Connecting Arduino to ARC
Description
Program an Arduino and connect it to ARC to become an EZ-B.
Related Robot Skills
Compatible Arduinos
This tutorial currently covers what Arduino's are compatible with ARC, where to download the firmware, how to flash the Arduino and connect to ARC.
Once you follow this tutorial and program an Arduino, you will be able to connect an Arduino to ARC and control the Arduino. Essentially, you will be converting an Arduino into an EZB. The best part about this is having access to the source code means you can add new functionalities to the Arduino and extend the capabilities of ARC. The one item to note is each Arduino will have different capabilities or lacking capabilities (i.e. video, audio, etc.).
ARC Version
- This feature works with ARC 2019.01.31.00 Beta or newer
Arduino Capabilities Additionally, each Arduino model will have a different MCU (microcontroller) with different capabilities for servos, PWM, and Analog. Consult the datasheet/manual of the Arduino you're using to ensure you understand what ports are available for different commands. For example, some Arduino models only allow PWM/Servos on specific digital ports. Meanwhile, other Arduino's share I2C with Analog ports. You will have to determine what ports are available because we have no idea due to the number of Arduino versions out there. For example, servo ports on Arduino UNO must be PWM ports 3, 5, 6, 9, 10, and 11. These limitations are that of the Arduino libraries and hardware.
There's a significant number of Arduino's variations out there each with slight modifications. This means the base firmware provided in this tutorial can be modified for various Arduino configurations. Also, you are free to add new features to the Arduino firmware and register them as Capabilities to be used in ARC. But, that's a future edit of this tutorial
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Compatible Official Arduinos The ARC software is compatible with a number of Arduino products, which the firmware can be found on their respective pages. Find your Arduino board and download the firmware from this page: https://synthiam.com/Support/Hardware/Hardware-Overview
Download the firmware source code for your Arduino version or compatible from the above link and continue to the next step of this tutorial. *Note: compatible or clone Arduino's will require a toolset and library installation to compile the firmware. Check the Arduino compatible product manual for instructions on adding libraries and tools to the Arduino IDE for clone hardware.
Welcome. Start with the getting started guide in the support section: https://synthiam.com/Support
ok, I managed to master your excavator software works on the cable now it remains to buy raspberry for wfi. will pc steering wheel work to control?
Awesome!
For WiFi i would recommend an EZ-Robot EZ-B v4 or EZ-Robot IoTiny from here: https://www.ez-robot.com/Shop/
Because they have Audio & Video
and the steering wheel will work like here https://fb.watch/2QEtOdmE84/ ?
Has there been any updates on the tutorial on how to customize the firmware? I was really hoping I could use ARC to bridge an arduino UNO with an LCD panel and a laptop to do some more robust AI stuff
Hey Lipe, what specifically are you looking for to customize the firmware? You'd have to learn how to program in Arduino to customize the firmware. There's nothing specific about the firmware that requires any additional knowledge. Simply open the arduino firmware sketch into the arduino editor and modify the pieces you're interested in.
However, if you merely want an LCD panel, then that doesn't require the firmware to be modified. You can start by getting a Serial (UART) LCD panel. Then, you can send Serial commands through the Arduino from ARC to the LCD.
Here's a link I found that will be helpful: https://synthiam.com/Community/Questions/Lcd-Display-Help-1165/comments
Hello everyone,
I am using Arduino Mega and controlling it with ARC. Currently communicating through the USB port COM3. The Arduino Mega has 53 ports. EZB only seems to let me have dropdowns to program 23 pins. 23 pins, that's it? Am I missing something with an option?
I 3D printed Johnny 5's head from the movie Short Circuit. I have servos for every little part, relay boards, RGB eyes, lasers, voice and there's just no more room for another Arduino board for yet another COM port. I put so much into this project. Rebuilt so many times. Cursed endlessly. Please offer any advice.
Thank you.
There would need to be a modified firmware and some sort of robot skill that extends the d24 ports to v ports. I’d have to think on that.