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New NXT Sensors and interfaces

Posted: 12 Jun 2012, 04:16
by mattallen37
I'm looking for NXT sensor ideas. I already have several things in mind, but I would like to know what you all are thinking about. Are there any sensors that you feel are missing? What about controllers (like motor controllers)? What about interfaces, so that the NXT can communicate with other devices?

I'm just looking for some thought provoking ideas.

Re: New NXT Sensors and interfaces

Posted: 12 Jun 2012, 05:11
by loopymech
How about an x10 interface and some home automation widgets? I haven't researched it at all, so I'm not sure what's feasible. Could be a good challenge and some fun, tho.

-Loopy

Re: New NXT Sensors and interfaces

Posted: 12 Jun 2012, 17:31
by mattallen37
I just read a little about it, and it sounds very interesting. However, for the time being, I would prefer to steer clear of mains voltage. I will definitely keep this in mind as a possible future project though.

Re: New NXT Sensors and interfaces

Posted: 12 Jun 2012, 18:04
by mightor
Why not make a board that allows you to interface with the Dynamixel servos :) They're not like normal servos, they are digital and can be daisy chained. Pricey but super accurate.

- Xander

Re: New NXT Sensors and interfaces

Posted: 20 Jun 2012, 16:58
by mattallen37
Thanks for the ideas. ;)

If anyone has any more ideas, please share them :)

Re: New NXT Sensors and interfaces

Posted: 21 Jun 2012, 17:48
by HaWe
not sure if you actually want to read it...
20x touch multiplexer
8x analog multiplexer 16bit ADC (for changes of voltage (0-12V) and/or resistance (0-20kOhm) )
8x i2c multiplexer (for i2c read/write)
8x NXT motor multiplexer (incl. encoder reading)
each one with switchable rs485/i2c interface to NXT, daisy-chainable to each other via rs485 or i2c (by dip switches or jumper)
:D

Re: New NXT Sensors and interfaces

Posted: 21 Jun 2012, 18:32
by mattallen37
Well, thank you for the ideas.

Re: New NXT Sensors and interfaces

Posted: 21 Jun 2012, 18:40
by HaWe
ok, here's another one:
integrated compass, gyro, and accelerometer
with hardware-integrated Kalman or Monte-Carlo-Filter to reduce drift and noise
;
hardware-integrated calculation: output vector[9] of
3D angle heading (roll, pitch and yaw),
3D speed,
and 3D location

and even 1 more:
navigation/bearing system
based on 4 ultrasonic senders
mounted "+" shaped (about 1m diameter, from one end to the other)
NXT sends IR request to one US sender after the other
NXT measures runtimes of the returned US impulses
calculation of the relative position out of runtime differences of all 4 running times
:D

Re: New NXT Sensors and interfaces

Posted: 21 Jun 2012, 19:04
by mattallen37
Very interesting ideas, to say the least! I've added them to my idea list.

Re: New NXT Sensors and interfaces

Posted: 21 Jun 2012, 19:36
by HaWe