Machine Science Blog

PS2 Module controls two-wheeled balancing robot.

ivanrudnicki — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 17:54:25 +0000

This version of the balancing robot uses control from our new PS2 Controller Module. The PS2 Controller Module allows you to connect a wireless game controller to the XIPMods system, and use input from the joysticks and buttons to control other modules. The PS2 Module is compatible with the inexpensive wireless controllers available for the Sony PlayStation game systems. In this robot, the balancing behavior is primarily determined by values from an accelerometer and a gyroscope. The joystick values make additional adjustments to the speed of the left and right motors to enable user control.

GEARS and Machine Science make programmable X-Y plotting machine.

ivanrudnicki — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 21:19:18 +0000

This X-Y plotter was built entirely out of stock components from GEARS Educational Systems. The motor positions are encoded using Machine Science’s infrared reflectance sensors. The motors are controlled using three XIPMods: the High-Current Motor Module, a Master Module, and an Input/Output Module. The plotter can be driven by infrared remote control, or programmed to automatically draw circles, sine waves, parabolas, and other curves.

Accelerometer and gyropscope steady two-wheeled balancing robot.

ivanrudnicki — Thu, 21 Apr 2011 16:07:11 +0000

This two-wheeled balancing robot is built with the HMC Lite platform from GEARS, together with the XIPMods Master Module and High-Current Motor Module. It uses an accelerometer and a gyroscope to stay upright. (In the video, you can see the accelerometer and gyroscope on the breadboard mounted near the base of the robot.) A hobby RC transmitter and receiver are used to drive the robot around the room. The balancing code is a simplified PID scheme based on work done by the team at MIT responsible for the DIY Segway.

XIPMods control GEARS robot with independent suspension.

ivanrudnicki — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 15:49:16 +0000

This robot has four-wheel drive and independent suspension, giving it enhanced ability to climb over obstacles in its path. The version shown here is receiving control signals from a Logitech Dual Action gamepad controller, using the XIPMods Wireless Module and Wireless Dongle.

Learn about using the XIPMods to control GEARS robots.

ivanrudnicki — Thu, 03 Mar 2011 18:45:31 +0000

In this clip, Sam gives a quick overview of how the XIPMods can be used as a control system for the GEARS robot. He describes the five modules in the system: Master Module, I/O Module, High Current Motor Module, Sensor/GPS Module, and the Wireless Module, plus the Wireless Dongle. In the demo, the XIPMods are connected wirelessly to MATLAB, streaming current draw data back to the computer. The robot is controlled wirelessly with a GUI interface in MATLAB.

Connect the Breadboard Starter Kit to the XIPMods.

ivanrudnicki — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 16:14:14 +0000

Several users have inquired about whether the Breadboard Microcontroller Starter Kit can be used to control the XIPMods. If you have an ATmega168, the answer is: yes! The connection is made by modifying one of the RJ-25 network cables, so that two wires can go to power and ground and two wires can go to Ports C4 and C5 on the microcontroller. Two 10K Ohm resistors are also required. This video shows the connection in place, with the ATmega Board being used to control the XIPMods Input/Output Module. We will post more detailed instructions in our tutorials soon.

Power your breadboard microcontroller projects from the USB connection.

ivanrudnicki — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 19:23:15 +0000

With the addition of a single jump wire connecting Pin 6 on the USB Programming Board to power, you can power your Machine Science breadboard kits from your USB connection. No batteries required! This video shows the USB power set up in action. More details can be found in the Machine Science tutorials.

XIPMods power GEARS robot with mechanical arm.

ivanrudnicki — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 14:46:12 +0000

This robot demonstrates the expandability of the XIPMods. It has two High-Current Motor Modules networked together: one for the two DC drive motors, and one for the DC motor that raises and lowers the mechanical arm. One of the two HCM Mods also drives the solenoid valve that controls the pneumatic gripper. A Wireless Module allows for remote control, using a Sony PS2 controller and a Wireless Dongle connected to a laptop computer. The robot platform is the HMC Lite from GEARS Educational Systems of Hanover, MA.

Use the XIPMods to control a LEGO NXT motor.

ivanrudnicki — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 19:01:52 +0000

We are experimenting with communication between the XIPMods and the LEGO NXT components. In the video clip here, a Master Module is being used to control a LEGO motor. Going forward, the LEGO NXT could be used to control the XIPMods device drivers, such as the High-Current Motor Module and Sensor/GPS Module. This would be a great way to expand the capabilities of the NXT.

XIPMods control “moving towers” robot (user-submitted video).

ivanrudnicki — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 18:40:42 +0000

A Machine Science user recently posted a video clip of this fascinating “moving towers” robot in the Machine Science forum. If you look closely, you can see that the Master Module is being used to control multiple servo motors. The analog distance sensor and infrared reflectance sensor are also part of this invention. Nice work!