Didn't Linksys stop making the NSLU2 ?
I tried using a webcam server for my tank, but it didn't work very well. To
ensure an uninterrupted video stream, the server would buffer 5-10 seconds
of video before it started streaming. That would introduce the corresponding
amount of latency, so I wouldn't see an event in my video until 5-10 seconds
after it actually happened ! Not good for running a real-time tank. I hope
that the webcam server you found avoids that.
I ended up writing my own video streaming software using the MJPEG format.
That's a highfalutin way of saying it sent one JPEG image after another.
When I converted to Microsoft Robotics Developer Studio, I just used their
webcam service. It does not have significant latency. The more I use MSRDS,
the more I like it. It's made for distributed asynchronous processing, and
they've built it in a really clever way. You don't need to manipulate your
own threads and synchronization primitives. Plus, I used the skills I
learned building my tank to enter the RoboChamps competition
(www.robochamps.com). I submitted one challenge so far, but it hasn't been
judged yet. The competition is great fun. I recommend it.
- Doug
-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
On Behalf Of SteveH
Sent: Wednesday, September 10, 2008 8:02 AM
To: R/C Tank Combat
Subject: [TANKS] Re: For those mad scientists on the list
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.
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