Ok.. here's the deal. The printer is usb, and I've used the HID object, and it didn't recognize it (it may have, but it was on a usb hub.) also, the robot would be connected via usb. I thought about the wireless idea, and thought about the wireless mouse, but I wasn't sure if the part that plugs into the port had both a send and receive function to transmit info. An IR port would be neat, except it would force the robot to stay within line-o-sight (or reflections) of the port (this wouldn't be a problem if the robot was a stationary arm, which is what I think I should start with.
-Robert
-----Original Message----- From: Ian Smith-Heisters [mailto:heisters@0x09.com] Sent: Saturday, March 26, 2005 3:58 PM To: Robert Garvin Cc: pd-list@iem.at Subject: Re: [PD] controlling robots/printers w/ PD
I'm not too sure about the printer... it depends if it's USB or parallel. I'm sure either one is doable, and probably without writing in C(++). *maybe* Hans-Christoph Steiner's HID object if it's USB. I haven't used it yet, but I hear good stuff.
But for the robot, I use a serial port to communicate to a Microchip PIC which can trigger all sorts of motors, lights, sensors, etc. Again, it depends on the interface. I have no idea what sort of communication pre-built robots use. Maybe the IR port on most laptops? But if you want to use a serial port, there's a [comport] external. I mean, you could build a robot with a wireless ethernet connection, which you could pilot over the web using a joystick. (hmm... that sounds like a fun project)
If you're more specfic about the printer/robot/gizmo I'm sure I (and others around these parts) could be of more help.
-Ian
Robert Garvin wrote:
I was wondering if there was already an external to control a printer or a robot with PD. If not, does anyone know how I would go about writing one? I understand that if you were to write a binary, you'd probably have to understand C (or C+ or C++. whatever it's called). Obviously, I don't understand any of it. If anyone can help me, let me know.
Thanks,
Robert
P.s. (if there is an external for the robot stuff, is there a specific kit that would be best for PD?)