Date: Sun, 03 Aug 1997 03:35:19 -0800 From: Jan Zumwalt To: Multiple recipients of list CHIPDIR-L Subject: RE: Robotics and processors I don't think you will get much argument about the use of the PIC line. = They require zero support chips for the simpler tasks and allow a modest = version of basic for programming (no asm needed). There are meriods of = circuits available for motor control and communications. The other possibility would be the Intel 8052 or compatible. A bit more = powerful than the PIC but requires more external circuits and chips. You probably will eventually want to move to a more powerful CPU after = time but the simplicity of the PIC system (and price) means that you = will have something working in a few evenings instead of weeks or = months. I suggest you watch a robot news group and you will probably find a = couple of folks with similar interest and zeal to pursue your hobby. = There are also several books from beginner to advanced. If you prefer to = do it alone, the "Micro-controler Idea Book" given below has EVERYTHING = needed for a complete wireless robot. =20 ------------------- "The Microcontroller Beginner's Handbook", Lawarence Duarte, Prompt Pub = (Sams), 1996 General intro and several PIC (non-robot) beginner projects. "The Microcontroller Idea Book", Jan Axelson, Lakeview Research, 1994 One of the better project books for the Intel 8052. Includes motor = control, and wireless communication. "Controlling the World With Your PC", Paul Bergsman, Hightext, 1994 Basic theory and projects using PC ports for motor, switch and sensor = control. "Parallel Port Complete", Jan Axelson, Lakeview Research, 1996 Interfacing design and communication, includes EPP, ECP, IEE-1284. "Mechanical Devices For the Electronics Experimenter", Britt Rorabaugh, = McGraw Hill, 1995 Design of gears, belts, levers, pulleys, motors, solenoids, springs, = ratchets, hydraulics, and the circuits to control them. Have fun. -----Original Message----- Date: Saturday, August 02, 1997 5:03 AM From: Marc Rietman To: Multiple recipients of list CHIPDIR-L Subject: Robotics and processors Hi, I'm currently trying to make a small 'robot'. It will probably be some sort of small vehicle driving around the room. It will go to it's docking station before it's batteries run out. I've found an article in an 'old' ('93) dutch version of ELECTOR about an 80c535 processor board. The problem is that that specific programmed GAL is no longer available from ELECTOR. Now I'd like you to share some ideas of what (micro)processor I should use and in which way. Thnx Marc --=20 \ | / @ @ +---------------------------------------oOO (_) OOo-------------------+ | Marc Rietman | +---------------------------------------------------------------------+ --=20