Topic: Raspberry Pi (Read 29293 times)

F4TCT · « **Reply #50 on:** June 28, 2012, 07:20:19 pm »

Just found this

http://www.fishpi.org/

Dan

dodgy geezer · « **Reply #51 on:** June 29, 2012, 08:36:38 am »

Quote from: F4TCT on June 28, 2012, 07:20:19 pm

Just found this

http://www.fishpi.org/

Dan

Already being discussed here: http://www.modelboatmayhem.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=37927.0;topicseen

johno 52-11 · « **Reply #52 on:** July 17, 2012, 09:04:25 pm »

came across this today looks like it will do two channel input into a ras pi

http://www.bestofferbuy.com/Mystery-FSSM101-USB-Simulator-Cable-for-RC-Remotes-p-9662.html?currency=GBP&utm_source=gbase&utm_medium=cse&utm_campaign=gbase_uk

There is a video of it on youtube herehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4x3GE-qhdlM

I have ordered one and will let you know how I get on with it

rmaddock · « **Reply #53 on:** August 19, 2012, 06:48:15 pm »

Child Two is upstairs turning into a Python Nerd

A child after my own heart

F4TCT · « **Reply #54 on:** September 05, 2012, 03:59:37 pm »

Anyone got any further updates on their Pi projects?

Dan

Chameo · « **Reply #55 on:** September 06, 2012, 09:06:55 am »

I've got my pi two weeks ago and there are a lot of things I'd like to try with it. Actually it is connected to my tv and the internet and acts as a XBMC media server, remote controlled by my phone with an android app...

I had the same idea of a raspberry pi sound controller for rc models as described in the first post. But there's a big difficulty: the pi isn't a simple microcontroller but a complex system running a multitasking OS. This makes it quite difficult to do handle time critical problems which are easy to handle with a microcontroller.

An example: measuring the length of a signal coming from the rx. With a microcontroller you track the rising and falling edge of the signal with an interrupt and you are done.
But with the standard linux kernel on the pi the are no interrupts available to the user. So you would have to poll the input pin value as often as possible to track it's change. This costs a lot of cpu time and can be disturbed by other tasks using the cpu (and there are a lot of them in a linux system). So you aren't able to measure the correct signal length you might need to control a speed dependent sound.
The same problem appears when you want to generate signals for servos. Without a timer triggering interrupts this can't be done reliably.

There are mainly two ideas how to overcome this problem: the first is making system interrupts accessible to the user with some linux kernel patches. This works for inputs already but there are no timers available. The second is to attach an additional PCB to the pi which contains a microcontroller for these time critical task (e.g. the GertBoard). This microcontroller is connected via I2C or SPI interface to the pi to communicate with.

I guess there will be suitable solutions in the near future with the growing number of pis in the wild and the growing community of clever people working with it.

malcolmfrary · « **Reply #56 on:** September 06, 2012, 09:16:11 am »

The trouble with adding extra boards to a PI to achieve tasks that should be available within it is that pretty soon the situation can be reached where the actual job could be done by the extra cards, and the PI itself becomes redundant. Just thinking aloud.

Chameo · « **Reply #57 on:** September 06, 2012, 11:30:37 am »

You will need an addon board anyway working with the pi because it's GPIO pins work with 3.3V and are not 5V tolerant. And as almost on every microcontroller you can only draw very little current from the pins so that you will have to add some drivers.

There's already a solution to most of the electric needs of rc modelers. The pi maybe could help with being more universal and grouping lots of functions into only one module (pi and addon).

rmaddock · « **Reply #58 on:** September 06, 2012, 05:48:23 pm »

I could imagine a Pi being used as a sort of central brain for other systems. It's capable of a much higher level of software sophistication than a micro-controller and can drive much more sophisticated I/O. I could envisage, say, a big model sub with lots of microprocessors controlling individual functions but with a Pi in the middle acting as "captain".

F4TCT · « **Reply #59 on:** September 08, 2012, 06:36:47 pm »

Well,

for example, I had an idea (which would be mainly better suited to the OSV chaps) where the model had GPS linked into the PI which then linked to the motors and rudder etc so it sorted of acted like a dynamic positioning system.

So then if you had a suitable tablet like an android or ipad etc, you could control the model through an interface on that, or draw out a series of waypoints (like a real ship would) and the boat simply follows your command.

Main use of DP is of course to maintain a fixed position at sea in whatever weather you throw at it so on a windy day, you could tell the model to sail to a location, hold position - head into wind and stay there for aslong as you desire.

Ok its a bit radical but what a technical exercise that would be and imagine how jealous your fellow model boaters would be at the club!

I am really looking forward to seeing a few projects lift off the ground so to speak.

Dan

Netleyned · « **Reply #60 on:** September 08, 2012, 07:11:47 pm »

Great Dan.
I will be setting my boat up for the steering comp,
Putting my boat in the water,going off to the pub,
My turn, boat does all the right things at each waypoint, I come back from the pub and pick up the trophy.

Ned

Norseman · « **Reply #61 on:** September 08, 2012, 08:41:50 pm »

you might want to kit yourself out with one for the return journey from the pub

Davy1 · « **Reply #62 on:** October 24, 2012, 04:20:52 pm »

Very interested to see everyones experience of the Pi and I thought I would add my thoughts. I have had one for several months and it now spends most of its time hanging off our TV as an XBMC media server.

My interest is in model submarines, where the Pi should be very useful - low power requirements, small size, low cost etc. but I still have trouble thinking of applications. It is almost too powerful and the main output device is an HD TV. Hard to fit in to the plastic pipe!

I use a handful of Microchip PIC's running my own software on each of my submarines and these seem to be better suited to servo and motor control etc. (Chameo's comments are very appropriate)

I'm still thinking of submarine applications - scanning sonar perhaps? I'm only just joking because the Pi would be capable of this, I would think.

David

F4TCT · « **Reply #63 on:** October 24, 2012, 04:30:27 pm »

Im no programmer and the only reason I havn't purchased a Pi yet is because I know it will get used a few times and then be slung away because I can't understand programming.

Did VB in college, however got bored of that so used to go to the pub instead..

Im interested to see some future builds/development on this forum in regard to Pi's.

I guess integrating them into model boats/subs is over complicating the hobby and fixing what isn't broken. Then again, think of the geeky things that could be done!

Dan

rmaddock · « **Reply #64 on:** October 24, 2012, 06:47:53 pm »

Quote from: F4TCT on October 24, 2012, 04:30:27 pm

I guess integrating them into model boats/subs is over complicating the hobby and fixing what isn't broken.

Dan,
You don't have to go back far and having RC could have been seen as over complicating the hobby

F4TCT · « **Reply #65 on:** October 24, 2012, 09:21:56 pm »

Well yes your correct there but it was more the point of where do we draw the line with the hobby.

Unless the boat is going to be automated, then why would we need it to control the boat when the whole point of sailing is that you do it with your own hands?

My idea of having some sort of dynamic positioning system is a far fetched one, however it would prove difficult to build but certainly be very entertaining to use.

Most of the hobby population are quite happy with the current setup and will be for some time to come, then there's folks like me and a few others where we would love to pack our models full of gadgets and technology.

I dont think the Pi's a replacement for ESC's etc but it may certainly add a few features.

I hope we see some projects very soon which include the Pi!

Dan

Martin (Admin) · « **Reply #66 on:** February 03, 2013, 08:11:14 pm »

Found this on one of my favourite websites, Instructables .....

Making an autonomous boat using a Raspberry Pi

http://www.instructables.com/id/Making-an-autonomous-boat-with-a-Raspberry-Pi-a-/

http://youtu.be/HZe2IHP0Nuk

Norseman · « **Reply #67 on:** February 03, 2013, 09:06:09 pm »

Quote from: F4TCT on October 24, 2012, 09:21:56 pm

Most of the hobby population are quite happy with the current setup and will be for some time to come, then there's folks like me and a few others where we would love to pack our models full of gadgets and technology.

And people like me too - the new wizardry is a bit beyond me but I would so love to see what can be done. I would like to see some programmed routines for crane and cargo / buoy handling. Why not a competition eventually for auto course and docking too? Or well intervention that loads the line etc. It's just something more to appreciate.
...... And dioramas could do wonderful things too.

Dave now how does this off/on switch work

More Coffee · « **Reply #68 on:** February 04, 2013, 06:56:12 am »

The raspberry will have its place ,
besides where else can a guy find a ECM that could reliably feed one of these..
http://www.ebay.ca/itm/JP-Serial-Servo-Motor-Robot-Controller-23ch-Basic-Stamp-Picaxe-Arduino-/170984073129?pt=US_Character_Radio_Control_Toys&hash=item27cf71e7a9
The reality is ..for the processing power..a guy doesn't have to blow coin on an Arduino breakout board to do modest task.
Basic Stamp is expensive,Arduino can get price,and well PICAXE..not bad..its good.but every chip can or cannot run different code,a guy almost has to learn all of them ..
with pi i really do think that generic parts ,a hand full of discrete components and one language can keep cost down ,productivity up..and the amount of commands is only exceeded by the user's imagination .

Circlip · « **Reply #69 on:** February 04, 2013, 12:10:58 pm »

Can't be much longer before the defence departments start asking serious questions about the use of "pre programmed" commands and sequences in our "Toys". Already been rumblings in TLOTF with respect to Gas turbine powered toy aircraft and the new quadrocopter teknowleggy.

Regards Ian

More Coffee · « **Reply #70 on:** February 04, 2013, 02:56:19 pm »

Dont worry they are already watching.
bottom line is ,they know whats out there .
There isnt an inovation on the market that cannot be used for a more vile task..Drain cleaner and aluminum,vinegar and baking soda,your smart phone and a few apps can take down a server..The list goes on.

Norseman · « **Reply #71 on:** February 04, 2013, 03:48:03 pm »

Surely not the Mayhem server

'Old Reliable'

Dave

malcolmfrary · « **Reply #72 on:** February 05, 2013, 09:47:55 am »

Quote from: Circlip on February 04, 2013, 12:10:58 pm

Can't be much longer before the defence departments start asking serious questions about the use of "pre programmed" commands and sequences in our "Toys". Already been rumblings in TLOTF with respect to Gas turbine powered toy aircraft and the new quadrocopter teknowleggy.

Regards Ian

As I recall, the powers that be also asked questions about the means of control of Michael Bentine's Bumblies. And that was back in the mid-50's.

Circlip · « **Reply #73 on:** February 05, 2013, 12:10:17 pm »

And also back in the fifties, the MP that stated in a licensing debate "If we're not careful, even schoolboys playing with radio-controlled model boats will have to apply for a license"

Still got the last one I bought, £1 for five years and Bradford town hall as the centre of operations. (You were allowed 5 mile radius from C of O)

Regards Ian.

Martin (Admin) · « **Reply #74 on:** February 05, 2013, 03:47:20 pm »

Raspberry Pi Model A £18.88 inc VAT with Free Delivery at CPC.

http://cpc.farnell.com/raspberry-pi/raspberry-moda-256m/sbc-raspberry-pi-model-a-256mb/dp/SC12879?in_merch=New%20Products&MER=e-bb45-00001002

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Author Topic: Raspberry Pi (Read 29293 times)