Blog page on fischertechnik robotics and
embedded systems.
All pictures can be viewed in full resolution.
All pictures and videos: copyright Huub van Niekerk
20 April (
Playlist)
Arduino Mega2560: Checking
the fischertechnik motor again: what's up with the wiring? Then
SPI: something is still odd, so a thorough analysis of SPDR and
more. Will there be any clarity? Click the image to watch the
video.
Hand: Starting with a motoric
and sensor test, something else happens which needs a
reconstruction. After that, what work, and what not? Click the
image to watch the video.
RaspberryPi: Using i2cdetect and
raspi-config I try to get some verification. Will a reboot, help
this time? Then I make a big oops using config, but continue
working. I do a test using piscope with a surprising result. So
what's up?! Click the image to watch the video.
Mirft2: Starting with an
oops, it becomes big OOPS: testing the whole code again, finding
part of a foot and some HSV imaging making sense. Click the image
to watch the video.
Mydfir: Testing sonar and
linefollowing leads to several questions. again. E.g., why doesn't
the robot drive backwards when meeting an object? Adding to the
algorithm shows a clue. Click the image to watch the video.
Arduino MegaADK: Testing the
mechatronics on LDR and propeller shows there's a problem
somewhere. Time to test: motor, wiring, signals, power. What's the
culprit? Click the image to watch the video.
Discovery: Adding another
motor stop for camera and changing the camera function for OpenCV
to use HSV. Will things finally start to work now? Click the image
to watch the video.
Arduino Yún: Continuing to
convert integer into a char * array and finding again it's not
easy. How do I retain a value? If I can... Click the image to
watch the video.
RaspberryPi2 & ROS: Trying
the packages again and expanding with a message. After some
mistakes in settings. what will happen? Does it run? Or does the
same error come along? Click the image to watch the video.
BeagleBoard & monorail:
Checking speed & wiring: how does the adhesive tape do? Does
it run better now? The probes show various results, but why?
Weight of an axle? Bad wiring? Click the image to watch the video.
13 April (
Playlist)
Arduino Mega2560: Starting
with a motor and propeller: why doesn't it run. Wiring? Then back
to SPI. What's wrong with the strings? Lower the speed of
mechatronics might help. Also, checking the code helps. Will it
work? Click the image to watch the video.
Hand: Again, the focus is on
the lower gears: motor, wiring, algorithm, sensors and speed.
Where does it exactly go wrong? Seems not too clear. Click the
image to watch the video.
RaspberryPi: Trying I
2C
again, I have to run raspi-config again to make the test work. So
where's the error? In my program? In the wiring? In the
electronics? Click the image to watch the video.
Mirft2: Trying to red a red
image, I try some more colour images until I find I need another
approach. This seems to work better, but I'm not quite there yet.
Also, something with the gears... Click the image to watch the
video.
Mydfir: Again: the focus is
on data from sonar, linefollowing and colours. I have to change
the algorithm a bit to find out what is happening when, but of
course nothing happens a second time. Click the image to watch the
video.
Arduino Yún: Focussing on
storing the data again, but how to do it? I need to do a
conversion between C types but somewhere the value gets lost. Wby?
How? I can narrow it down, but what then? Click the image to watch
the video.
Discovery: Testing the
algorithm and a thorough anaylsis of the results leads to a
conclusion about covered distances, timing, conditions and more.
What to do? Click the image to watch the video.
Arduino MegaADK: Last time.
a motor stopped. Why? Checking wiring, motors and code reveals
some clues, but what are the solutions? Are all signals on the
oscilloscope? Some weird stuff. Click the image to watch the
video.
RaspberryPi & ROS: Looking
into the packages and difference again, I decide to search the net
again. Finding a solution that I tried before but didn't work.
Will it work now, having migrated to version 1? Click the image to
watch the video.
BeagleBoard & monorail:
Driving the carriage goes slow, how about with diagnose? With a
little help, it goes like.... Then the reverse again, watch with 2
probes. In the end, I apply a modification, but does it work?
Click the image to watch the video.
6 April (
Playlist)
Arduino Mega2560: Following
advise, I decide to reuse the transistors and rewire. This has
direct consequences. Back to SPI: after studying the code, I
realized that the string problem has to do with the buffer.
Click the image to watch the video.
Hand: A little modification to
the weight bin. Then checking the vertikal gears again: replacing
the motors and changing the algorithm. What's up with the
inconsistencies? How can the algorithm be improved? Click the
image to watch the video.
RaspberryPi: Again, testing I
2C
leads to a new search for a header-file and info as well as a
reboot. The info leads to a new setting change, but will this
help? Click the image to watch the video.
Mirft2: Focus is on OpenCV
with red separation. From this it comes to an algorithm change and
a frame modification. But what's up with the colours? Click the
image to watch the video.
Mydfir: Following a lijn and
sonar picking up something that isn't there...again. Second
test...goes way different. So what's what? And why? Click the
image to watch the video.
Arduino Yún: Continuing with
data conversion and storage of gathered input from the
fischertechnik mechatronics, what will happen? Will it work or is
it impossible? Click the image to watch the video.
Discovery: Again, checking
the algorithm to see if the trajectory is completed. What's up?
Some mistakes, but more questions. Ending with another mysterious
run, why? Click the image to watch the video.
Arduino MegaADK: Following
advise to correctly control the pwm motors, I re-introduce the
transistor/diode/LED, except that meet with a problem (but what's
new..). Checking the rest, it seems to work, so what's up? Click
the image to watch the video.
BeagleBoard & monorail:
Testing and modifying: what works and what doesn't? Measuring
signals give a clue. Giving a bit aid, the course seems to work,
and raises a whole new question. Click the image to watch the
video.
30 March (
Playlist)
Arduino Mega2560:
Continuing with the XM motor and propeller: what's the pwm value?
Or is the wiring? Simple to find out, or is it? Then back to SPI:
what's up? Click the image to watch the video.
Hand: To handle the
counterweights easier, I decide to modify the way they're held.
This brings unforeseen consequences. How to deal with this? A
solution is found, but how about the software? Click the image to
watch the video.
RaspberryPi: Tyring I
2C
again, with more electronics. Does the test work? How does the RPi
start up? Are all headerfiles there? Click the image to watch the
video.
Mirft2: Starting with a power
issue, I need to check the battery. Then examining an image, I
find that I have to do something with the red colour. But will it
work? Click the image to watch the video.
Mydfir: Trying to test the
improved linefollwer algorithm ends in something different: sonar
test. What is happening and why? Another change in algorithm
brings other questions about the data. But how, and what? Click
the image to watch the video.
Arduino Yún: After testing the
hardware, focus us again on the data: how can I get it right? Why
do the values not get shown on screen? What about the stored data?
Click the image to watch the video.
Discovery: Using camera
images to verify the trajectory and the distance, I find that I
should change the algorithm. Click the image to watch the video.
Arduino MegaADK: Testing the
phototransistor and lenselamp to see a signal, adding an LED to be
independent of the scope. This requires a code change but does it
work? Checking the NTC gives questions. Click the image to watch
the video.
RaspberryPi2 & ROS: Trying
to solve the executable problem, I check further on the creation
of packages. Several questions arise. but how about answers? Click
the image to watch the video.
BeagleBoard & monorail:
Searching for the cause of the friction, I start with the final
idea of the last time: wheels. This progresses in checking the
alignment, sensor, wiring and rods. What's up? Click the image to
watch the video.
23 March (
Playlist)
Arduino Mega2560: With 1 of
the propeller motors into another project, I have to replace
it..but it won't run. Why? Back to what's what: code, wiring,
electronics, gEDA, pwm values, ports. But will it work? Click the
image to watch the video.
Hand: Focus is on the
contraweights, speed of the vertical gears, robustness of the carm
and the tension of the cord. What's going wrong and why? Click the
image to watch the video.
RaspberryPi: Trying I
2C
again: how does the test go? Then the question: are the LEDs ok?
Using the fischertechnik power-controller gives a surprise. Does a
reboot solve things? Click the image to watch the video.
Mirft2: Starting with 2 power
oopses prior to recording, I have another one. After fixing the
battery voltage in the code, the voltage is clearly not the cause.
What's up with the connection? What's wrong with the counters?
OpenCV shows some nice pictures. Click the image to watch the
video.
Mydfir: Testing the line
following with an object further away, the colour seems ok. But
the linefollowing strangely goes off. Using diagnostics, I find a
condition issue in the software. Click the image to watch the
video.
Arduino Yún: First, testing the
fischertechnik mechatronics and wiring. Then: back to gathering
data in C using an array. Why doesn't the file storage work? How
to check if the array has data? Click the image to watch the
video.
Discovery: Testing the
counters and trajectory again, adding a check for voltage. What
will happen this time? I'm in for a big surprise. But why does it
happen? Click the image to watch the video.
Arduino MegaADK: Testing the
sonar again, but with the odd results, I decide to replace it by
another sensor. How does this work out? Is the signal reliable?
How do the lamp and propeller influence it? Click the image to
watch the video.
RaspberryPi2 & ROS: Focus
this time is on the package 1 vs 2: can I change it so I get
working packages? Using hints from the internet, I give it a try.
Click the image to watch the video.
BeagleBoard & monorail: In a
new attempt to find out what's wrong I try vaseline. But then it
stops. So what's up? Close observation reveals something
unexpected, but how to solve it? And another major oops. Click the
image to watch the video.
16 March (
Playlist)
Arduino Mega2560: At the
Uno: the replaced fischertechnik mechatronics needs a wiring fix.
Then investigating SPDR issues again leads to some surprises. How
to go on? Click the image to watch the video.
Hand: Testing reveals I need to
add more counterweight... so I can lower the speed of the vertical
gears. Of course this needs to be tested..with some unexpected
results. Click the image to watch the video.
RaspberryPi: Trying I
2C
again: what do I still have to do? A test with an odd result, but
why? An oops with wiring. Searching for the correct library, ends
with what? Click the image to watch the video.
Mirft2: Testing the motors,
gears and counters starts with an oops, then questions. Finally I
find a wiring issue which solves a moving issue but is that the
really solution? Click the image to watch the video.
Mydfir: Testing colour and
sonar using just daylight gives some unexpected effects, one of
which is an deterioration oops. But why is that lamp burning?
Click the image to watch the video.
Arduino Yún: Changing a
fischertechnik motor into mechatronics for data requires a
complete , device oops. Click the image to watch the video.
Discovery: Continuing with
distance and stopping the motors, I have to adjust the algorithm
quite a bit. This leads to more reading out counts, and a few
corrections for screenoutput. Ouch. Finally, I can test and then
something else goes wrong. But why?! Click the image to watch the
video.
Arduino MegaADK: Testing the
mechatronics with the LDR, I find that the pwm is ok can the same
be said of the chain? Will some playing with the tension give a
clue? Then the sonar: after a code correction, I still get an odd
value. Will playing with the wiring help? Click the image to watch
the video?
RaspberryPi2 & ROS:
Continuing to find the non-executable error leads to debugging and
comparing packages and settings. Will anything work? Click the
image to watch the video.
fischertechnik convention Hoofddorp 2018: Visiting the
first convention of 2018 in NL, bringing 4 of my models: 2 riding,
1 walking and the arm. Unfortunately, the riding robot for colour
and the arm were the only models that (kind of) worked. The others
suffered from the wifi being overcrowded. So for the next
convention, I really need a plan. I made videos and put them into
this
compilation.
I also made a few
pictures that will be published in the
fischertechnikclub magazine.
9 March (
Playlist)
Arduino Mega2560: Focus is
again on SPI: strings, ASCII, timing. What works? How does it
really work? When does SPDR give the correct values? Some very
close observations. Click the image to watch the video.
Hand: Testing the algorithm
again, and using the diagnose, I find the algorithm needs a
change. Then a wiring issue shows up at the hand and a cord issue.
How to resolve the motor wiring? Click the image to watch the
video.
RaspberryPi: Focus is once again
on I
2C. Using this
configuration
info the question is does it work? Typos? Configuration
files? Source code? In the end something works, but what? Click
the image to watch the video.
Arduino Yún: Since attempts to
try getting data from sensors etc. in to Octave keep failing,
maybe gnuplot is an option. This results in an insight that I
really have to rewrite the data part of the algorithm. How will
this go? No string but what? Click the image to watch the video.
Discovery: Experiments
with the motor counters again: leading to changes in the algorithm
and more to come. Images support a conclusion and how does ROBOPro
do? The actual runs give some surprises as well. Click the image
to watch the video.
Arduino MegaADK: Another
reconstruction of the chain mechatronics for the LDR, checking on
the phototransistor/lamp with a remarkable finding and another
sensor. Will it work? Click the image to watch the video.
RaspberryPi2 & ROS: Using 2
VNC windows again, cameras via the recording laptop. Starting a
new package again, following tutorials: what does it bring? And
how does old stuff work? Some surprises and some insights. Click
the image to watch the video.
BeagleBoard & monorail:
Another reconstruction to attempt to get and keep speed. Some
improvement, but still mysteries in speed, location and more.
Click the image to watch the video.
2 March (
Playlist)
Arduino Mega2560: Again.
the first focus is on the motors: the XM and XS are swapped and XM
is removed. Now I have the switch back..which brings the focus to
SPI. Using screen/monitor I find some very weird stuff, an
explanation and that strings do work...somehow. Click the image to
watch the video.
Hand: Last time, sensors
weren't detected and motors didn't work. So time for a total
checkout: wiring, motors and algorithm, even a hardware swap. But
what's the result? Will things work now? Click the image to watch
the video.
RaspberryPi: Trying to get I
2C
working and getting a signal on the oscilloscope. Some
code-blindness, fixing the makefile, C file and a reminder about
RPi configuration. Will it work? Click the image to watch the
video.
Mirft2: During wlking,
comparing counters, doing a reset using ROBOPro. Can this be done
different? What's the spanning distance? What's the voltage? A
change in algorithm. Click the image to watch the video.
Mydfir: Continuing on all
options, where will it go wrongt this time? Soon, I find enough of
that. Time to adjust the algorithm a bit, but does that help?
Click the image to watch the video.
Arduino Yún: Trying Octave again
meets with syntax errors and conflicting info. How to go on? Also:
the fischertechnik phototransistor with lamp: how should it do?
Click the image to watch the video.
Discovery: Continuing with
the counters, it goes wrong sooner than expected. After recovery,
the algorithm needs a change..after which answers come but more
questions as well. Click the image to watch the video.
Arduino MegaADK: Continuing
with the XS motor to improve to construction...which results in a
reconstruction. Does it work? Click the image to watch the video.
RaspberryPi2 & ROS: Using a
differemce VNC setup to use camera and microphone, I keep on
debugging for something that should be executable. Will it work
out? Click the image to watch the video.
BeagleBoard & monorail:
Trying out a new brush contact but it needs some adjustment and
tinkering which leads to another reconstruction. Will it work?
Will the carriage gain speed now? Click the image to watch the
video.
23 February (
Playlist)
Arduino Mega2560: First
focus on the fischertechnik motor: how does it run, how is it
wired. Then SPI: when does the string pass on screen? What's the
value? What's the difference between screen & monitor? How
about the oscilloscope? Click the image to watch the video.
Hand: Observing the wrist yaw
switch, things are good in distance and timing. Motors don't work,
what's up? Diagnose shows wiring issues and the code needs a
change. Not to ruin anything, step-by-step going forward. Click
the image to watch the video.
RaspberryPi: Trying to get the
I2C working, I look for more #include options and makefile
changes. Then I find things change over time and small errors can
have big consequences. Will it work? Click the image to watch the
video.
Mirft2: With 2 rubber feet,
another test with some problems. What's up? Gears? Software? In
comes ROBOPro for testing: cw, ccw, counters. What works? What
doesn't? Then something weird and an oops. Click the image to
watch the video.
Mydfir: With colour, sonar
and linefollowing all active, what's the result? The algorithm has
to be adapted and the colour-calibration has to be done. Some
surprises in the data file. Click the image to watch the video.
Arduino Yun: Testing all and
getting further on Octave. Some errors, but why? Then the lamp,
why does it behave like that? Rewiring? Click the image to watch
the video.
Discovery: After
loweringthe speed, the number of images is still low. Also, why
the trajectory diversion? Changes to the code to compare motor
pulsecounts: does it help? And why are some images 0? Click the
image to watch the video.
Arduino MegaADK: Testing it
all, and making a minor mistake and discovering a wire issue. Then
a new idea: modifying a motor to deal with the fischertechnik LDR.
This also requires another change. Click the image to watch the
video.
RaspberryPi2 & ROS: First
some testing results in rewiring. Then new attempts to make the
new package run result in debugging and comparing files leaving
questions. Click the image to watch the video.
BeagleBoard & monorail: New
attempts to improve the speed results in some modifications. Will
they work out? Do diagnose and the algorithm give different
results? Click the image to watch the video.
16 February (
Playlist)
Arduino Mega2560: In an
attempt to get a motor running on the Uno, I replace the XM motor.
Will this finally work? And how? Then for testing the SPI string,
the serial monitor is back to 1 only. Searching for a solution, I
find a replacement. Does this have the same effect on the signals?
Click the image to watch the video.
Hand: Focus is on figuring out
the responses of the sensors: why are some gears interrupted? Will
changing the algorithm bring a solution? Click the image to watch
the video.
RaspberryPi: Going further on I
2C,
I find that the example algorithm has some flaws. In my attempt to
correct them, I find catch myself mixing up things a bit. In the
end, the algorihtm works, but does the hardware? What about
signals on the oscilloscope? What about wiring? Click the image to
watch the video.
Mirft2: Trying to walk again,
but it starts with an oops and ends with an oops. Why does it
"prance"? Why does it stop? How do the feet go? Click the image to
watch the video.
Mydfir: Testing sonar and
line following gives some weird as well as interesting data. Why
happens what? Out of curiosity, I enable colours and find some
oddities. What's happening here? Click the image to watch the
video.
Arduino Yún: Back to recording
data using Linux and getting them into Octave. After testing the
hardware and examining the output, some error remains but the
solution is clear. Click the image to watch the video.
Discovery: So 2 images
taken, at the beginning and at the end. Too much code? Too slow
CPU? Too much speed? Some testing and observing the output feeds a
decision with a remarkable result. Click the image to watch the
video.
Arduino MegaADK: So how
about the motor with chain? After testing the electronic control,
I find I need to replace part of it. Some more testing leads to
another replacement with a result that leaves some questions.
Click the image to watch the video.
RaspberryPi2 & ROS: Trying
to get it working again and testing it all. What works? What
doesn't and why? Some debugging and trying delivers some renewal
of experience but also questions. Click the image to watch the
video.
BeagleBoard & monorail:
Trying the tracks, I have to make sure they're really parallel. So
some modification and reconstruction. Then testing: something very
odd with a sensor. How come? Also, halting at a strange place.
Why? Click the image to watch the video.
9 February (
Playlist)
Mega2560: First focus: the
motor attached to the Uno. How can it be solved? Other motor?
Other value? Other port? Then: SPI. The strings seem to have gone,
but why? Also it turns out I have 2 serial monitors, which makes
checking out easier. Close observation with the monitor reveals
not only about SPDR but also about signals on the oscilloscope in
certain circumstances. Click the image to watch the video.
Hand: Testing the yaw of the
hand again with close observation. It becomes clear that a motor
is unhinged, but after that: what's wrong? Timing? Cord? Tension?
Using the hand as test case it becomes clear that there's more to
it. Click the image to watch the video.
RaspberryPi: Returning to the
ADC with LDR for a moment to check its values. Does it work? Then
a new subject: I
2C. What does it need? How does it
work? How do I program it? Click the image to watch the video.
Mydfir: Trying out sonar, it
first goes on linefollowing. Then: 2 objects and reaction of the
robot leads to thinking about timing. Also, the collected data
shows some oddities. Are the distances really accurate? Some
doubts are justified. Click the image to watch the video.
Arduino Yún: Again: data. Can I
get it into a table for Octave? Can I delete the data file? Some
surprises on the way to a solution. What works? What won't? Click
the image to watch the video.
Discovery: Testing
sensors, sonar, timing and OpenCV on the floor. As an extra, I put
the camera image live on the controller display. What are the
results? What should be changed? Reviewing images reveals a
necessity to change the algorithm. But will this work out? Click
the image to watch the video.
Arduino MegaADK: Why doesn't
a motor work? Checking wiring and code. Swapping, from analog to
digital and back...what are the results? Then a lamp..wiring or
voltage? Back to the motor: voltage or pwm? Click the image to
watch the video.
RaspberryPi2 & ROS: After
last time, I'm curious why the build of the new packages goes
wrong. But something else goes wrong before I can check. What's
up? Why? History repeating, it seems. Click the image to watch the
video.
BeagleBoard & monorail:
First, the focus is on the rails/tracks. They seem a bit off.
Then, would adding some weight to the carriage help? Some speed
change is observed, but will it keep up? Click the image to watch
the video.
2 February (
Playlist)
Arduino Mega2560: First
focussing on the motor: why doesn't it work? Pwm value? Wiring?
Swapping wires? Then SPI. After a discussion, I decide to change
the algorithm a bit and change a byte. The result is somewhat
surprising, but not consistent. And showing another problem as
well: info is garbled. Click the image to watch the video.
Hand: Trying to get the yaw
working, I find some oddities in the construction. Observation
brings more problems to the surface and questions about the
software. Although improved, more has to be done. Click the image
to watch the video.
RaspberryPi: Testing the ADC
with the potmeter as analog source requires a modification and a
tool. The result is somewhat surprising. Then another surprise on
an LDR. What's up? Click the image to watch the video.
Mirft2: First testing on the
oscilloscope, then on the floor. What's wrong with the object?
What's wrong with the motors? ROBOPro is there to test and find
out that things aren't that easy. Click the image to watch the
video.
Arduino Yún: First testing,
then: how does the data behave? Is the logfile correct this time?
Changing the way the data is written should be different, how does
that work out? Octave shows a message that may give a problem with
the logfile. Click the image to watch the video.
Arduino MegaADK: Time to get
the motor with chain working. To get this done, it helps when the
wiring is complete and when the code is correct. Does the motor
work? In all circumstances? Click the image to watch the video.
RaspberryPi2 & ROS: Testing
and creating a new package. How will this go? Using the tutorial,
it should go smooth, but mistakes happen easily. Let's try anyway.
Click the image to watch the video.
BeagleBoard & monorail: After
advise to tighten to wire connections, I try again. Will this
help? The oscilloscope show the familiar signals. Does the new
track give improvements? Then 2 oopses and 1 reconstruction
to come. Click the image to watch the video.
26 January
Arduino Mega2560: Starting
with the Uno and SPI, the number from SPDR is stranger by the
time. Then: why does the motor not respond? Some wiring tricks
reveal a very odd situation. But how to solve it? Click the image
to watch the video.
Hand: With the yaw still not
working nice, I find the first test going wrong on the wrist. This
needs a modification. After that, some odd findings. But why?
Timing? Construction? Wiring? Click the image to watch the video.
RaspberryPi: Testing the ADC
which still seems to go well. So how can I extend the setup when I
don't have any more sensors? First, clean up the board, then place
the components. Also: adjust the program and testing the new
situation does bring a suprise. How come? Finally, updating gEDA.
Click the image to watch the video.
Mirft2: It starts with a
wrong screen, somewhere followed by a power off. Sigh. Then back
to sensors. with oscilloscope. In finally find that ROBOPro is
correct all the way, so where's the 0-1-2 counting gone? Finally,
back on the floor. Something has to change. Click the image to
watch the video.
Mydfir: Trying sonar again:
what goes wrong? Why? The data shows not all, so I change the
algorithm a bit...but still inconclusive. In the end, a
surprise...but can it be repeated? Click the image to watch the
video.
Arduino Yún: Testing shows some
electronics is wrong and a fix is needed. Next: why does some of
the written data not appear in the logfile? Finally: can I import
the logfile into
Octave? Click the image to watch the video.
Discovery: Testing sensors
and no change in behaviour, it's time for a change: testing on the
floor and of course with a larger distance. What can be concluded,
if anything? Click the image to watch the video.
Arduino MegaADK: No Android
anymore. But how can I differentiate from Mega2560 when the USB
host is unusable? First: check the photo-transistor with the
oscilloscope. Then: add a motor, electronics and some code? What
goes wrong? Click the image to watch the video.
RaspberryPi2 & ROS: Focus
is again on messaging. Why doesn't it work the way I want? Last
series of attempts before (maybe) starting over. Click the image
to watch the video.
BeagleBoard & monorail: The
long awaited reconstruction of the track is finally there. After
it, some more tests..with which results? Click the image to watch
the video.
19 January
Arduino Mega2560: SPI
again: I know where it goes wrong. But why? Testing a small
algorithm change, I can confirm it works in another place. So
what's up? Then: why does the Uno motor not work? Speed? Wiring?
Click the image to watch the video.
Hand: Again the yaw of the
hand: after changes for the wiring, it shows that a reinforcement
is needed..whcih needs a reconstruction. Does it work? Also: to
make the lower-gear sensors work, a relocation of the
counter-weight is a solution. How? And does it work? Click the
image to watch the video.
RaspberryPi: Using the ADC,
testing 1 LDR and expanding with more components, among which
fischertechnik. This gives a surprising result. Changing the code
to work with more than 2, gives a problem first but when it's
solved gives some more insight. The oscilloscope shows some
signals, but how to differentiate? Click the image to watch the
video.
Mirft2: Testing sensors
again, but starting with an oops. After a check, further tests
which leads to a change in counting. Which is which? Using ROBOPro
is become clear that the algorithm has a flaw. And still sensor 2
is missing?! Click the image to watch the video.
Mydfir: The focus is this
time on sonar, but something is not quite right. After a
power-cycle, it works slightly better, but why? A little algorithm
change, will that help? Several tests later and comparing
data...what's the verdict? Click the image to watch the video.
Arduino Yún: With almost
everything working, it's time for something new. Choice is a
fischertechnik phototransistor, but how to connect it? There's an
input available, but how about output? It also requires wiring and
some code. Will everything work? Click the image to watch the
video.
Discovery: Testing sensors
because of confusion gives some unexpected results. ROBOPro points
out that some wires are different than thought, so all good? Some
screenoutput points to a replacement, but what's the result? Then
a big oops, but how come? How is it solved? Click the image to
watch the video.
Arduino MegaADK & Android:
Testing the Arduino and Android, I check the last timing result
with for-loops. What's the result? Then I check details on the
connection and find an oops. On with the Arduino: I need some
rewiring and I find an oops in the code for the lamp. Click the
image to watch the video.
RaspberryPi2 & ROS: Into
messages again: will throwing away help? Will replacing help? Will
adding help? Will "catkin_make install" help? What does the
tutorial say again? Click the image to watch the video.
BeagleBoard & monorail:
Testing the speed with the modified carriage brings new questions.
Is more modification needed? How? What's the height of the track?
What's stopping it? What makes it run? Connection issues...and how
to solve them. Click the image to watch the video.
12 January
Arduino Mega2560: Testing
SPI again: where does it go wrong at the Uno-side? Slowly a
mystery comes to surface, but why does it happen at all? Also, at
some other point it does go well..but how come? Click the image to
watch the video.
Hand: While trying to improve
the yaw cord, I realize that a major reconstruction is needed. But
how will this end up? Does the software need change? Click the
image to watch the video.
RaspberryPi: Trying the ADC
again by rewiring to the original schema and code with a
surprising result. Which becomes visible on the oscilloscope after
a change of the timebase. Then: how does everything else work?
Searching the net gives a clue, but will it work here as well?
Click the image to watch the video.
Mirft2: After the new
authorization, what happens? Testing with the images gives an
unpleasant surprise with the date. What's with the battery? Then
with the oscilloscope shows some weirdness on the pwm. What's up?
Sensor testing brings confusion. Click the image to watch the
video.
Mydfir: Line following again:
why is the righthand side not ok? Why is sonar acting strange?
Searching for clues in data shows oddities. Is the code ok? Click
the image to watch the video.
Arduino Yún: Testing the
circuit, then code: why is only 1 value recorded? Some testing
reveals 2 problems and a quick solution. Then it's time to replace
a potmeter without the need to rewire, but it takes some
soldering. Will everything work? Click the image to watch the
video.
Discovery: Checking the
motors with the oscilloscope reveals that 1 motor has no signal: a
problem which is quickly solved. Next: authorization, then: how do
the sensors behave? ROBOPro shows all work, so with 1 sensor
reporting, what's up? Click the image to watch the video.
Arduino MegaADK & Android:
First, testing everything and thinking of improvements. Then: how
to increase the delay on the Android? Which value to exceed 1
second? Next: the Arduino... constructing a lamp, rewiring and
recoding. Does it work? Click the image to watch the video.
RaspberryPi2 & ROS: Testing
shows the current situation works, kind of. Trying several ideas
on the messages, what will work? Then some electronics oops. In
the end, an idea for next time. Click the image to watch the
video.
BeagleBoard & monorail: New
rails haven't arrived yet. Testing reveals the balance is off. So
first task is to solve this. Then: again some wiring. Time to
really solve it. Also: if pressure solves the speed, then adding
some weight may help. But how? Click the image to watch the video.
5 January 2018 (
Playlist)
Arduino Mega2560: Testing
the motor at the Uno side: does it still work? SPI signal on the
oscilloscope: what's up? Testing the switch for SPI: what should
the result be? Some algorithm change needed. Click the image to
watch the video.
Hand: With the new winch, a
wire needs to be put in place. Then some testing on the gears, the
wrist, the algorithm. What about tension? Direction? Switches?
Click the image to watch the video.
RaspberryPi: Testing with a new
ADC using ESD, (re)wiring, LDRs, recoding Python. How will it
work? Click the image to watch the video.
Mirft2: Continuing with
trajectory and sensors: why seems only sensor 2 ok? What does
ROBOPro tell ? What does the algorithm look like? Also, the scp
command should be automated. Click the image to watch the video.
Mydfir: Testing and reasoning
about the sensors leads to some code adjusments with regards to
values. Some testing shows this finally maye work, but give
straight lines and curves the same result? How about the sonar?
Click the image to watch the video.
Arduino Yún: After testing, it's
time to use all of the Yún: there's Linux too. As well as a USB
memory stick. And some code to change. And an extra ssh terminal.
Will it work? Click the image to watch the video.
Discovery: To solve an
authentication problem, I need to test. But how is the trajectory?
And why? And what's with the batteries? Will change of firmware
bring clarity? Click the image to watch the video.
RaspberryPi2 & ROS: Testing
shows some rewiring is needed and messaging seems a mess again.
But how to solve it? Some replacement is needed too. Will it work?
Click the image to watch the video.
BeagleBoard & monorail:
Reconstructing the carriage is badly needed, but how will it end
up? Some wiring is messed up again, but how to fix it? Again
testing using Python and diagnose. Click the image to watch the
video.