Re: simple robotics project

On May 29, 12:13 pm, Gordon McComb <NOSPAMg...@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
wrote:
dmehl...@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx wrote:
That is helpful, but the controllers I looked at require the signals
be sent manually through the serial port. I have no idea how to do
something like that. Is there not a simple software program that I
can use to activate the servo controller, without entering low-level
commands?

ServoCity.com sells a servo controller/recorder (about $100) where you
operate the servos using knobs, and the device will record your
movements. You might be able to achieve what you want using this, and no
PC is required.

There are a number of serial servo control programs with a pretty
graphics interface. You still need a serial port, but you don't have to
write any code. Rentron.com has provided a nice-looking one for years.
Look on their site for 'Robo-Ware'.

Try also pontech.com; they offer some GUI software to use servos for
creating animatronic playback, which basically is what you're trying to
do. Their software is free, and they have several versions of the
controller board, including one that has stand-alone features (allowing
you to disconnect it from a PC).

There are more - check outy MSN or Yahoo.com for additional searches.

-- Gordon

Those are some helpful suggestions that might really work. However, I
think there might be a small problem in that all of those products
control servo motors which do not have continuous rotation. One of my
motors must be able to continuously rotate because its function is to
raise and lower the robotic arm with a screw thread actuator. Is
there a motor controller that can use motors with continuous rotation
and servo motors?

.

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