The Serializer is really a very interresting microcontroller, but from what I understood it can only work to host computers.
Is it possible to build an autonomus robot with the Serializer? (not one driven with a joystick)
Thanks
Theodore Xanthopoulos
Hello,
The Serializer is a non programmable, slave controller. It is different than a BasicStamp module which provides a limited degree of programability and is able to operate autonomously.
The great benefit of using the Serilizer, however, is the large number of features it provides. I used to use a BrainStem module, but then I needed to buy a separate motor controller to drive my robot's DC motors. The Serializer also provides a greater number of I/O options, and can control more than two servoes. I have also found the feature set of the Serializer's control protocol, used to query sensor state and control motors, to be far more capable. The motor control commands, for example, provide support for a PID loop when attaching encoders to your motor's drive shaft (not the wheel itself). This is something else generally not supported by other robot controllers..
My robot (depicted here) uses the Serializer as the *only* interface to all of my robot's sensors and actuators. The control program for my robot runs under Windows CE on an ICOP eBox 2300 board, but I could just as easily have used a PDA connected via the Serializer Bluetooth module.
So yeah, you need a host system to make use of the Serializer, but you get a lot more capability for your money than you do with other Robot controllers.
Right now the Serializer libraries are only provided with support for .NET, but I am working on an implementaton in C++ that will support Windows and Linux based target platforms. I am nearing completion, and I should have something out soon.
Okay, that's a brief rundown of why I chose the Serializer. I mention all this because it sounds like you are making the same sort of buying decision I made many months ago now. I highly recommend the Serializer. It has worked great for me.
James Y. Wilson http://www.learningce.com Fortudine Vincimus!
Thank you very much for the thorough reply.
Your guess was correct, I am making a buying decision, actually between the Brainstem and the Serializer!
I find the Brainstem an excellent microcontroller, but since I use Visual Studio for many years, the Serializer is much "closer" to my software background, and, like you mentioned, the Serializer provides many more features than many other microcontrollers for the same money..
The project I want to start is similar with yours, and after reading your reply, I will surely buy the Serializer!
Thanks again
Hello Theodore,
I am glad I could be of assistance. Let me (and everyone else ) know how things go with your robot creation.
Theodore,
Well, Jim summarized the purpose of the Serializer pretty well.
The whole idea of the board is to allow customers to bypass the bit-twiddling stage, and focus on developing software at a much higher level. How many times does it make sense to re-write low level bit-twiddling routines? To me, only ONCE. :) We've done that for you, and in addition, provided a simple to use protocol to control/query all of the most popular sensors and components available. In addition to that we provide a .NET library, MSRS Services, and very soon a C++ library that will implement the protocol for you. You're just left with using the high level, and easy to use interfaces from C#, VB, C++, etc.
We're also going to be adding some examples soon for use under Linux (via Jim's C++ library).