Arbotix and Bluetooth Bee and Android

[Stephen Hazel]

I'm thinkin' on how to make an android phone the brains of a bioloid servo'd robot.
Also, if it had wheels, that'd be great, too.
I think Arbotix has a dual motor controller including encoder connections.

1) What would be some decent motors for it?

This Arbotix board seems perfect for controlling the servos.
And I'm pretty sure I can make an Android app that'll connect up to another bluetooth capable device.

2) Has anybody tried using a "Bluetooth Bee" in the XBEE spot on the Arbotix board yet?

3) Also, what's a good portable power pack that'll do the Arbotix 11 volts (or whatever it was)?

Thanks much,

...Steve

[Michael Ferguson]

1) we'd certainly need more payload specs to know motors

2) I've not seen the bluetooth bee, got a link?

3) 11.1V lipos do a very good job in general for Bioloid servos. Just don't overdischarge them.

4) I'd suggest posting this over to forums.trossenrobotics.com -- there is a much larger arbotix (and robotics in general) community there, with a lot more action.

-Fergs

[Stephen Hazel]

Hi Fergs, thanks for your reply.

1) we'd certainly need more payload specs to know motors

Well, probably not much more than just the servos, arbotix board, battery pack and maybe
a gyro and 2 ultrasonic pings or something.  Probably try some line following or something.
This is all just a vague plan for now.

2) I've not seen the bluetooth bee, got a link?

Sure - http://www.seeedstudio.com/depot/bluetooth-bee-p-598.html

3) 11.1V lipos do a very good job in general for Bioloid servos. Just don't overdischarge them.

Thanks!  will look em up.

4) I'd suggest posting this over to forums.trossenrobotics.com -- there is a much larger arbotix (and robotics in general) community there, with a lot more action.

Ok, will do.  I coulda swore I went to trossenrobotics, clicks "contact" and got directed here.

Thanks again!

...Steve

[Stephen Hazel]

Umm, sorry, also the android phone (old school Motorola Droid) and, mmm, say 12 servos?
And since I've got a spot for encoders, add them to the pile.

But in general, not very heavy.  Just any old cheap motors+encoders.
I've not looked at many encodered motor setups yet.