UNO32 open robot

Created Sat, 13 Aug 2011 17:55:40 +0000 by abotics

abotics

Sat, 13 Aug 2011 17:55:40 +0000

I hope to release my new UNO32 based Open-Robot before the end of 2011 and this will leverage a simple motor board design. This design readily accepts the new WW11 Wheel Encoders, interfaces (2) sharp sensors and has an on/off switch. I've also designed in the ability to add a high efficiency RECOM +3.3 regulator for those who want to expand on-top of this with additional modules, sensors, etc. I am also working on a WiFi add-on board for those who need to go wireless.

Abe

avenue33

Sat, 13 Aug 2011 18:10:07 +0000

Abe,

Which controller are you using?

The IC on your picture looks like an AMIS30624 :arrow: I2C stepper-controller:

abotics

Sat, 13 Aug 2011 18:38:12 +0000

For now I am using the TB6612FNG motor driver board from Pololu, but will eventually migrate to a PCB design that leverages the surface mount Toshiba TB6612FNG h-bridge chip directly, so that I can get the cost down even more.

http://www.pololu.com/catalog/product/713

Regards, Abe

avenue33

Mon, 29 Aug 2011 09:14:16 +0000

I am also working on a WiFi add-on board for those who need to go wireless.

That's very interesting. Which WiFi board do you consider? There're so many...

It would be nice to find one with hardwired TCP/IP stack, as does the WIZnet W5100 for Ethernet.

I don't know the specifics of the MicroChip range but the MRF24WB0MA seems to requires a software TCP/IP stack.

abotics

Fri, 02 Sep 2011 13:33:11 +0000

Sorry, I have not been on the forum for a while. I plan to leverage the new XBee WiFi module from Digi. I am also going to check out the Roving Networks "XBee Compatible" WiFi module.

http://www.digi.com/products/wireless-wired-embedded-solutions/zigbee-rf-modules/point-multipoint-rfmodules/xbee-wi-fi#overview

http://www.sparkfun.com/products/10822

The RN-XV is ~$25 cheaper than the XBee, but it does not support 802.11n only b&g. I think the XBee module supports up to 3.5 Mbps transfers when the SPI interface is leveraged and 1 Mbps with the UART. The SPI speed is very nice for when you add a camera!

I have one more spin on the motor board before I order production qtys. Just got the XBee Wifi modules in the other day and hope to start playing with those soon.

Abe

abotics

Fri, 02 Sep 2011 23:50:10 +0000

Just got the most recent motor board built-up and tested. Everything works as expected, so I will be able to order production boards soon. I added (2) more GP2Y0D810Z0F Sensor connections and remapped the optional WW12 wheel encoder direction lines to non-analogue pins so that these will be available to be used for future add-on boards. I also designed in the option for a +3.3v RECOM high-efficiencey regulator for those who will want to expand with add-on boards.

I am hoping to sell this robot for $125 (US) and it will come fully assembled with (2) of the GP2Y0D810Z0F Sensors. The WW12 encoders and additional GP2Y0D810Z0F Sensors will have to be purchased seperately. As I mentioned, the WiFi add-on board is under development and I also plan to work on a camera board that will leverage the SPI interface of the PIC32.

Abe