[SC.LUG] Robotics

[Geoff]

I have often pondered how to go about this on the cheap, and came to the 
decision that instead of purchasing specialised hardware etc, I would 
use an existing motherboard, which would allow me to use an easily 
available os (linux), and from this use standard TCP communications etc 
via wifi. Adding control motors, gear boxes,  and other bits and bobs, 
would then easily be accommodated through existing serial and parallel 
comms.

A stripped down version of a linux kernel to just allow these would then 
easily fit on an old hdd.
Uploading new software would then be a matter of ftp, or similar.

Just my two pence worth (and yes I am new)

I  will check with my keeper (wife) if I am allowed out, sorry when is 
the meeting?

Geoff



Ian Molton wrote:

>On 17 Mar 2004 12:49:50 +0000
>Jason Lucas <jason at industrialarchaeology.co.uk> wrote:
>
>  
>
>>True, however I was thinking of something a bit more ambitious than a
>>robot wars type of machine - perhaps something that could be adapted for
>>'real world' usage. I'll do a little research and we can throw some
>>ideas around at the next meeting.
>>    
>>
>
>what would be very interesing would be if anyone can get hold of cheap supplies.
>
>For example, many of my projects have fallen over due to lack of stuff like small motors and gearboxes, linear actuators - that sort of thing. The problem isnt getting them, its getting more than one the same, as I cant afford much more than 'reclaimed' stuff...
>
>Im looking at USB interfaced microcontrollers for building control systems I can plug into my PC, too - something like the EZ USB or SL811
>
>  
>