Wireless Servo Control

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witmana
 
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Wireless Servo Control

Post by witmana »

Hi All, I am planning a mini robot project that would involve students wirelessly controlling 4-6 servos (or small DC motors). I'm looking for a very low cost option and I'm hoping someone can point me in the right direction.

My first instinct was to use a standard 6 channel RC receiver (about $10) and purchase a set of inexpensive 6 channel radios (about $30 each). However, I'm not sure how easy it would be to customize the control scheme on the cheap radios (if students wanted to do channel mixing where one stick controls drives and turns for example).

It seems like Arduino on the robot could have more customization, but I was a little overwhelmed by all the options. Is there an inexpensive board that can drive multiple servos (or small DC motors) and has built in wireless capability? Ideally I think I'd like to use a bluetooth controller (like a game controller or phone) to remotely control the robots. On the robot side, I'd like to keep the electronics under $50.

I'd also be interested to know if there is a way to use a standard RC receiver on the robot side, but achieve the customization with a programmable Arduino on the transmitter side.

Thanks in advance, all suggestions appreciated!

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adafruit_support_bill
 
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Re: Wireless Servo Control

Post by adafruit_support_bill »

Any of the Bluetooth enabled Arduino compatible processors would work. They can drive multiple servos and can be controlled via a phone app.

The 32U4 Bluefruit LE would be a good choice.
https://www.adafruit.com/product/2829

Here is an example project. This one uses DC motors, but could easily be adapted for CR Servos.
https://learn.adafruit.com/bluefruit-feather-robot

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witmana
 
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Re: Wireless Servo Control

Post by witmana »

Thank you so much for the suggestion, it looks like the 32U4 Bluefruit LE could fit my needs. Would it be possible/easy to substitute a bluetooth game controller like a PS controller for the phone on the transmitter side?

Thanks again for the recommendation.

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adafruit_support_bill
 
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Re: Wireless Servo Control

Post by adafruit_support_bill »

Not with the 32U4 BLE. In Bluetooth terminology, game controllers are 'peripheral' devices which connect to a 'central' device like a computer or game console. The Feather 32U4 BLE is also a peripheral only device, so it would need to connect to a device that can function as a central device such as a phone.

The NRF52 is a more sophisticated bluetooth module that can operate in Central mode. We have a Feather based on that also:
https://www.adafruit.com/product/3406
https://learn.adafruit.com/bluefruit-nr ... clientuart

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witmana
 
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Re: Wireless Servo Control

Post by witmana »

Thanks again, I will get one of the feathers and give it a try.

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