hhammoud
I am not a programmer but I like to play with computer and controllers. I managed to operate the rpi as xbmc sever, file server, video and camera sever, wifi connectivity, gsm connectivity using cheap dongle . alarm system.
I played with the EZB and it was great but missing the wifi/gsm connectivities ( expensive boards) and peripherals such as direct cam, USB,audio ,video and others that are provided by the LC or additional expensive boards.
I am planing for the coming project and My aim to use both combined , however I need to find a way to use the rpi as a proxy to the EZ-b in using wifi or gsm if needed since rpi can be used wirelessly and can control the Gpio can be programmed .
On the other hand , to open a bus between rpi and EZB to transfer commands and data.
I can have my robot to :
1. Use LCD touch screen ( already doable with rpi )
2. Connect to Internet via rpi
3. Play YouTube and videos by voice commands/LCD control.
4. Use Rpi audio system to control the robot and interact with EZB controlling PC.... Siri is an option !
5. ... Others to Come.
Major milestones :
1. PC to EZB card proxy via rpi wireless connectivity ( wifi/gsm rpi to ezb connector)
2. Rpi audio system to interact with PC audio or recognized by EZB SW.
3. Create a profile that send specific commands to rpi from ez-b card for specific commands and rpi scripts ( simple example : camera face detection activate welcome script)
4. Others to come
I DO APPRECIATE YOUR FEEDBACK AND SUPPORT
HH
First, keep your raspberry pi as a media center.
1) Think of the ez-b as an extension of your PC. It's a wireless add-on that provides hardware control from your PC.
2) there are two options for you. And I strongly recommend the second...
a) embed a small cheap netbook in your robot. A $200 netbook connected to the ez-b and camera within the robot. You can remote access it from your phone or tablet for fine tune of configuration.
b) continue controlling the ez-b from your personal laptop wirelessly. Optionally add a wifi module to the ez-b or longer range distance.
I suggest the second because you'll always want to access, tweak and view the ARC project settings when your robot is working. It's like a control panel to monitor its behavior. Also, your friends will enjoy watching the settings and data within the interface.
None of the items you listed are lacking with EZ-Robot. I recommend browsing the hardware tutorials on this website to understand how to include those items in your robot.
I am still new with EZB .. I got my first kit and waiting for my next week vacation to go in depth with it.... I even ordered the second kit after few readings ....expecting the shipment within 10 more days.
I do know that if you add a NetBook .... Most of it will be included.
However, if I use option 2 based on my preliminary EZB knowledge:
to get robot with audio out , I read that I need an audio extension board ( i need it two ways from the robot) , expensive wifi/gsm module, need to use separate BT dongle for the camera.
I need to simplify , consolidate and sure with min cost.
Probably I should read more and practice the software capabilities .
It is a remarkable work / product no argument.
BR,
HH
The WiFi addon isn't too expensive. $40 I think mine was. It's cheaper than a RPi. However you are right in needing a separate dongle for the camera - why is that an issue just out of interest.
The chances are that if you stumble upon a problem there are going to be more than a single way around it and the community is more than happy to offer up suggestions.
BT spk/mic is an option but still additional HW to the pc.
No major issue at all my aim is to combine and utilize ez-b power with consolidated platform for peripherals via rpi. It is an idea that I need to think of it more and tried to share it with the community.
As you know, rpi with wifi dongle cost about 45$ , gsm dongle can be found almost 10 $ (free from gsm provider) ,USB mic (5$) ,sdcard,audio/video card all included .
Sure, with many additional feature that can be picked up if needed (Imagine Flubber movie robot ??)....
Ex: by activating one of the EZB ports linked to rpi gpio you can have python script for audio,video from your robot .
I do agree, after seeing your work , EZB active community and support, we can always filter and fine tune our ideas for the best to the community .
I'm not trying to say don't pursue the idea, I'd love to see integration between the RPi and EZB.
It is quite impressive but a little advance for me .
I will have to give it some time to grasp it and customize it to my EZB. especially that I am not a programmer and it has been A very long time when I stopped doing it.
I thought, it is good to share it with the community in case anyone is interested to work with me on this subject. As i said earlier, it is quite cost effective and will open new dimensions in connectivity , interfacing and functionality.
www.devicehive.com/blog/raspberry-pi-vs-ethernet-shield
Thanks for the support always.
http://neophob.com/2013/01/serial-communication-between-raspberry-pi-and-arduino/
Almost there
I think it will be great but still worried about performance .
It's a lot easier than trying to figure out how to make an arduino code mess
Really, it's a neat idea - but the amount of programming you will need to learn in order to have the raspberry pi do anything other than a media player will be challenging. Also, the performance is quite limiting. Hats off to your determination
I just don't want you to be disappointed in the end result - like I was
The problem that I do see potentials that can affect cost and flexibility to the community. You may use the rpi as inteligent slave in so many other areas ( if you have Linux or programming skills .... Not me), It will activate local audio,wifi,gsm , extra i/o and many other services that may facilitate others tasks.
I try to steel some time to work on these ideas, eectronics,automation and robots. I did not have time to work hard on Ezb lately . Eventhough, i just received my 2nd ezb kit +additional accessories, wifi shield, set of servos , sensors. on top of that few arduino , RPIs boards and related accessories.
As you said , I can see it coming (Ser2net tool is the solution ) but yes I am worried about performance frankly.
Thx again.