How do I give a radio control car autonomous control

[Kenjones1935]

I have a freebie copy of the CAD program Schematic Plus. I also have access to CAPTURE.

I have not been able to find Microchip provided vector based images of their products. I would like to add the 44 pin 16F887 to my CAD library.

Ideas?

Ken

[Byte_Butcher]

I would like to add the 44 pin 16F887 to my CAD library.

Ken

44 pin?
I kind of assumed you'd be using a 40 pin DIP package.

I thought all the 44 pin packages were surface mount...

What package style ARE you using?


steve

[Kenjones1935]

Steve,

I had hoped that I could prototype with Microchip's PICkit 2 Debug Express. That may not be practical.

First off FEDEX or whatever has to deliver my PICBASIC PRO software package. Then I need the DPDT switches I'm getting from Newark. Then I need to master the programming. I want to use the DPDT switches to toggle the signals into the rear wheels electronic speed control (ESC) and the steering servo between the radio receiver and the PIC.

I also may need two battery packs. The ESC uses a 7.2 volt Ni-Cd pack. The PIC needs a 5 volt arrangement. I could put a 5 volt regulator in front of the PIC. Trouble is the 7.2 volt batteries do not last very long when at the track. Two voltage sources would be preferable but more difficult to physically install.

I need to be able to draw a schematic. The PIC will control the DPDT switches guided by a binary (PWM?) signal from the third channel in the RC system. The PIC will also have to react to whatever sensor interrupts (light for one and maybe touch in front) as well as generate steering and ESC signals when autonomous.

The RC racing will as original. Its speed and flexibility will not be compromised. Autonomous mobility can be slower. It is still part of the race, but speed will be less important than good programming.

It would be nice to program the autonomous actions with a simple language like LOGO or ROBOlab or whatever is used for VEX. I have not the faintest idea how to accomplish that without direct help from one of those organizations.

Little by little with you guys help==>

Ken

[Kenjones1935]

My PICBASIC PRO arrived today.

I have gotten more confidence by going down the paths suggested in:
http://letsmakerobots.com/node/928 There are some pictures of prototyping.

I might use a cheap RC car to start. One that has no electronic speed control unit and whose steering is done by a motor, not a servo.

I need hook up wire (Radio Shack).

I have no oscilloscope. All I have is a very old multimeter. Good enough?

Ken

[Kenjones1935]

Steve,

I am planning to prototype with the PICkit 2 Debug Express. It has a 44 pin surface mounted PIC. I will use hookup wire to jump from the PICkit board to my perfboard. If I blow the PIC a new board costs less than $25.

I am having trouble getting my new PICBASIC PRO software to work. It can compile, but not program. It can not find a programmer application. Maybe I should uninstall the software that came with my PICkit 2 Debugger Express. What do you think?

I am not sure how to proceed. The manual does not give any help.

KEn

[mackrackit]

Yes, install the PicKit software
Load the HEX into it and and click write. You can turn the power on and off from there also.
There should be a PDF manual with the PicKit or you can get it from Micrchips web site.

[Byte_Butcher]

Yep, like Dave sez... load up the PICKit software.

The user guide for the PICKit should get you started.

Then it's time to start writing soem simple programs like "Blinky LED" to get a feel for how stuff works.

That 16F887 should be great for your little car. Lots of I/O, 2 HPWM channels, plenty of pins that support ADC to read your sensors.

You mentioned earlier that you have no 'scope, just an old voltmeter. That should be fine for most troubleshooting. You might want to watch Craigslist or Ebay for a used scope. For low speed stuff you can also use a voltage divider on the microphone input of your soundcard, and use a program like Audacity or similar to capture your waveforms for viewing.

You're gonna have fun. Load up that PICKIT software and get it going!


steve