
Dunning-Kruger
It might be because it is really early, but another thread got me thinking (fantasizing actually) about something... Since PCs are getting smaller and cheaper all the time, how feasible would it be for EZ Robot to develop a mini itx type PC/Pi with an embedded EZB in it? An all in one solution kind of deal... Would it be easy to develop? How about cost?
There could be more IO ports and more power to run peripherals.... Yeah, I know... Dream on right? But robotics are moving towards the PC anyway, right?... I could really see something like this being used for David's Rafiki, inMoovs and other large indoor/out door robots that would otherwise need multiple ezbs and a computer on board anyway.... Ok, cost might be too high and with a possible USB version of the EZB it may be moot.... Just dreaming anyway LOL
I still say a "PLUG IN EZB" is the easy way to go. This way a mini computer of your choice plugs in (usb) and allows as much or as little power as you want. I had mentioned a "piggy back" idea a while ago. This way you add and maybe daisy chain what ever additions you want. I had also thought about an I/O hub for more communications.
This way no big re-design / tooling costs. just plug in and add as you go.
Anyway there is my two cents to the discussion.
Ron R
(EZB v6 or v7 ?)
Ron R
Ron R
Now, a premium EZB with more ports, audio output, and USB3 (Still want the WiFi too) I could go for. A better way to hold it in the power base would be good as well.
An easy to replace wifi module that would allow you to then use USB instead of wifi would be cool also. I am sure that there are reasons that this would be difficult, but that would be really cool and kind of solve everything.
When the kids play with EZB they play in the living room (wifi router), so not a big issue.
When i try to demo something in my office, i start to have wifi issues,
The best connections i got so far was with the original cable router which i think they are tuned to max the signal outside of the standards (is a guess) but feature limited (VPN Passthrough and other NAT features).
also there are too many wifi networks near by me, right know i've found at least +30 ssids, and most of them are strong, alternating the channels.
I don't have issues with the laptops, recent androids but i have with ipad 2 and iphones 5 and EZB.
Something with USB, would work as plan B, but is a different concept.
Anyway I am stoked for a usb version of the EZB4....
Alan
Ron R
Also would like to see en external audio connector along with the internal one, and maybe a better power connector to the base unit.
Talking about smaller pc platforms, how about a computer/windows environment that doesn't take several minutes to boot up. kinda kills the excitement of a robot with an on-board computer that can't do anything until the computer is done booting and loading up, several minutes later after applying power to everything.
How fast does the Acer W3 boot ? (w3-810 model?)
Alan
Wouldn't that also apply to your PC that you are currently using for your robot projects? Unless you leave it on all the time, the same "wait for boot and load ARC project" applies to your laptop or desktop too...
@Alan... I am looking at the VOYO or something similar.... After using it for a bit would you still recommend it?
Two cents more.
Ron R
This has occurred twice, and both times it was when I applied power after the battery was low, but while it was running. If I boot it while plugged in it seems fine, and if I run it on battery it seems fine. The review I read that led me to order it indicated it would not charge while operating. I have not seen that, but there is clearly something squirrely with the charging circuitry.
If you use it supervised it is probably fine. I would not leave it operating and plugged into external power unsupervised though.
Alan