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 Re: Meaning of "speed" for Differential Motor Controller?
 
 10/9/2007 2:56:42 PM
jason
158 posts
5th


Re: Meaning of "speed" for Differential Motor Controller?

Actually, Jim has been asking that I put 'ramping down' speed control into the pwm command (it current has ramping up speed control).

So, I'll add this new functionality to the firmware over the next day or so, and then post it w/ the pwm max speed fix too.  Until then, please use 127/128 for max pwm speed values.


Jason Summerour
President,
Summerour Robotics Corp
Microsoft MVP
www.roboticsconnection.com
 10/9/2007 3:17:07 PM
jywilson
35 posts


Re: Meaning of "speed" for Differential Motor Controller?

Outstanding!  I can definitely use the PWM enhancement and the fix.

RC Rocks!


James Y. Wilson
http://www.learningce.com
Fortudine Vincimus!

 10/9/2007 5:42:04 PM
rpg
35 posts


Re: Meaning of "speed" for Differential Motor Controller?Than
Thanks for the speedy reply and future fix!  Glad to hear it wasn't just me.  I can certainly live with the work-around for as long as needed as I am just getting started anyway.

BTW, I have to give you guys major kudos for the design and programming interface for the Serializer.  For about 1.5 years I have been experimenting with both Brainstem and Phidgets controllers for an autonomous robot I am building.  I was using both controllers because I wanted the .NET API that comes with Phidgets, but I also wanted to use Devantech sonar modules that Phidgets doesn't support.  On the flipside, the Brainstems support the sonar modules, but don't come with a .NET API (though a third party has put a partial one together--minus support for sonar!).  So I was really pleased to discover your Serializer just a few weeks ago and ordered one immediately.  To have support for so many sensors, servos and an H-bridge all on one board--with a very thorough .NET API to boot--is just what I was looking for.  I think you guys have nailed it and I hope you sell a gazillion of them!

--patrick

 10/9/2007 6:03:36 PM
jason
158 posts
5th


Re: Meaning of "speed" for Differential Motor Controller?Than

Patrick,

First, thank you for the compliments!  It certainly feels good to hear that customers realize how easy and quick the Serializer is to use.  Also, it makes it worth the hundreds of hours that myself, and Ringo have put into the Serializer from a hardware and software perspective.  While it's not perfect, it is very mature, and the firmware has remained very stable for some time now.   Most firmware revisions are to add functionality, instead of bug fixing (although not true for the upcoming release. :) LoL).

Since we're just a bunch of introverted Engineers here, we do a less that optimal job of promoting the Serializer. :) So, I don't think it's as widely know as the Brainstem, OOPic-R, and Phidgets.

It's also nice to have customers like Jim Wilson write C++ libs to complement the Serializer .NET library and MSRS services...It just makes for a better product, with even more ways to easily access and use the API.

Ringo and I hope we sell a gazillion of them too! :)

Thank again!


Jason Summerour
President,
Summerour Robotics Corp
Microsoft MVP
www.roboticsconnection.com
 10/15/2007 12:06:58 AM
jason
158 posts
5th


Re: Meaning of "speed" for Differential Motor Controller?Than

Patrick, Jim,

I just finished revamping the pwm ramping mechanism.

 

You can now ramp up/down to any speed from any speed.  The interface follows the interface discussed below.

 

The pwm interface is currently:

 

            Pwm [r:rate] id:pwm [id:pwm]

 

Fortunately, the interface didn't change, but rather the internal logic.  The logic works as follows:

 

            1.) If speed is 0, then ramp up to the specified speed using the ramping rate specified

            2.) If speed is equal to the current value of speed, then do no ramping, or speed change

            3.) If speed is less than the current value of speed, then ramp down to the specified speed using the ramping rate specified.

 

I have tested almost all of the permutations that you could possibly encounter, but I have a one more left.

The only problem I currently see is that when you ramp up to 100, and then ramp down to -100.  It immediately goes to -100 (and vice versa). 

So, I’ll look at it a little longer and try to fix this.

 

Ringo also fixed the pwm max value (scaling) problem.  Now, you get full pwm output.

 

We should have an official release ready by Wednesday night (we'll have to update the User Guide, etc.).

 

Best Regards!


Jason Summerour
President,
Summerour Robotics Corp
Microsoft MVP
www.roboticsconnection.com
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