AGV update--- Custom Controller

Parts list:

RBBB Arduino
LCD
Joystick
Joystick Breakout Board
5 Push Buttons
2200mah lipo
Sliding Potentiometer (plus the knob)
Rotary Potentiometer
2 Xbees (longer range ones are probably better)
2 Xbee Adapters
Radio Shack Project Box
Wii nunchuck
Power regulator (custom built)

It is programmed on the side via a FTDI cable. The lipo's charging cable comes out of the top so it can be charged without having to open up the controller.

This custom controller allows for more options and modes than a normal, off of the shelf controller.

Some modes and features might include:

RC mode
GPS waypoint mode
Sending new GPS cordinates
Return to home (back track of GPS waypionts)
RC mode with Compass assistance (like keep on x heading)
Kill switch
Adjustment during GPS waypoint mode
Speed control via sliding pot
And so much more....

The xbee adapter plugs into the FTDI port with a homemade male to male adapter

RC control will have the option of using the joystick on board the controller, the wii nunchuck's joystick, or the wii nunchuck's accelerometer.

When i get the money i hope to update to this rc truck as my AGV. As you may know, right now i am using a cheap hummer from Walmart.

I have also made my own AGV arduino PCBs. I just sent the gerber files off to seeedstudio yesterday and in a few weeks they will arrive. But more on this later.

Purely as an educational prepare you for the real world thing, I would suggest looking at maybe using NMEA sentence strings. I assume you are thinking about a degree in engineering of some sort. One thing you will learn is that following standards is a HUGE deal in an professional engineer's life. Pretty much all the robots I deal with at the Navy use NMEA strings to convey data across different sub-systems. It's a form of communication that is easy to implement, understand, and debug. More importantly, it's an accepted standard for communications. i did a quick write-up about communications and NMEA stings here

So, if you take the time to learn and implement it now on your project, you will have gained a valuable skill useful for you future professional life.

Just a suggestion.

Keep up the good Work!! Looks like you are going to be a formidable opponent at next years Sparkfun challenge.

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Comments

Bill Porter June 18, 2010 at 7:02pm

Purely as an educational prepare you for the real world thing, I would suggest looking at maybe using NMEA sentence strings. I assume you are thinking about a degree in engineering of some sort. One thing you will learn is that following standards is a HUGE deal in an professional engineer's life. Pretty much all the robots I deal with at the Navy use NMEA strings to convey data across different sub-systems. It's a form of communication that is easy to implement, understand, and debug. More importantly, it's an accepted standard for communications. i did a quick write-up about communications and NMEA stings here

So, if you take the time to learn and implement it now on your project, you will have gained a valuable skill useful for you future professional life.

Just a suggestion.

Keep up the good Work!! Looks like you are going to be a formidable opponent at next years Sparkfun challenge.
Patrick Mccabe June 18, 2010 at 5:24pm

Right now the controller is not used. But i do plan on writing my own protocol for it when i do start to use it.
Bill Porter June 18, 2010 at 5:15pm

Nice Patrick!

I have been working on my own control station for my UGV. I ended up writing a PS2 Controller Arduino library in the process.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LMgzF7qeeEY

How did you define your communications between your controller and robot? Did you make up your own protocol, or stick a standard like NMEA?
Patrick Mccabe June 18, 2010 at 2:18pm

I do not know of one but would like to make one.
Ron Jacobs June 18, 2010 at 2:15pm

Bit off topic, but does anyone know of a case sold anywhere for the Xbee modules? Seems it could use some sort of protection from the elements and such...

This reply was deleted.