New Robot Controller Project

I've started work on a new robot controller based on the Netburner MOD5213. After lots of searching I settled on the Netburner controller for a few reasons:

• Price for the performance is outstanding. The module is only $39 and sports a 32-bit Coldfire processor with lots of hardware peripherals.
• Development Support. The dev kit includes a controller, board and complete C/C++ compiler and IDE for $99.
• Lib support. The dev kit includes the uC/OS RTOS, libs for interrupt driven SCI, A/D and GPIO support.

There are some issues that will have to be overcome:

• The controller is NOT 5 volt tolerant so a scheme for interfacing 5v sensors will need to be developed (optoisolators or a simple voltage divider come to mind).
• The dev board does not have ready made connectors for external hardware. I have started working on a daughter card that will plug into the dev board to address this.

I plan on documenting the process extensively, and will try and keep this blog up-to-date for those who want to track the progress. I also welcome and comments or questions since it can only help improve the overall design and execution.

The Robot Room

Thought I'd post a picture of where I spend time working on the robot...
It's hardly neat, but lately I've noticed how many things I DO have on hand...3 sizes of shrink tubing... all kinds of cutters and crimpers and strippers...
The one thing I couldn't live without? My Fluke DMM!
An the one thing I jones for most? An Oscilloscope!

Definate problem with the AE-35 Unit!

Some strange power glitches last night didn't stop me from charging the battery pack thick morning. And my son's cries of an awful smell didn't tear me away from the PC either. By the time I caught on the Robot Room was full of smoke (he he, not that kind!) and the battery pack was toast. A few more minutes and I would have been looking for a new hobby. Luckily, only the battery seems to have taken the hit (haven't tried the charger yet though.

R6 - Got to think of a better name...

A couple shots with the old head showing the controller board, tv transmitter and sensors.