my robot build log website

> Hi,
> I have been working on a small 4 legged robot using Robotis Dynamixel
> AX-12+ networked servos and a custom built on board computer to be
> controlled via WiFi from ai software running on a desktop computer. If
> anyone is interested in checking out the progress, I have been working
> on a web site and a blog athttp://robotsaustralia.googlepages.com
> Current status has the electronics built, and firmware development
> starting, but the mechanicals are still in the design phase.
> Cheers,
> RobotsAustralia

> Hi,
> I have been working on a small 4 legged robot using Robotis Dynamixel
> AX-12+ networked servos and a custom built on board computer to be
> controlled via WiFi from ai software running on a desktop computer. If
> anyone is interested in checking out the progress, I have been working
> on a web site and a blog at http://robotsaustralia.googlepages.com
> Current status has the electronics built, and firmware development
> starting, but the mechanicals are still in the design phase.
> Cheers,
> RobotsAustralia

> Very cool! And a really nice workshop!
> What CAD software did you use to create the slick graphics ?
> I'm currently doing a CNC conversion, too, and it's more involved than I had
> hoped, but not too bad overall.
> Keep us posted !
> JCD

> Looks good so far. Are the eyes functional?

>From memory I should be able to get 1.5fps for a basic small colour

>> Very cool! And a really nice workshop!
>> What CAD software did you use to create the slick graphics ?
>> I'm currently doing a CNC conversion, too, and it's more involved than I
>> had
>> hoped, but not too bad overall.
>> Keep us posted !
>> JCD

> Thanks,
> A good workshop is a fantastic help, I couldn't imagine not using a
> mill or lathe for certain jobs now. The ability to cut curved shapes
> in materials is what is really driving the CNC conversion. However the
> conversion is not really getting any attention at the moment, I'm
> pushing all the effort into the quadruped robot. Maybe once I get to a
> stable milestone with that, I will turn back to the CNC fitout of the
> mill.
>
>

>> Looks good so far. Are the eyes functional?

>
> The cameras are modules which have the image sensor and an IC which
> performs JPEG compression and handles a TTL serial interface. The
> serial interface means it is very easy to run into the micro, however
> it is very slow, so the frame rate and image size are very limited.

>>From memory I should be able to get 1.5fps for a basic small colour

> image. I have tested the cameras on the bench with two different bits
> of software, one which comes from the manufacturer, and another off
> the web somewhere, and the cameras seem to work well. I have a
> protocol document, and although some people on the web have reported
> difficulties getting them going, I figure if I run into problems I can
> just 'spy' on the raw communications to/from the camera with the
> manufacturer's software to pinpoint any troublesome areas of the
> protocol.
>
> The real difficulty will be managing the streaming data across the
> wifi link whilst maintaining the other functions of the robot, and
> that might require some fancy software.
>