Re: [Gumstix-users] Gumstix with Roomba advice please

[Dave H. <dhy...@gm...>]

Hi Alan,

> I would like advice on what-gumstix-config-to-purchase to accomplish:
>
> Project Gumba:  Gumstix brain on a Roomba mobility platform
>
> Connectivity desired:
> 1) download programs and web pages from WinXP host computer over USB
> 2) serve web pages over Bluetooth to Dell Axim X50v
> 3) TTL level Serial @ 57600/8bit/1stop/noparity/noflow (to
> Roomba SCI 7pin Mini-DIN)

What voltage level?

> 4) audio output to play .wav .au or .mp3
> 5) A/D inputs (a few for additional sensors)
>
> Functionality desired:
> 1) Serve static web pag with buttons that invoke (and kill) a Java or C/C++
> "Brain" program
> 2) Serve static web page with buttons that send cmds over serial interface?
> 3) Serve (non-cached) web pages showing current "world view", path traveled,
> sensor values, brain program logs
> 4) WBNI: serve dynamic web pages that update when a displayed item changes

Step one is figuring out what voltage levels you need for various
sensors and your serial port.

The gumstix runs at 3.3v. All of the breakout boards are going to
provided 3.3v logic level serial ports, and the audio stix has 3.3v
A/D.

The robostix (or roboaudio) has 5v logic level for the serial ports
and you can get 5v A/D, but you lose the USB capability.

However, since you want bluetooth, you should be able to use bluetooth
to connect the gumstix from XP (you may need to purcahse a bluetooth
dongle for the XP side of things).

For the main gumstix, you'll need bluetooth, and the only current
offering with that is the connex 400xm-bt or the basicx 400xm-bt.

The basicx has a built-in MMC card. With the connex, you can add MMC
back by buying an additional board or you can add other things
(wifistix, or netMMC).

If you know for sure you don't want the expansion then the basicx is good.

So, personally, I'd be inclined to go with the roboaudio board and a
basicx 400xm-bt. I'd also recommand getting a waysmall-STUART (and the
serial cable and 5v power supply). This will allow you to access the
basic gumstix in case you need to mess around in uboot. There have
been some powerup issues with the robostix that require setting some
uboot variables.

-- 
Dave Hylands
Vancouver, BC, Canada
http://www.DaveHylands.com/