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
Well looks like we are going to get our wish for USB connectivity with the EZB4 1/2 (if I understand the new Comm expansion configuration control correctly)
@RoboHappy
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?
A female header on the the bottom of the EZB with a raw audio out , usb (possible micro) and what ever else that could be thought of would be nice. The power base could carry the needed connectors for the 1/8 audio jack, larger usb port, grove connectors etc. or an ability for plugging in an expansion board. Just plug in the EZB and the connections are made. A breakout cable could also be offered to allow baseless or caseless EZB use.
Two cents more.
Ron R
@Richard R. I have had one issue with the VOYO that is a little scary since it is a LiPO battery. I had been running it unplugged, on its own battery power for a while. When I plugged it in to charge, while still powered on, it got very hot, and shut down. When rebooting, it kept going to a bootloader screen (looked like a Linux variant instead of windows). I let it cool down, then plugged it in without powering it up and the battery charged and everything was fine.
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
@Alan... thanks for that.... Here's hoping it will stop happening