR>
<I>2. wireless router running Linux and Python scripts.</I><BR>
* 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).<BR>
* Asus WL-520GU wireless router USB 2.0. Costs $86 from <A HREF="http://www.cbcnz.com/product_info.php/products_id/146191">http://www.cbcnz.com/product_info.php/products_id/146191</A> on corner Fitzgerald and Kilmore - they have them in stock. Maybe a little cheaper from AKL. <BR>
* Running OpenWRT Linux from <A HREF="http://www.openwrt.org">www.openwrt.org</A> - Kamikaze 8.09.1 version using kernel version 2.4 (tftp the file <A HREF="http://kamikaze.openwrt.org/8.09.1/brcm-2.4/openwrt-brcm-2.4-squashfs.trx">http://kamikaze.openwrt.org/8.09.1/brcm-2.4/openwrt-brcm-2.4-squashfs.trx</A> into the unit).<BR>
* 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).<BR>
* wireless working well.<BR>
* super easy to add and remove packages from the unit using opkg.<BR>
* the internal flash is mounted as a flash drive and you can just edit individual files or upload them.<BR>
* USB is not true 2.0 speeds due to 200MHz CPU hitting 100% at relatively low speeds.<BR>
* Kernel 2.6 available but broadcom driver is apparently not stable so wifi performance bad.<BR>
* 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.<BR>
* Using USB hub so can also plug in USB memory and Duemilanove at same time.<BR>
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<I>3. Electronics</I><BR>
* What I intend to work on this Sunday! Any help or criticism would be appreciated.<BR>
* 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!)<BR>
* Planning to wire up motor driver electronics Sunday - got $10 L298N dual 3A motor driver which is super simple to use.<BR>
* Got 7.2V and 12V batteries but no proper chargers yet. (ideally do using arduino!)<BR>
* Got some switches and other sensors.<BR>
* $8 USB sound card (still to arrive from AKL) - need simple amplifier for speakers (maybe use microphone?).<BR>
* Intending to play with a USB webcam (maybe use microphone?).<BR>
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<I>4. Mechanics</I><BR>
* Tried motors and wheels. Goes fine with 12V and fast with 24V!<BR>
* Currently just hacked together badly (wire and random junk).<BR>
* 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.<BR>
* Got some Servos and intend to use some mecanno to make an arm.<BR>
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