Model Cars
Robot developments like the
driving robots
are quite expensive, because we basically use the highest quality
parts available (e.g. precision motors with encapsulated encoders,
LiIon batteries without memory effect, special purpose mechanics, etc.).
However, there may be cases when one does not need high accuracy and
would like to construct a simpler and more affordable robot system.
For such an application we interfaced the EyeBot to several (remote control)
model cars, which can be bought from either hobby or toy shops.
For details see the book "Embedded Robotics".
Model car companies:
Basically all sorts of model cars can be interfaced to the EyeBot controller.
The price difference between model cars is usually due to quality
differences in motors, power electronics and steering mechanism.
Here, I will distinguish between higher quality model cars and really
cheap toy cars.
- (A) Quality Model Cars
These cars usually have proper servos for steering and a power controller
which behaves like a servo and has the same connections. Instead of plugging
steering and drive servo into the remote control unit, just plug them into
two servo outputs out the EyeBot. That's all, your autonomous vehicle is ready
to go.
- (B) Cheap (small) Model Cars
Small, cheap model cars usually do not have proper servos, but a single
electronics box which serves are receiver and motor controller.
Still, this is no problem, since the EyeBot controller has two motor
drivers already built in (see diagram for details).
- The driving motor has 2 wires. Just connect them to the pins
Motor+ and Motor- of the "Motor A" connector of the EyeBot
- The steering motor has 5 wires, 2 for the motor and 3 for the
position feedback. Connect the two motor wires to Motor+ and Motor- for the
EyeBot's "Motor B" connector. Connect the resistor connectors of the feedback
to Vcc (5V) and ground on the analog connector and the feedback slider to
a free analog in put (e.g. number 2).
Model Car Settings (version B)
TPU 0 driving speed
TPU 1 steering speed
TPU 2-13 free
TPU 14 PSD
TPU 15 audio out
-------
DO 0-1 driving motor direction (A)
DO 2-3 steering motor direction (B)
DO 4-7 free
-------
DI 0-7 free (e.g. bumper)
------
AD 0 microphone
AD 1 battery level
AD 2 steering angle
AD 3-7 free
Thomas Bräunl