Also,

does it make any sense when i ask if its possible to use the RPI3 flashed with the windows 10iot as a standalone computer to run ARC on the robot itself similar to how people use laptops to run the inmoovs?

You can't run ARC on Windows10 IOT, but if you are handy with programming, you could use the Universal Bot SDK to write the functions you want onboard on run it on an RPI3 http://synthiam.com/Products/ARC

Personally, I would spend the extra for a small Windows 10 computer. You can get one around the same size as an RPI for ~$100 that is more than sufficient for running ARC.

What are the amps of that step-down voltage regulator? You need to be concerned with inrush current on the servos. Although they don't pull much when running, they pull a ton of current at startup and can easily brownout your EZ-B if you aren't supplying enough amps.

Alan

BTW, did you build or buy that chassis and arm? I like the look of the chassis very much.

Alan

I bought the chassis as well as the arm from amazon from a company called sainsmart.

http://www.amazon.com/SainSmart-Tracks-Development-Platform-Arduino-Rover/dp/B017LTFQR4?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00

And the converter: Parameters: Input voltage: 5-35V Output voltage: 0-33V Output standard current: 2A Max current: 3A (we suggest you to leave margin) Output power: 30W Max Output current: 1.5A(please enhance cooling when > 1.5A) Output voltage preset resolution: 0.1V Voltage testing accuracy: +/-1%; +2 words Display frequency: 2 times/second Parameter set way: micro switch Operating Temperature: -10? ~ 40?

I was concerned about the amperage of the voltage regulator as well. Is there an easier or better alternative to step down from 12 volts to something the servos can handle that can supply the amps needed?

The L298N dual H bridge is more than adequate i believe to drive the 12 volt dc gear motors

Specification: Chip: L298N Logic voltage: 5V Logic current 0mA-36mA Storage Temperature: -20 ? to ? to +135 Operating mode: H-bridge driver (dual) Drive voltage: 5V-35V Drive current: 2A (MAX single bridge) Maximum power: 25W

Also, the reason i went with that sealed lead acid, and almost 4 pound battery is for stability. So the arm is not flopping around tipping the chassis over and like a forklift i have a weight ballast to keep it from falling on its face when trying to pick something up. Im still waiting on H bridge to come in the mail so i cant start putting this thing together

A high amp BEC would be better. Here are two choices from Castle Creations:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000MXAR12/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pd_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=1F1CMTG38DB3O&coliid=IXYPGTDR8HO1Q

or

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002ITEL42/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_S_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=1F1CMTG38DB3O&coliid=I3560HW9QDGQQL

(first one probably fine for a 12v system).

You will also need the Castle Creations programmer to set it up:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000BOG8V0/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pd_S_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=1F1CMTG38DB3O&coliid=ITXQ6NWH138R1

As for the H-bridge, probably OK. Again, it always comes down to amps, not volts. You want an H-bridge rated for the maximum amps at stall, plus some percentage for overhead.

Alan

Thank you Alan. I will see how she does with the dinky little 3amp step down powering the ez-b and servos off the 12 volt battery for now, but since i want to run sensors, another pan/tilt camera mount with servos etc off the ez-bv4 i will upgrade

Can you show me an example of a windows 10 computer similarly sized to the Rpi3?

See this thread for a discussion of compact Windows 10 machines: https://synthiam.com/Community/Questions/8714

I have the VoYo and it is lightning fast and works well, but seems to have a power management issue. Sometimes it won't charge when powered on, and sometimes it overheats and shuts down, but I can't seem to determine what triggers the undesired behavior.

The Voyo is about the size of 2 RPIs sitting side by side.

Alan

Quote:

I will see how she does with the dinky little 3amp step down powering the ez-b and servos off the 12 volt battery for now

You'll know pretty quickly if it works or not. If the EZ-B seems to lose network connection or restart, you know you are drawing more amps than the converter can handle. Can also exhibit "jerky" motion on the servos if it is close but not quite enough.

Alan

nice setup!

The arm does not comes with a Gripper right ? I see a Gripper picture, is compatible with the Arm ?

Regarding the RPI Camera: you can't use it with EZB.

The EZB's camera interface is Serial, and the RPI camera interface is CSI.

If you want to use you will need to add the RPI, and then you can run linux with a web cam server.

RPI Camera:

you mention before windows 10 iot, windows 10 iot does not support the RPI CSI camera, also is a "baremetal" operating system, you don't have multiple programs running.

With linux you can setup a web cam server basically turning into a IP camera, and then you can use it with ARC.

I don't think that camera will work with ARC. It certainly would not interface with the camera port on the EZ-Bv4. The ARC can also work with PC cameras USB or wi-fi based that are linked to your Windows PC running ARC.

yep, that's why i mention the rpi linux mambo jambo :)

if you have an ip camera you will have more chances, and then you can use it with ARC.

The arm didnt come with a gripper, but i have a few to tinker with. I waited a month for them to come from china, only to find out they didnt come with a servo. So waiting on servo's to come in the mail.

Interesting note: Chinese people call servos "tuo machines"

Also, i will look into turning the RPI3 and camera into a webcam server and integrate that feed into the ARC software. I do have the ez-b camera, and i will use that for tracking etc... but i really need a higher res camera

Now i realize it would have been easier to just buy a wireless IP camera, but maybe i can find more for the rpi3 to do than just run the camera

I have an adafruit pan/tilt servo camera mount i plan to mount the rpi3 camera on as well

do you have EZHD servos, do you know if they fit your robot arm ? What kind of servos you will use ? if you get a compatible gripper, let me know.

i have a RPI, camera and the adafruit pan/tilt (you will need some spacers to connect the camera), it's a simple setup and basically works independently of the robot hardware.

i plan to add some bright led lights for night vision and a photocell to improve the setup.

The robotic arm came with servo's. there are 6 total. Two 9 gram and four 55 gram servos, which are all tower pro cheapo's i may end up upgrading.

Im still waiting on the servo for this gripper arm to come in the mail, and yes it bolts directly to the end of the 6dof arm. I am very unhappy with robotshop.com which is where i ordered the gripper kit seen in the pic below. The listing showed a servo was included, and nowhere did it say it wasnt included. As soon as i complained they changed the ad and offered me a 5% discount on my next purchase.

http://www.robotshop.com/en/lynxmotion-a-style-gripper-kit.html