Inverted Pendulum

Question

just wondering, seeing as the Brookstone stuff is going out now is there any news or movement on the Inverted Pendulum

Jeremie · Answer

Sorry no news yet, but it's definitely on my list (yep, DJ isn't the only one with lists)

WBS00001 · Answer

As long as we're on the subject, let me see if I have this right. Both the 4-in-1 Orientation Sensor and the Inverted Pendulum have an Accelerometer, and compass sensor, so, in theory, either should be able to do the job of balancing. The 4-in-1 would have to work through the PC to send requests for the readings then figure out what adjustments to make and send that refined data back to the wheels in the form of position commands. A relatively slow process. However the Inverted Pendulum is connected directly to the EZ-B4 via a serial communications port and directly controls the wheel servos via that same port. Much faster, I presume, allowing for more corrections per second. Is that right? Question I have is, what does the Inverted Pendulum actually put out? Some sort of continuous adjusted data meant for the wheel motors, customized for the EZ-B or simply it's measurements from the Accelerometer, and Compass, and the EZB has to use this data to correct the wheels position from moment to moment?

Dunning-Kruger · Answer

@WBS00001 The inverted pendulum will be I2C not serial.... the picture of it in the store clearly shows it plugged into one of the I2C ports.... it will be able to drive 360 servos, H-bridge and other motor controllers like the sabertooth...

WBS00001 · Answer

@RichardR Right, but the eye-squared see is still just a form of serial communications. It's the speed and protocols which distinguish it from other serial ports.

thetechguru · Answer

@wbs00001, It connects directly to the servos or H-bridge it controls, with command (setup) instructions and position data sent between the EZ-B and sensor via I2C. In other words, once calibrated to your balance motors, it doesn't need commands from the PC/EZB to maintain balance. it does that on its own. It just uses commands to move forward/back/left and right, but keeps itself upright by directly communicating to the wheels. (that is what the extra wires are for other than the I2C connection). Alan

bborastero · Answer

that's excellent information on how they work especially if they work with an h-bridge. But how much longer, the wait is killing me. I know the wait will be worth it, it always is with these guys. I forget we waited nearly a year for the revolution.

WBS00001 · Answer

@thetechguru Thank you for the information.

thetechguru · Answer

re: wait... I know, it is killing me too. Eventually EZ-Robot will learn not to announce until they are closer to ready. On the other hand, they are currently in the model where they use pre-orders to fund the final development. Better than Kickstarter in my opinion, but I do wish they could make date commitments and stick to them. I always automatically add a few weeks to any date estimate DJ gives, and in some cases (like this one), that isn't sufficient. But the final result has always been worth the wait. Alan

Andy Roid · Answer

Question: Will this type sensor control two axis (4 servos on 2 axis) or do I need 2 sensors. Example balance a 4 wheeled robot on a ball. Ron

WBS00001 · Answer

Too bad DJ can't toss a few of these things out to the community to work with to see if something could be made to function sooner. There are no doubt, lots of nerds--I mean, technical people-- in here drooling to have a go at the problem. But, I imagine applying it to the EZ-B requires some intimate knowledge of the EZ-Bs inner workings. Knowledge that is currently proprietary.

bborastero

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