Oricom Technologies Bot-Cop Walking Machine Controller

HOME || PRODUCTS || ORDER | LINKS | ROBOTICS

BOTCOP-WMC - Dual-Processor Walking Machine Controller
--- small board with networked walker control chip
and Basic Stamp 2 (or similar) module --- ORDER INFO

(details) BOTCOP-WMC-ASY - Dual-Processor Walking Machine Controller - assembled+tested, $68.95.
(details) BOTCOP-WMC-KIT - Dual-Processor Walking Machine Controller - kit-form, $54.95.
BCP28-WMC - WMC12 Walker Chip - chip only, $30.95.
BOTCOP-PCB1 - BOT-COP Controller Card - bare pcb only, $14.95.

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

BOTCOP-WMC
Blow-up

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

The board can control up to 20 R/C servos in total.

The WMC12 walker chip generates precise timing for up to 12 servos, and is used to generate leg gait and behavioral sequences.

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 walker chip and programmable host processor on one board is the ideal combination of dedicated speed and general programmability. For example, the walker chip can be used to control entire gait sequences 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, a separate remote host processor board must be used. With the BOTCOP-WMC 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-WMC board has all of the same general features as the WMC12 Controller. 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
OOPic-C module
Netmedia BX-24 module
Basic Atom 24

Check the next page for
software code for interfacing
24-pin module and walker-chip

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-WMC 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-WMC-ASY - Dual-Processor Walking Machine Controller - assembled

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

<| BOTCOP-WMC-KIT - Dual-Processor Walking Machine Controller Kit

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

---- BOTCOP-PCB1 circuit board.

---- WMC12 walker 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 modules listed above, only the BX-24 has A/D channels available on module plug-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 plug-pins.

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

<| TOP