Oricom Technologies Bot-Cop Servo Controller

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BOTCOP-SVO - Multi-Servo Dual-Processor Controller
--- small board with networked servo controller chip
and Basic Stamp 2 (or similar) module --- ORDER INFO

(details) BOTCOP-SVO-ASY - Multi-Servo Dual-Processor Controller - assembled & tested, $55.95.
(details) BOTCOP-SVO-KIT - Multi-Servo Dual-Processor Controller Kit - servo chip, pcb, & parts, $40.95.
BCP28-MSC - MSCC20 Servo Controller Chip - chip only, $20.95.
BOTCOP-PCB1 - BOT-COP Controller Card - bare pcb only, $14.95.

NOTE - that the Stamp module not-included with the BOTCOP-SVO boards.

BOTCOP-SVO
Blow-up

... See also ...
BOTCOP-WMC
Dual-Processor
Walking Machine
Controller
The OricomTech BOTCOP-SVO Controller is a self-contained dual-processor board. It mounts both a servo controller chip and "host processor" module, and is ideal for use in mobile robots, automation devices, and for robot walkers.

The board can control up to 26 R/C servos in total.

The MSCC20 servo controller chip generates precise timing for up to 18 servos, and is used to off-load these cycle-intensive calculations from the host processor.

The 24-pin Stamp (or similar) module is programmable in high-level language, such as Basic, and used to hold user-written programs. The 24-pin module can also directly control up to 8 additional servos on a part-time basis.

The 2 processors communicate via a local 0-5v RS-232 buss located on the pcb, and either processor can talk to an external host PC using regular RS-232 levels.

The combination of dedicated servo controller chip and programmable host processor on one board is the ideal combination of dedicated speed and general programmability. For example, the servo chip can be used to control leg servos on a robot walker, while the 24-pin module can be user-programmed in Basic language to execute all decision-making operations for the robot, as well as control additional servos for sensor sweeps, robotic arms, etc.

With standard slave servo controller boards, like the MSCC20 and others, a separate remote host processor board must be used. With the BOTCOP-SVO board, however, both host and servo processors are conveniently located on the same small-size, low-cost board. The result is a small self-contained system, which alleviates the need to buy a separate carrier board for the 24-pin module.

FEATURES

The BOTCOP-SVO board has all of the same general features as the MSCC20 Controller, except that the servo-chip is limited to controlling 18 servos. In addition, the servo-chip provides up to 5 "true" 10-bit A/D input channels, as well as up to 18 additional digital I/O lines, to the 24-pin module. True A/D channels are not available on most BS2-compatible modules (see below).

The 24-pin module can be any one of the following:

Basic Stamp BS2-family
OOPic-C module
Netmedia BX-24 module
Basic Atom 24
ARM Express (or Express Lite)

The ARM Express modules are the most powerful of those listed, and about the same price. The Basic Atom and OOPic-C are the least preferable [in our opinion].

check the next page for
software code for interfacing 24-pin module and servo-chip
info on reset pin of 24-pin module

Power

input power 8-12 vdc at 20-50 mA for controller.

5 vdc, 1-Amp, TO-220 regulator can be used for driving external loads.

power for servos and driven devices normally provided from off-board.

Physical

3.3" x 2.8" (85 x 71 mm) - small-size, industrial-quality, double-sided FR4 pcb with heavy buss traces, plated-through holes, solder masks and silk-screens.

mounting hole at each corner (#4 screw).

NOTE - that the BOTCOP-SVO Controller can be operated as a regular slave servo controller from
a host PC, or other processor, without the 24-pin module needing to be installed.
Alternately, the 24-pin module can be used without the servo chip installed.

<| BOTCOP-SVO-ASY - Multi-Servo Dual-Processor Controller - assembled

includes all BOTCOP-SVO-KIT parts, pre-assembled and tested.

<| BOTCOP-SVO-KIT - Multi-Servo Dual-Processor Controller Kit

Includes the majority of parts required for board operation - about 60 parts total:

---- BOTCOP-PCB1 circuit board.

---- MSCC20 multi-servo controller chip.

---- power supply - including 7805-style 5v, 1-Amp voltage regulator.

---- cpu parts, including 20 Mhz crystal.

---- RS-232 port components.

---- miscellaneous - sockets, headers for servos, resistors, capacitors, etc.

basic construction time - about 1 hour - requires good soldering skills.

Customer-supplied parts

---- Basic Stamp 2 (or other) 24-pin module.

<| 24-pin Module A/D channels

Of the 4 compatible modules listed above, only the BX-24 has A/D channels available on module pins.

The BS2 has no A/D converter.

The OOPic-C and Atom24 have A/D channels available on pads on the pcb, but not on the module pins.

The BX-24 has 8 A/D channels available on module pins 8-15.

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