True 32-bit math hardware
is critical for the most
demanding robotics
application. Creating
position data for 32 servos
on the fly is nearly
impossible without high speed
32-bit math. Things like inverse
kinematics are now possible using the
ARC32. The ARC32 is programmable in Basic,
C, or ASM using Basic. Price is $99.95 USD.
For further information, please contact:
Lynxmotion
Website: www.lynxmotion.com
CONTROLLER BOARDS
Esduino12
Technological Arts
introduces Esduino12,
the first in a line of new products
conforming to the popular open-source Arduino
hardware form-factor. Based on the popular 16-bit
Freescale 9S12C microcontroller, Esduino12 offers
enhanced capability and programming flexibility over
existing Atmel-based designs, yet retains hardware
compatibility with the growing number of available
Arduino application shields.
Esduino12 is programmable in assembler, BASIC, and
C. For assembler and C programming, Freescale’s free
Special Edition of Code Warrior for Windows is a popular
choice. For those who prefer BASIC, the object-based
Windows-hosted nqBASIC language is available free of
charge from www.nqBASIC.com.
With a base price of only $39, Esduino12 offers plug-in options for both USB and wireless XBee
communications (no shield required), and provides simple
three-way routing that enables the user to choose USB-to-XBee, USB-to-MCU, or XBee-to-MCU communications. Both
3.3V and 5V regulators are provided on-board, giving
added utility to the design.
While a standard BDM connector is provided for
advanced users, the Freescale Serial Monitor (i.e.,
bootloader) comes factory-programmed into the 9S12C
chip so that a BDM pod is not required for basic erasing
and programming operations.
Two product configurations are being offered:
#ESD12C32 ($39) with 32K Flash and 2K RAM and
#ESD12C128 ($49) with 128K Flash and 4K RAM. The
optional USB-to-TTL interface (#USB2MCU) is $15.50, and
a plug-in carrier for XBee modules (#ADXB-RA) is $7.50.
18 SERVO 08.2010
For easy implementation of custom applications, a
selection of four new Arduino-compatible $10 prototyping
shields has also been announced. These shield designs
maximize use of the available board area, and are
optimized for applications involving narrow and wide DIP
packages, LED displays, and discrete through-hole
components.
For further information, please contact:
Website: www.technologicalarts.com Technological Arts
KITS
Four New Robot Kits
The Escape Robot Kit from Ramsey
Electronics uses basic
artifical intelligence to
navigate, and it never
fails to find its way
out of a maze. Using
three IR emitting
diodes and one IR
receiving module, it
sends and receive
signals to detect obstacles in its path. The Escape Robot’s
built-in microprocessor enables it to “think” on its own: It
gathers and processes information on its environment. The
Escape Robot crawls around on six legs and comes with
another set of differently designed legs that move in their
own unique way. It’s powered by four AAA batteries (not
included) and measures 5. 5 x 5. 9 x 3. 9.” Price is $34.95.
Ramsey’s Scarab eetle-inspired
robot uses two touch
sensors to detect
obstacles. When its
sensitive antennae
detect something
blocking its path, the
scarab will first step
back and then
automatically execute a two-step maneuver to skirt the
obstacle. The maneuver is a combination of “left turn,”
“right turn,” “reverse,” or “stop.” The robot can also be
configured with different sets of movements. It’s powered
by four AAA batteries
(not included) and
measures 6. 9 x 5. 7 x
3. 3.” Price is $34.95
The Auto-Turning Frog Robot kit is one of
the more interesting kits
available from Ramsey.
Once soldered together,
