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Mini Robot Controller |
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The functionality of this smaller Robot Controller is very similar to the full-size FRC Robot Controller and operates on the same basic principles. The basic differences on the Mini Robot Controller are: 1) smaller size and reduced weight, 2) fewer inputs and outputs, and 3) remote operation using the RS422 Radio has been replaced by control using a standard hobby radio control (R/C) transmitter /receiver set. Not compatible with the VEX transmitter/receiver. The Mini Robot Controller collects signals from both the remote user and the on-board sensors and then processes them using a Microchip 18F8520 PICmicro microcontroller. The program being executed in this microcontroller takes the data, determines what to do with the outputs to make the robot behave as desired, and sets the PWM, digital, and solenoid outputs to the appropriate states. The Mini Robot Controller comes with a default program that will handle most robot control needs. If more sophisticated control of the robot is desired, then the default program can quickly be modified to provide the required functions of the robot. |
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EDU-RC-2004 |
$249 |
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Mini RC Reference Guide (Mar-1-2004, pdf) Start Programming / Code - Software, Manuals and Default Code Programming in C or Graphical Low Cost Wireless using R/C Hobby Radios Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) |
Mini TTL Port Test (zip, 10-3-05) A quick way to test the TTL
Serial Port, instr included, not supported. Mini RC DDT Code (zip, 1-26-05) use with IFI Loader Dynamic Debug Tool only, instructions included.
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2004-2005 Full-Size RC |
2004-2005 Mini-RC |
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Inputs and Outputs |
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| Interrupt Inputs | 6 | 6 |
| Digital I/O | 16, Each can be In or Out | 16 User Definable as A/D In (10-bit) or Digital I/O |
| Analog Inputs | 16 (10-bit) | |
| Digital Input Sampling Frequency (typical) | 100KHz | 100KHz |
| Analog Input Access Time | 10μSec | 10μSec |
| Relay Outputs | 16 (8 Fwd, 8 Rev) | 6 (Solenoid Drivers) |
| PWM Outputs, Standard refresh (17mSec) | 12 (standard) | 8 total (standard or fast) |
| PWM Outputs, Fast refresh (up to 2mSec) | 4 (fast) | |
| Serial Ports | TTL Serial (115Kb) and RS232 Program (115Kb) |
TTL Serial (115Kb) and RS232 Program (115Kb) |
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User Programmable Micro-Controller |
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| User Microcontroller Brand | Microchip PICmicro® | Microchip PICmicro® |
| User Microcontroller Type | PIC18F8520 | PIC18F8520 |
| User Processor Speed | 10 MIPS* | 10 MIPS* |
| Variable Space | 2048 bytes + 1024 bytes EE2 |
2048 bytes + 1024 bytes EE2 |
| Program Space | 32K | 32K |
| Programming Language | PIC C | PIC C |
| Programming Tools | Microchip MPLAB IDE | Microchip MPLAB IDE |
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General Features |
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| Main Battery | 12V Robot battery | 7.2V battery |
| Battery Backup for RC and Radio | 7.2V Backup battery | - |
| Tether to Operator Interface | Yes | - |
| Size (W x L x H) | 6" x 7" x 0.9" | 3.4" x 4.6" x 0.75" |
| Weight | 0.67 lbs. | 0.24 lbs. |
*MIPS = Million Instructions Per Second
This information is preliminary and may change without notice.
| The micro-controller inside the Innovation First
2004-2005 Robot Controller is the Microchip PIC18F8520 from the PICmicro®
microcontroller family. While this chip can be programmed in Assembly
or C, the default code supplied for the user has been written in C. The
user will be writing code directly at the hardware layer, but all the necessary
code for integrating the micro-controller into the system has already been
written by IFI and will be mostly hidden from the user. For this reason the user's code can be somewhat abstracted from the hardware layer, and beginners will be able to program it in C without needing to have intimate knowledge of the micro-controller architecture. At the same time, full access to most of the micro-controller's peripherals and features will also be available to those who wish to learn them. We have strived to maintain a balance between ease of use for the new programmer and full control of the powerful Microchip for the advanced user. It is recommended that new users focus on learning the C programming language's syntax, structure, and programming practices. After one is familiar with C, some benefit would also be derived from learning about Microchip PICmicro® microcontrollers. Most books on this topic, however, use Assembly language for their examples, which may confuse a new user, but they can still be useful for learning about the PICmicro® architecture, peripherals, and features. The user will use Microchip's software tools for developing their code for the Robot Controller, which are currently only available for the Windows platform. No special hardware will be required to program your Robot Controller from a PC other than a standard serial port and DB9 serial cable. Innovation First has made every attempt to minimize the time it will take for beginners to quickly get a robot running. By the same token, even power-users should be excited about the capability of the new system. Every user will have the opportunity to gain experience dealing with real world systems, and to learn real-time programming concepts. As with any completely new system, there will be some learning curve for all users, but with this new Robot Controller every team should be able to take their FIRST experience to the next level. New Graphical Programming |
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The Mini Robot Controller can use the signals from standard hobby radio-control (R/C) receivers for remote operation. In this manner a human operator can use the joysticks and switches on their standard hobby R/C transmitter to control the robot. If you do not already have access to a R/C Hobby Radio, they are available for $100+ from Tower Hobbies and others. The use of R/C Hobby Radios dramatically reduces the overall cost of developing small robots in classroom/education environments. Not compatible with the VEX transmitter/receiver. This control is accomplished by connecting the outputs from the hobby R/C receiver(s) to the �R/C PWM IN� connectors of the Mini Robot Controller with three-wire PWM cables. Servo extension cables will also work with some modification. The Mini-RC monitors these PWM signals and converts them to a value that can be used by the internal software to control the robot. A separate battery is not required for the hobby R/C receiver. Power will be supplied to the receiver through the PWM cables from the Robot Controller. |
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IFIRobotics 1519 Interstate 30 West Greenville, TX 75402 Info@IFIRobotics.com 903.453.0802 |
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"Innovation First" and
"IFIRobotics.com" are marks of Innovation First, Inc. All other product
names/marks of others are the property of their respective owners. |
