Hi,
Im new to this world and dont have hours on end to spend learning all this stuff.
Can you provide a "step by step easy to understand fool proof way" to get just one of these programs loaded and communicating with the Serializer? Just one complete example then I can take it from there.
I dont program for a living. I dont know if VB code is the same as C#.... Do I need Visual Studio or Robotics Studio? I have no idea how to get services loaded using your how to guide. I dont have a local mentor to help and Im just not getting all this.
Love the hardware.
Thanks,
John
Hi John,
VB 6.0 is definitely different than C# and has been replaced with VB.NET. I make the distinction between the "VB's" because VB.NET and VB 6.0 are not compatible languages.
Since the .NET Microsoft languages (C#, VB.NET, J#, etc.) all run under the same runtime environment (called the CLR) you can access any .NET library from any .NET language. I would, however, recommend that you stick with C# or VB.NET since both of these languages are supported under Windows CE and this would allow your code to run on PDA's and Single Board Computers.
To start with, I would recommend that you look at the example code provided with the Serializer.NET Libraries. This should give you a good idea of how to do some basic motor actuation and sensor reading with your robot.
Like most Microsoft development tools these days, Microsoft Robotic Studio (MSRS) is an add on to Visual Studio 2005 and can be downloaded from the MSRS website.
Personally, I would not recommend that you start with the Microsoft Robotic Studio. It requires an advanced understanding of .NET programming. Stick with the Serializer .NET library examples reference above. When you do start to explore MSRS, focus on the Visual Programming Language tool, which allows you to graphically construct robot behaviors.
You are about to embark on a fascinating journey, and I think you have chosen the right hardware to get started. There is no better way to learn programming, in my opinion, then to actually *see* the effect of your work in the context of an interactive device.
James Y. Wilson http://www.learningce.com Fortudine Vincimus!