emusicboy.
Hello, I am very new to anything robotics and need some help/advice on what to do with my Brookstone Rover 2.0. After searching the Internet for any upgrades to the software or firmware I came across an EZ-robot video where some guy explains that a Brookstone Rover can be controlled by using the arrow keys of my PC / a joystick / etc. using the ARC software. Since I find using an iPad as a steering wheel controller less than useful - the lag time before it does what I want is horrible - and using the virtual sliders are also really bad, I thought a joystick controller might be a better choice. So I downloaded the software, and unsuccessfully, searched the tutorials looking for a step by step set of instructions on how to connect it to the software for the specific purpose of using a joystick controller. Since I really am a total novice at this, any help would be appreciated on what to do and how to do it. So here are a couple of basic questions. Thanks!
1- Do I have to use a specific joystick controller, and if so, which one?
2- Can I use my iPad as a video monitor in tandem with the Joystick controller?
I would like to thank you (whoever you are) for taking the time to help - thanks!
Alan,
Thanks again for taking the time to explain things to a novice. Just to clarify because I didn't say this before, I'd be perfectly willing to install the new hardware as you originally suggested if that's actually the easier thing to do.
I'm assuming we're talking about the EZ-B and H-Bridge your referenced earlier. Correct?
So if that's the case, then here we go again with more questions - LOL!
What exactly is that hardware, where do I get it, and how do I install it?
Just to give you a heads up on the mechanical skill level that I do possess. I have successfully removed and replaced the screen on my nephews iPhone (very very delicate and tiny parts to contend with) and I also replaced the screen on someone's iPad (not quite as challenging). Both of these projects were well within the scope of my mechanical ability.
So taking apart the Rover is not going to be all that challenging.
The part for me that will be a bit somewhat more difficult will be any computer related code writing steps (If there are any) I'm capable of installing and running programs but writing code is completely unfamiliar territory. That being said, if things can be sufficiently explained I'm sure I can get the job done!
Thanks again! Eddie
As I think about it, really EZ-B, H-Bridge and Camera - all available in the store hear, click on the products link above. Because the Rover camera is junk anyway, and will be difficult if not impossible to integrate, so best to just replace it.
Need to think about power. I am not sure what the voltage on the Rover batteries are. EZ-B will operate over a wide range of voltage, so probably can use the existing batteries.
Programming will not be an issue. ARC is very easy to use and although it can be expanded with a simple script language or more complex programmed plugins, just with its built in features it can do far more than the rover could do with its software.
Alan
If i understood well, you started this thread looking for an alternative application to control the rover 2.0.
you have two options:
if your are not familiar with software development and you are not familiar with electronics & hacking (H bridges, voltage regulators)
why destroy a perfect functional toy (Hardware & Software) and not invest in a EZ-R kit ?
IF you go with a EZ-R kit/solution is not a final product (Rover 2.0) you still need to learn how to use ARC and get familiar with the kit learn about robots
So is this the path you want ?
I've been thinking more about this and the cost of parts to convert a Rover is more than an AdventureBot that does more out of the big. Unless you are dead set on making the Rover work from a PC, that is where I would invest.
Alan
Hi Alan,
Once again I thank you for taking the time to shed some light and give me some advice. To be perfectly honest it was never really about being dead set on making the Rover work - although that would have been really nice since I already own it and it does in fact work.
My thinking (and subsequent questions) were based on the video I watched, in which I was led to believe that it was a simple matter to get my Rover to be controlled by either a PC or joystick controller by downloading and using the ARC software. It wasn't until you pointed out that the Rover 2.0 could not be controlled using the ARC software that I started to wonder what my options were.
You of course were good enough to make a couple of suggestions, which I again thank you for. Now... since you've revised your thinking in regard to swapping out the components in my Rover, then I suppose I have to defer to your expertise, since you seem to have a firm grasp on this sort of thing - and I do not.
So here we go again-LOL! What is an AdventureBot? How much does it cost, what does it do, and where would I get one? LOL!
I can't help but feel like the little kid in the back seat of his parents car who keeps asking the question "Are we there yet" Haha!
I await your reply!
PS - What was PTP referring to when he said - why not invest in an EZ-R kit? Is that what you are suggesting with an AdventureBot?
Eddie
Products link at the top of this age.
Direct link to AdventureBot https://www.ez-robot.com/Shop/AccessoriesDetails.aspx?prevCat=101&productNumber=34
DIY options:. https://synthiam.com/Shop/Default.aspx?CatId=9
Alan