Arp
May 18, 2005, 04:53 PM
Hello everyone,
Today, while looking for other bits... I accidentally found a programmable servo controller. (It appears suitable for either a failsafe system, or possibly even independent navigation. Cannot tell for sure.)
It is manufactured by a company called Pontech. Its mid-range model SV203B (http://www.pontech.com/products/sv200bc/index.htm) and high-end model SV203C sport the following capabilities:
-- RS-232 communications port
-- 8 outputs for controlling servos
-- 4 inputs with A/D converters
-- EEPROM memory for 8 KB of Basic bytecode
-- ability to execute this code autonomously
Looking at it... I started thinking of projects simpler than a PC. It appears to me... that if some obstacles can be overcome (or worked around)... this device could become a feasible (simple but somewhat customizable) UAV core.
So, what feature am I doubting about? Well, naturally the opportunity of conncting *two* devices to the RS-232 line -- because one would leave the feature set incomplete.
To have *both* autonomous navigation and remote control, one should be probably be capable of connecting the RS-232 interface to *both* a GPS receiver and radio modem.
This *may* be doable... in fact, I have seen two devices kludged together to speak on the same RS-232 line... but those devices "spoke" in turns. A GPS receiver, unfortunately... generally jabbers continuously, and stops at nothing.
So take note: this may be a potential platform... but may also prove an utter failure. (I personally may never know, since I need image processing, and thus use PC hardware -- for my project, this only needs to become an ordinary servo controller with the side benefits of voltage monitoring and failsafe actions.)
Today, while looking for other bits... I accidentally found a programmable servo controller. (It appears suitable for either a failsafe system, or possibly even independent navigation. Cannot tell for sure.)
It is manufactured by a company called Pontech. Its mid-range model SV203B (http://www.pontech.com/products/sv200bc/index.htm) and high-end model SV203C sport the following capabilities:
-- RS-232 communications port
-- 8 outputs for controlling servos
-- 4 inputs with A/D converters
-- EEPROM memory for 8 KB of Basic bytecode
-- ability to execute this code autonomously
Looking at it... I started thinking of projects simpler than a PC. It appears to me... that if some obstacles can be overcome (or worked around)... this device could become a feasible (simple but somewhat customizable) UAV core.
So, what feature am I doubting about? Well, naturally the opportunity of conncting *two* devices to the RS-232 line -- because one would leave the feature set incomplete.
To have *both* autonomous navigation and remote control, one should be probably be capable of connecting the RS-232 interface to *both* a GPS receiver and radio modem.
This *may* be doable... in fact, I have seen two devices kludged together to speak on the same RS-232 line... but those devices "spoke" in turns. A GPS receiver, unfortunately... generally jabbers continuously, and stops at nothing.
So take note: this may be a potential platform... but may also prove an utter failure. (I personally may never know, since I need image processing, and thus use PC hardware -- for my project, this only needs to become an ordinary servo controller with the side benefits of voltage monitoring and failsafe actions.)