Replies （13）
- You Reply: A list:
* First thing would be a BIOS battery of some kind, or just create a batch program that allows the LattePanda Mark II (I vote for this) to get the time off the network always. I eventually made it work but there was a learning curve that most non-techies would get frustrated with.
* Make sure that prototyping board extension you are working on is ready, as it would open the board up to the realm of Pi shields.
* For those of us new to this world, LP branded education kits based on various things like programming, robotics(!) and motor controllers, and internet of things integration.
* A kit for using the device as a tablet. Yes, there are 3D printed options, but an official one would be nice. - You Reply: Just one at the moment. Are you familiar with Doctor Who? It's to make a K9 replica. It's a tin dog.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/K9_(Doctor_Who)
My older build diary: https://www.flickr.com/photos/rick_r/al ... 3968412954
Once we figure out the circuitry, then the board would let me create actual circuits instead of just breadboarding something.
[edited to add: The idea is that when I am done, I can make basically a recipe for others to make K9. I would include all 3D printing files, programming, wiring diagrams, etc. so that others can just make their own. It's like how making Artoo-Detoo units has become a hobby for many people. Working on K9, everyone seems to do their own thing from scratch. If I said, let's do this, this and this, and then use a LattePanda, so much the better.] - You Reply: Not to be a noodge (he noodged), but you said three months ago it would be ready by now. Any news?
- You Reply: Since it has been nearly two months, just checking in ... any word on this?
- You Reply: Thanks for the instructions!
Yup, He's mobile. He's a full-size replica of K9 from Doctor Who, to be specific. I have a skins kit, the frame, scooter motors for propulsion, his ears, his collar made from a Scottish tartan that a cosplay friend made for me, the ducting needed for his neck, the Syren for his probe and the Sabertooth 2x25 for his front drive wheels. In terms of a content request, I am not entirely sure how to connect the LP to the motor controllers. Any pointers on where I can learn how?
Here's the basics of his wiring diagram, so no, I am not asking people to make this for me =)
- You Reply: Excellent! Thanks for the reply. I am not in a rush to finish the project, so I will wait the two months for this product. The power supply I am looking at is a 12V 20aH SLA battery, and I am using a fusebox as well to protect the electronics. The robot will have two drive motors and a car antenna accessory that goes up and down for a "probe". They will be controlled by the Sabertooth 2x25 and a Syren 10. Dimension Engineering already provides Arduino code for those, I'm happy to say.
Something else has come up though. I did download the Visual Studio, and was going to download the Lattepanda Firmata for it. But going to GitHub, it says click on Download zip, but I do not see a download zip file to click on. Am I missing something? - You Reply: I just got the screen and now I can access the BIOS. The answer is, you need a direct HDMI connection or a screen for everything to work properly.
Next issue I have is that the time won't update when it turns on. Worked fine at first, but a week or so ago it lost the ability to sync time from the Internet on bootup. I am not sure what to do about this.
I know the issue is with windows/system32/tm32.exe
https://social.technet.microsoft.com/Fo ... nservergen explains the problem, but I have no idea how to get it up and running. It suggested a different program to run to sync the time (most internet sites require accurate time to load), but that program only ran once. Any ideas?
[eta 6/28 6pm PDT: never mind. It just started working again. Whatever I did, we're good.] - You Reply: I have it going to a monitor. But since it's a VGA monitor and I have to use an VGA/HDMI adapter, this might be the issue. What you said seems to confirm what I am now thinking.
Yesterday I went ahead and ordered the screen and touch sensor to see if that connection will let me see the lattepanda screen prior to the Windows boot. - You Reply: Thanks!
- You Reply: Thanks! The weird part is, I am not seeing anything when it boots until I see the Windows 10 welcome screen. This is the problem.
So far I have used nothing but an AC adapter to power the LP. Thanks for pointing out I need to use a 5V rail for that. I have one, no problem. - You Reply: Thanks! I double checked my DC/DC power converter, and it can take anything up to 28V and give me one 3.3V rail, which will go to the LP, and then three 5V rails, which will allow me to run the three of my servos on separate rails.
[ETA: I trimmed the post and it worked! I did the sweep Arduino sketch, and it worked, to a degree. I totally saw what you mean about the servos needing separate power though. No way the LP can power a big one even with wall power going in.] - You Reply: Thanks for the reply! Good idea on the 2x32, but I already have the 2x25. Bought it a long time ago. I have the parts, but the original logic system just didn't work.
I agree to try to set up power for the servos separately, especially for the neck servo. Mat Irvine, who built the real prop, has recommended that I have to have it push the neck down, so that it only does so when needed, and with a weight, the rest position for the head will be up. Saves wear and tear that way. - You Reply: Many years ago, I started a robotics project, a replica of K9 from Doctor Who. I got the skins for it, sound clips, made a frame and most of the necessary pieces. I bought a custom robotics controller chip that sadly only worked once. The guy who made the chip was not very approachable about the thing not working as intended, so not having any other options, I gave up. This was about 3 or 4 years ago.
Recently, while watching YouTube, I saw a channel called ExplainingComputers and he has a video where he used the LP for a week and was very impressed by it. He's done multiple videos explaining what a great little device you have. A device with wifi, bluetooth, and Windows? And support for robotics with a preloaded controller? eep. That's what I had hoped the other board would have done. And you are mass producing them and the power supply is a standardized one. Wow.
So, with my birthday coming up in about 10 days, I ordered the 4GB/64GB Enhanced unit from DFRobot along with the case, acrylic heatsinks and fan unit. It arrived today, and I've already tested it. Got the Windows up and running, connected to the Net, and to quote Anakin Skywalker: It's working! It's working! I still have to figure out a bunch of things, like how to integrate it with a Sabertooth 2x25 and Syren 10 motor controller and about 4 servos, but I have a feeling this won't be too much of a problem. I can use bluetooth as a controller, but I hope to also figure out how to get it to work with a Spektrum RC controller and BR6000 receiver chip. But once I figure those things out, my K9 replica may be a real thing after all!