Yaah, I got a Gumstix too. While they're really neat and tiny, the hardware expandability is problematic (combining USB and serial and Ethernet is difficult), and the software is pretty immature for a system designed for user modification. For example, the stock firmware won't support either function of their Ethernet/SD card stick without reconfiguring the system from a serial port (that you can't attach with the Ethernet/SD stick in place), and in the case of the SD card I/ O, it required rebuilding the kernel and reflashing the CPU. This problem has remained there over several code releases, too. I'd expected better from them; they've a way to go yet.
I've since switched to the Linksys NLSU2, a cigarette-pack-sized $100 single-board Linux network appliance that's been hacked to install OpenEmbedded Linux. This system, while not originally designed for user modification, supports USB, Ethernet, serial I/O, and has lotsa prebuilt packages that are easy to install and work right off the bat. In an hour out of the box, I've got a Webcam server running, and have the I/O capability needed to use the "Slug" as a robot controller. This is now my baseline embedded controller. I recommend it highly. (Linksys, when asked about all the folks repurposing their gadgets, say in effect that they don't actually support this stuff, but certainly don't mind. I like their attitude.) -- Steve H On Sep 9, 12:25 pm, Aahz <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > Doug Conn wrote: > > I looked at Phidget boards for RocketMan and Bad Kitty. I think they are > > kind of expensive for the functionality you get. I like the Velleman K8055 > > board. It's very basic and very cheap. When I outgrow that, I've been > > thinking about one of these: > > >http://www.labjack.com/labjack_u3.php?prodId=53 > > I bought and experimented with a Gumstix for computerized control > system for both tanks and robots. If anyone wanted one used I could make > you a good deal ;)http://www.gumstix.com/ > > Aahz. --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You are currently subscribed to the "R/C Tank Combat" group. To post a message, send email to [email protected] To unsubscribe, send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Visit the group at http://groups.google.com/group/rctankcombat -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
