Changes between Version 12 and Version 13 of PiBot

Timestamp:

Jul 17, 2017, 9:34:44 PM (8 years ago)

Author:

David Albert

Comment:

--

PiBot

@@ -1 +1 @@
 === Minibots
 
-!MiniBots are low-cost training platforms that allow robotics development in Java using advanced capabilities such as machine vision and navigation.
-     * The computing platforms supported are from [https://www.raspberrypi.org/ Raspberry Pi] and include:
+To address the high cost of FRC training platforms (the lowest cost fully FRC-compatible bot costs at least $1500), team 2537 has started developing a low cost training solution (aka !MiniBot) that allows small, safe, inexpensive robots to be built that are still suitable for robotics training in Java using advanced capabilities such as machine vision and navigation.  This is an ongoing project that is not yet ready for prime time.
+     * The [https://www.raspberrypi.org/ Raspberry Pi] performs the computing.  It was chosen for its computing power (comparable to or better than a !RoboRIO), popularity, and low cost.  Supported models include:
           * $5 [https://www.raspberrypi.org/products/pi-zero/ RPiZero] (no longer recommended)
           * $10 [https://www.raspberrypi.org/products/raspberry-pi-zero-w/ RPiZero W]
           * $35 [https://www.raspberrypi.org/products/raspberry-pi-3-model-b/ RPi3] (more powerful)
-     * A [http://tenetics.com/?page_id=146 PiBotZero I/O board] connects the raspberry pi to common robotic sensors and actuators
-     * A good source for connecting cables is [https://www.amazon.com/DIYmall-Femle-Female-Dupont-Jumper/dp/B01ESSMNRW here]
-     * Chassis choices include:
+     * A low-cost ($15-25) [http://tenetics.com/?page_id=146 PiBotZero I/O board] allows a raspberry Pi and robot sensors to operate from a wide range of battery voltages and allows the raspberry pi to connect to many common robotic sensors and actuators.
+     * Depending on budget, a wide range of robot chassis can be used including full-size FRC robots:
           * $12 [http://www.banggood.com/2WD-Smart-Robot-Car-Speed-Detection-Chassis-Kits-With-20-Grid-Encoder-p-918237.html 2WD+caster Chassis]
           * $18 [http://www.banggood.com/4WD-Smart-Robot-Car-Chassis-Kits-With-Strong-Magneto-Speed-Encoder-p-917007.html 4WD Chassis]
@@ -14 +13 @@
           * $55 [http://www.banggood.com/T100-DIY-WIFI-Smart-Tank-Chassis-Intelligent-Aluminum-Robot-Car-For-Arduino-p-1019658.html T100]
           * $300 [http://www.andymark.com/peanut-chassis-robot-drive-system-p/am-3417.htm Peanut]
+     * A wide range of sensors and actuators can be used; see Sensors and Other Components below.
 
-PiBots connect via !WiFi to your laptop or smartphone:
-   * Program a uSD card with the [https://drive.google.com/open?id=0BzLgDymAZI33a1pzLUtLeklreU0 PiBot Image] using your PC (see below under Setup).  The !PiBot Image contains the complete Raspbian (linux OS), pre-configured for remote GUI access via VNC, and with all of the ancillary packages and libraries required to make coding for the !PiBot easy.  A sample application is included.
+=== Setup and Installation
+!PiBots connect via !WiFi to your laptop or smartphone:
+   * Program a uSD card with the [https://drive.google.com/open?id=0BzLgDymAZI33a1pzLUtLeklreU0 PiBot Image] using [https://sourceforge.net/projects/win32diskimager/ Win32DiskImager].  The !PiBot Image contains the complete Raspbian (linux) OS, pre-configured for remote GUI access via VNC, with all of the ancillary packages and libraries required to make coding for the !PiBot easy.  A sample application is included.
    * Install and boot the uSD card in the Raspberry Pi
    * Connect to the !WiFi hotspot created by the Pi using your PC or smartphone
    * Install the [https://www.realvnc.com/en/download/viewer/ RealVNC Viewer] on your laptop or phone
+   * If you are using a windows laptop, install [https://support.apple.com/kb/DL999?viewlocale=en_US&locale=en_US Bonjour]
    * Use the VNC Viewer app to access the Raspberry Pi (linux) desktop
-From the desktop you can launch programs which provide GUI controls for driving your robot.  You can download new programs from your PC or even develop directly on the Raspberry Pi.
+   * Connect the !PiBotZero to the various sensors and motors or motor controllers needed to make your robot do its thing
 
-==== Setup
+Using VNC Viewer on your laptop, you can access the remote graphical linux desktop on the raspberry pi, from there, you can run programs which drive your robot using GUI controls like buttons, joysticks, sliders, etc.  You can also download new programs from your PC or even develop code directly on the Raspberry Pi.
+
+==== References
 * [http://tenetics.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/PiBot-Zero-Manual.pdf Hardware Manual]
 * [wiki:PiBotHardware Hardware Specifications]
-* [https://drive.google.com/open?id=0BzLgDymAZI33a1pzLUtLeklreU0 PiBot Image].  Install image on uSD card using [https://sourceforge.net/projects/win32diskimager/ Win32DiskImager] then install uSD card in your RPi.
+* [https://drive.google.com/open?id=0BzLgDymAZI33a1pzLUtLeklreU0 PiBot Image].  Install image on uSD card using [https://sourceforge.net/projects/win32diskimager/ Win32DiskImager].
 * [wiki:PiBotOsInstallation Pi Zero/OS Configuration] (how the !PiBot Image is built)
 * [wiki:PiBotDev Dev Environment Configuration] (how to code for the !PiBot without using the !PiBot Image libraries)
-* [svn+ssh://jupiter2.team2537.com/home/svn/pibot !PiBot Library Repository] (source for the libraries and sample code on the !PiBot Image)
+* [svn+ssh://jupiter2.team2537.com/home/svn/pibot PiBot Library Repository] (source for the libraries and sample code on the !PiBot Image)
 
-==== PiBot Sensors and other Components
+==== Sensors and other Components
 * [wiki:MiniBotUltrasonic Ultrasonic Range Sensor]
 * [wiki:MiniBotDrive Drive System]
 * [wiki:PiBots Other Minibot Resources]
+* [https://www.amazon.com/DIYmall-Femle-Female-Dupont-Jumper/dp/B01ESSMNRW pre-built cable assemblies]
 
 ==== Coding for the Mini Bot