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Resolved Resolved by DJ Sures!

Benefit Of Onboard Computer

Hello to all the members of the community here.  

I am starting to build an InMoov robot project using ezb controllers and want to understand what if any is the benefit of adding a onboard computer to the project is?   Also what computer configuration would be best to use?

Currently I am going to be using a IoTiny in the head and two ezb4’s in the chest.

Related Hardware EZ-B v4

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PRO
USA
#9  
Well I ordered my LattePaanda with Windows 10 and ARC installed on it. It will take some time to get here but at least it's on the way.  I want to run it headless in the robot and I think I want to mount it in the head of the robot.  The plan will be to connect both EZB4's and the IOTiny by USB/TTL's.

Now I need to decide how I want to power it.   I was going to go with a 6V 50A switching power supply to power everything and use a BEC set 5.1v for the LattePaanda and powered USB Hub. 

Does anyone have any comments or input on the power setup?
PRO
Synthiam
#10  
What you described is how our inmoov is powered. The only difference is the computer is on the back rather than the head. It’s easier to get to - doubly so if needing to connect keyboard and mice etc for setup. 

That will be a hefty power supply. Enough for the servos for sure. Be cautious of wiring to ensure the cables can carry the current.

I use a single ezb v4 via usb to the onboard computer. The ezb has an ssc32 connected for extended servos. That gives me 66 servos capability with one ezb. 

I use a usb camera. For speech recognition I use a Jaba audio conference speaker/mic combo mounted on the front waist. 

originally I had the camera in the eye. But since then I realized it makes more sense on the chest. People don’t know that it’s on the chest, but it allows the robot to track objects easier.
PRO
USA
#11  
DJ,  Based on your comment I need to ask what size power supply you are using on yours?   I agree on the camera location I have completely reengineered the inside of the head and remixed many parts to build a complex eye system with independent eye control and upper and lower eye lids using six servos.  The plan was to mount the LattePaanda above everything in the head.  I am using the skull top with the back access hole if I need access but I may mount it on the back depending on how much space I have to work with.

Can you tell me what USB Hub you picked to use and helper board for the USB EZB4? 

As soon as I start my ARC Pro subscription I will start posting details about my build under the robot section of this sight.User-inserted image
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PRO
Synthiam
#12  
The printing looks great. I like the inside head design.

I don't know what USB <-> uart I am using. Any that works with Windows 10 will suffice. The internals always seems to be the same.

I don't use a USB hub because I only have three devices connected: a USB camera, sound, and ezb.

I'm not sure what power supply the inmoov has - but Jeremie might chime in if he sees this post. He found it for me.
PRO
Canada
#13  
I found a 20A 5V supply from a Chinese company, which I can't remember the name of to supply the inMoov.

They are common, you should be able to google it, or you can use an ATX power supply if you have one. Obviously the 5V rail.
PRO
USA
#14  
Hey thanks guys!   I thought based on reading other materials it required more than 40 amps to run the robot I would love to be able to use a smaller power supply if I can.  

I also got to thinking after my last post that I don’t think I need the IOtiny in the head if I install the pc because I should be able to use 8 ports on the GPIO to run the servos. If that does not sound correct please let me know.  

I have so much to learn and I really appreciate your guys help putting me on the correct path on this project.
PRO
USA
#15   — Edited
Ok I need some more help guys.  I have to decide where to mount the pc at and it will depend on if I have to turn it on to make it boot up. 

Can you you make the latte panda boot without pressing the on/off button on the board?   

I want to mount the board in the head of my inmoov but that is not going to work if I have to turn it on by pressing the button on the board. 

Also can you make it auto load an ARC project when it starts up?

Thank you in advance.
PRO
Synthiam
#16   — Edited
Unfortunately, the only way to turn on the latte panda is with the power button. You could try soldering a wire for a remote switch - but you'd have to be careful not to damage the board. I wouldn't recommend doing that

You can have ARC startup with projects etc. Here's the support section link: https://synthiam.com/Support/Tips-to-Make-a-Robot/Load-project-on-Windows-startup

Also, be sure to follow the guide to install windows for performance, or you'll be kicking yourself later :): https://synthiam.com/Support/Tips-to-Make-a-Robot/Overview

PRO
USA
#18  
Thanks DJ, Because I have the newer BIOS in my Lattepanda already I just needed to do the following:

How to switch on/off the Auto-boot function in LP v1.1/v1.2:

1.Press [Esc] or [Del] once just boot up the system to enter the BIOS
2.Go into Boot->Machine Status AC/Battery In
3.Change it to Power On/Power Off

So thank you for pointing me in the right direction! As far as all the performance settings I have also done them per your recommendations.
PRO
USA
#19  
DJ I have another question on the LattePanda when the Leonardo is loaded on it.  Are the below the only pins I can connect servos to?

Leonardo, Micro, Yún.    3, 5, 6, 9, 10, 11, 13     490 Hz (pins 3 and 11: 980 Hz)
PRO
Synthiam
#20  
I’m not sure on that. Arduinos are all different. Where’d you find those servo pins from?

one way is to try a port and see if it works
PRO
Synthiam
#22  
That looks like your answer then:)
PRO
USA
#23  
Well that sucks because I could of used one more darn it.   I was hoping that was old information.  I need support for 8 servos and it only supports 7.  

ok well thanks for your validation DJ.
PRO
Synthiam
#24   — Edited
I only validated the research you’ve done. I can’t verify if the servos work on other ports. Ardunio is open source and half of anything isn’t documented because open source people don’t get paid to do anything. So as I said, test it. Test a port and see if it works:)

i know some things but I don’t know all things haha
PRO
USA
#25  

Quote:

i know some things but I don’t know all things haha
Well sure in the hell no more than me when it comes to this stuff LOL

I would love to be able to talk to you about ARC programming for a few mins on the phone to try and get a better understanding how thing are designed to work with each other.  Let me know if that is something that maybe we can do.
PRO
Synthiam
#26  
Sorry that’s not something I can offer. Have you had a look at any tutorials or the support section?
PRO
USA
#27  
Yes I have and they left me with questions.  I can post them here on the site but I was looking for a simpler method...  As a former CEO and also a head of a R&D in software development company myself I understand why we can't get on the phone.
PRO
Synthiam
#28  
Id love to build robots with people. It’s why I started this:) it’s just not sustainable. My time on here is a luxury but it also helps keep my finger on the pulse.
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