(03-10-2013) Mouse work conitnues

Got the latest code from Dan and have integrated the PS/2 mouse code into it.  Created a wiring diagram so that hopefully anyone can grab a PS/2 mouse and use it for dome positioning on their own R2 without too much expense or trouble.

Originally I thought I could use the teeth of the A&A gear set to trigger the optical sensors, but the gap appears to be too wide.  When using the gear set I only get the X axis to increment, but it won't decrement, but if I use the wheel included with the mouse it works fine.

(03-09-2013) PS/2 Mouse interface for Dome positioning

Okay, so getting the dome motor running was a good step, but now I wanted to use an optical sensor to keep the position of my dome.  That way we can auto-center the dome or animate the dome if that is something we would like to do.  I tore apart an old PS/2 mouse and wired up the 5vDC, ground, clock and data wires - then I used this code and was able to get input from the mouse (X and Y - no mouse buttons).  Next part will be to integrate this into the Padawan code and get a switch to work for knowing where dome center is located.

(03-09-2013) And now dome motor control!

I had previously wired up my Syren 10A into the mix, but I had released the magic smoke playing with it previously and it wouldn't work.  Yesterday (03-08-2013) the new Syren 10A arrived and I was able to just wire it into place, set the dip switches (switch 1 off, all others on) and it works great now.  I also added in a ground loop isolator to keep the MP3Trigger from being fried by the powering up of the amp (seems to be a common problem).

(02-28-2013) Sound!

It's a rough setup, but with Brandon's help I got it working.  Sound for R2 is working, as are the controls with the PS2.  Just need to wire up the motor controllers and make sure all of that works as well.

(02-27-2013) New Data Port in Aluminum

Got a new data port from Paul today and I had to put it together and give it a look.  Pretty sweet - can't wait to get it installed in the frame (if I can figure out how to mount it).

(01-31-2013) R2's status

It's been far too long since I gave given a status update on ol' R2.  The list of items needed to complete R2 has grown short.  The known display items needed to finish the build are: center and outer ankles, foot strips, horseshoes, booster covers, utility arms and battery boxes - that's it.  Internally, he still needs foot motors, foot drive assemblies and center foot casters.  I think I have enough electronics to make him work, if I ever get back to working on them to make sure it all works. 

(12-23-2012) Merry Christmas!