THIS
MONTH:
Why Did The
Robot Cross
The Road?
THE CROSS-LINK CONTROL SYSTEM
FROM CROSS THE ROAD ELECTRONICS.
This month, we have the pleasure of presenting the Cross-Link Control System from Cross The Road
Cross The Road makes the bold claim that the Cross-Link system can be
implemented by a user
of any programming
background, and that
it can be used with
any operating system
and any programming
language. Such broad
applicability is meant
to entice programming
veterans, as well as
novices. Finding the
balance between
accessibility and
expandability is a
difficult task, and one
that is all the more
critical in a competitive
THE 2CAN ETHERNET
TO CAN GATEWAY.
70 SERVO 06.2011
robotics setting where team members may come and go,
and roboticists of all skill levels need to be accommodated.
And, just in case that balancing act isn’t overtly exciting
enough, the Cross The Road team also offers the
uCANDrive app which allows users to configure and drive
their Cross-Link robot over their Android smartphone.
Yes We CAN
The Cross-Link control system is comprised of three
main components. The first of those is the 2CAN, an
Ethernet to CAN gateway that allows your computer to
communicate with the rest of the CAN modules in the
system. The versatile Ethernet connection also allows users
to implement any processor or tool suite with the Cross-Link
system. The compact module includes two Ethernet
connections, a CAN connection, and wires ready to be
outfitted with the connector of your choice.
The other core member of the Cross-Link menagerie is
the CANipede Robot Control Module (RCM). The CANipede
has all of the inputs and outputs characteristic of a robot
controller — including eight PWM channels, eight analog
inputs, four digital I/Os, eight solenoid channels, four
quadrature encoder channels, four relay outputs, and two
CAN connectors. The CANipede includes two sockets for
CAN connectors and a power cable with wires, once again
waiting for the perfect connector for your unique project.
Even though a centipede doesn’t necessarily conjure up
imagery of hardiness, the CANipede has the robustness to
match the CAN protocol. All of the inputs and outputs are
short circuit protected. This will probably be a lifesaver for
many teams, because as much as you try to avoid drilling
