ATR Controllers (Microcontrollers and/or Radio Control)
Controller (the brains)
The controller is the brain of the robot. Many different controllers can be used with these robot kits.
- Using the MD22 motor controller you can use an OOPic II, II+ or OOPic-R and control the motors various ways (PWM, I2C, servo pulse). You can also use the RF04 CM04 combo to supply an RF link to your computer and have the computer control the robot.
- Using the Magnevation motor controllers or our PWM driver you can use any PIC such as (an OOPic II, II+ or OOPic-R) device that outputs a PWM (0-5V) signal and digital I/O for direction and brakes.Â
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OOPic II
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OOPic II and II+. The OOPic II+ has a few extra features than the OOPic II, but both will work great. Select a starter package if you do not already have a programming cable for the OOPic. The 40 pin header make this controller easy to plug into the Magnevation speed controllers. The sample programs we have are written for the OOPic II/II+. |
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OOPic II SP
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OOPic II+
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OOPic II+ SP |
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OOPic-R
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OOPic-R. The OOPic R is the same as a II+, except its packaged differently and is programmed with a serial cable. Select a starter package if you do not already have a serial cable for the OOPic. The sample programs we have are written for the OOPic II/II+ and you will have to convert it for the OOPic-R if the same pin I/Os are not used. |
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OOPic-R SP
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RF04/CM02
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The RF04 and CM02 900MHz Transceiver Set is great for linking your MD22s and other I2C devices to your computer wirelessly. You can then write a program in visual basic or C to control and monitor your robot. We have a sample program written in VB6 that controls the MD22.  If you use this controller use the MD22 speed controller since it used I2C communication protocol. |
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2-Channel
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And finally, for those who what to cheat or have an alternate method of control, we have RC controllers.Â
A RC controller can not be connected directly to the motors, you need a motor driver and a RC interface. The MD22 is a motor controller and RC interface in one, however it does not have much filtering and can cause erratic behavior and reduced control at longer ranges. We have developed our own RC controller interface that filters the signal to help give better control and longer range and is designed to be used with our PWM drivers.
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4-Channel
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6-Channel
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Optic 6
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Controller interface
If you're familiar with our popular
Trekker Robot kits, one thing to consider is you can use an OOPic II/II+ with and OOPic II Expansion board, or an OOPic-R with an OOPic-R Expansion board and drive the
MD22s using the servo outputs or I2C and you get all the great features of the expansion boards and your robot will be just like a Trekker only bigger! You can add all the sensors, etc that the expansion boards support and most of the
programs for the Trekker will be applicable. See our
controller hook up page for more details. These kits also provide you with battery trays for your controller power.
Controls Hookup
You need to be able to hookup the controllers (OOPic or RF link) to the motor speed controllers (Magnevation controller, the SuperDroid PWM, or the MD22). There are many ways this can be accomplished. For selecting the best method for your application, see our
motor controller page.
Controller cooling and noise suppression
This is an enclosure that acts as a Faraday cage helping to protect it from electronic noise. With an optional fan it can also be used to help keep your controller cool. It also protects your controller from physical harm. This isn't typically a mandatory part, but just adds further protection. It can always be added later if you find out you need it. We like putting our motor controllers in them to help isolate electric noise and provide forced cooling on the electronics.
