Hi, i’m new to the whole electronic projects thing, but i need to build something that will let me input data thru a usb port for a robotic project. Maybe one of you guys can help me figure out how to get started or give me tips and tricks.
basicly, i need a way for a program to read feedback from sensors in the following ways:
1-from limit/contact switch, in an on/off position,
2-from pressure sensors or variable resistors, possible getting a value from 0 to 255 as feedback
3-letting the same program switch some outputs to open/closed, for example to keep an on or turn it off
from what i read on the internet, it seems like the pic18f4550 might be able to do what i need, using the HID driver. I’m still a beginner when it comes to programing, so i don’t know how well it would work and one of my concern is scalability. for example, if i made 2 boards and hooked both up, would the program confuse the 2 or is it possible to differenciate them. also, i’d like suggestions as to what programing language to use. i’d like the software interface to be friendly and helpful. i triend using microsoft visual studio but it’s a rather messed up interface and i had a hard time finding tutorials for it.
I suggest you look at one (or more) UBWs. Spark fun sells them (as riden points out) and you can get them in either surface mount version or through-hole version (which is a kit).
The UBW will show up on your PC as a serial port, so you can talk to it using simple text commands. It can read digital I/O, read analog I/O and do the things you need. You shouldn’t need to write any code for the PIC - what’s on it will work great, I think.
You can have up to 127 UBWs connected to one PC (no, I haven’t tried this, but I have had 4 on at once) and each gets its own COM port number, which you can open from within a terminal emulator or any language (Liberty Basic is my fav., but there are tons.)
thanks. i just wasn’t sure they did what i wanted them to do. i think i’d rather use the preassembled one. i don’t particularly see the point of making something that already exists. especially since making it will cost more then buying pre assembled
Seriously, you are %100 right. But sometimes, I still buy a kit, even though it is more expensive and will take more time (and has a higher chance of failure) than an assembled version. Why? Cause I just feel a need to build stuff. I love making things. I can’t help it. Even when I know it’s sick and wrong, I still do it.
honestly, i like the learning experience, but not if it costs more then buying it made. i’ll have many opertunity later on with my project anyway. the idea is to eventual build an android. i have most of the knowledge for the mechanic and body construction from work experience, some electrical knowledge from fixing cnc machines and very good knowledge of computers. but i’m missing 2 key ingrediants. programming and making hardware to go with the software.
and no i’m not crazy, i’m realistic and realise it’ll take many many years to get anything that that remotly is an android. lol.
EmbeddedMan:
I still buy a kit, even though it is more expensive and will take more time (and has a higher chance of failure) than an assembled version. Why? Cause I just feel a need to build stuff. I love making things. I can’t help it. Even when I know it’s sick and wrong, I still do it.
As one who used to love to assemble HeathKits and still loves building widgets, I know what you mean.
foreclosure661:
very helpful thread… i am new to this electronic thing as well, and i’m just very relieved to have joined this forum…
more info on DLP Designs DLP-IO8-G please…
thanks!
Looks like an FTDI breakout board with screw terminals. If the terminals and such work better for your app, it might be nice. The UBW is a programmable microcontroller, basically a small computer you can send programs to, so it’s a lot more flexible. The UBW32 has a nice BASIC interpreter available as well if you don’t like C and ASM.
If you want an FTDI based board, Spark sells those too.
If you’re new and want to play with interfacing to a computer, I’d try the UBW or UBW32 first. They are breadboard friendly, more flexible and powerful.
