Animation Controller.
Withdrawn This
product is withdrawn from sales. It is listed here for reference purposes only.
The Low Cost Controller Hardware Module is a small box. that attaches
to your computer's serial port. It gets power from a wall transformer.
Thin, flexible wires connect your robot to the controller. A Users Guide
contains operating instruction, and tutorials on robotics and Qbasic. Programming
interface for Visual Basic, Qbasic, and "C" languages, including source
code. Hardware interface documented for use with other languages.
The controller is designed for use with LEGO 9 volt motors and lights.
Most small motors in the 6 to 12 volt range will work well with this controller.
This controller works well with Lego 9 volt train sets.
The Wired Controller is designed for a school environment. Outputs are
short-circuit protected. There are no batteries to go dead. Lights on the
front panel indicate which circuits are energized, making it easy to find
broken cables. These features also make the controller well suited for
scene animation in commercial and home environments.
Low Cost Controller
Specifications
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Size: 4.75x 2.5x 1.6 inches.
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Line voltage: 120 volts 60 Hertz. (International power supply available)
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M1 (Motor 1) output: 9.0 volts, 0.5 amps.
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M2 (Motor 2) output: 9.0 volts, 0.5 amps.
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M3 (Motor 3) output: 9.0 volts, 0.5 amps.
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M4 (Motor 4) output: 9.0 volts, 0.5 amps.
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M1, M2 combined will not exceed 0.7 amps.
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M3, M4 combined will not exceed 0.7 amps.
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M1, M2, M3, M4 combined will not exceed 1.0 amps.
Technical Description
The controller hardware module contains an 8051 micro-processor. This is
a small computer with it's program stored in EPROM. Power to motor curcuits
is controlled by solid state H-bridge components. 9 volt motor power is
provided by a 78xx style voltage regulator. When a DC motor is reversed,
power is turned off for about one half second. This allows time for the
motor to stop turning before reverse power is applied. Motor speed is controlled
by pulse width modulation. Crystal based timers allow precise control of
how long a motor runs. Change in sensors is automatically fed back to the
PC. Outputs are short circuit protected. A short will turn off the motors,
and send an error message to the PC.