Hello again,
I have created an LCD Display for the EZB4.
This is a very cheep and easy project.
You will need
1 LCD display ( my code is set up for 2 line 16 char display)
here are 5 of them for about 10 bucks USD
1 Arduino ( any model will work but i recomend the Pro MINI)
Here is a listing of them on ebay
Oh here is the wiring . again I am using the pro mini . this is showing and UNO board. the pin outs are the same.
To wire your LCD screen to your Arduino, connect the following pins:
LCD RS pin to digital pin 12
LCD Enable pin to digital pin 11
LCD D4 pin to digital pin 5
LCD D5 pin to digital pin 4
LCD D6 pin to digital pin 3
LCD D7 pin to digital pin 2
Additionally, wire a 10K pot to +5V and GND, with it's wiper (output) to LCD screens VO pin (pin3).
Arduino code:Code:
// LCD and Arduino to EZB4
// Project Created by Luis A. Vazquez
// www.dragontear.com
#include <LiquidCrystal.h>
String content = "";
LiquidCrystal lcd(12, 11, 5, 4, 3, 2);
void setup() {
Serial.begin(9600);
lcd.begin(16, 2);
lcd.setCursor(0,0);
lcd.print("EZB4 LCD Display");
lcd.setCursor(0,1);
lcd.print("By DragonTear");
}
void loop() {
readSignalFromComp();
}
void readSignalFromComp() {
if (Serial.available()) {
delay(100);
while (Serial.available() > 0) {
int temp = Serial.read();
Serial.print("Debug:");
Serial.println(temp);
if (temp == 17){lcd.clear();}
if (temp == 18){lcd.setCursor(0,0);}
if (temp == 19){lcd.setCursor(0,1);}
if (temp > 31){ lcd.write(temp); }
}
}
}
EZ-Builder ScriptCode:
UartInit(0,2,9600)
UARTWrite(0,2,17, 18, "Hello From" , 19 , "EZ-Builder")
The control codes are:
17 - to clear the screen
18 - Move cursor to line 1
19 - Move cursor to line 2
I hope this was complete and self explanitory, but if not please ask , I am willing to help.
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Im thinking about putting together a weekly video pod case. Focusing on the ezb4 but also how to hack and reuse other tech with the ezb and robotic in general.
But Ive been wondering how to integrate the Arduino into the system as a backup/fail-safe, in the event that the PC/EZB drops out, such as loss of signal, and still maintain some basic functionality.
1) common grd connection ....
2) Arduino Tx to Rx on the ezb UART
3) Arduino Rx to the Tx on the ezb UART
Arduino has no operating system, where as RP, can be used as a stand alone computer and or media center. Python is a coding language you can use with RP, and much simpler to use than C++ on the Arduino.
In terms of what they can do, it's sort of a toss up, and each one is geared for a specific thing, with a huge overlap, in what is possible in terms of motor robotics, ei. motors and controls. To make the RP a little more robust in the world of external electronics projects, you will most certainly want an add on shield for expansion, but not needed out of the box, plenty I/O to get you up and running.
If you looking for more of a warm and fuzzy device that is more on the surface that a plain text IDE, than RP. If you simply want to code out a project put it to work repeating and carrying out task, then Arduino.
www.amazon.com/Raspberry-Ultimate-Starter-components--Raspberry-Kingston/dp/B00LAAZKXQ/ref=sr_1_6?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1421967181&sr=1-6&keywords=raspberry+pi
or
www.amazon.com/CanaKit-Raspberry-Complete-Original-Preloaded/dp/B008XVAVAW/ref=sr_1_3?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1421967181&sr=1-3&keywords=raspberry+pi
I want to buy a 'package' because I don't want to get one and then have to turn around immediately to purchase something else to start using because I forgot something.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BBK072Y/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I think this approach is what ROS is geared towards, but using a different protocol (MQTT?), but seems to be the progressive model by having independent nodes/slaves to an MCU or central node. I want to start building with ez for the complex built in functions, but certainly see the value in having other micros doing other functions but with 2 way communication to ez.
And it's fast!
I am still looking into mqtt for some other uses, perhaps through a plugin as we've been discussing here http://www.ez-robot.com/Community/Forum/Thread?threadId=9646 , for easy integration into openHAB and some other systems I have running in the home.
I recently bought the EZ dev kit and am eagerly awaiting my recent omnibot purchases to get going on my first project!