At this time, we have decided to host all of our Open-Robot
source-code on Google Code and release it under General Public
License (GPL) Version 2. Below is a listing of the currently available
Open-Robot software.
Current Open-Robot Software:
PIC18F4520 Firmware
TCP/IP C# Class Library
TCP/IP C# GUI
ZigBee C# Class Library
ZigBee C# GUI
Open-Robot Code Engine
PIC18F4520 Firmware:
This is the firmware that is programmed into Open-Robot's
PIC18F4520 and is soley responsible for serving up a simple ASCII
serial command set. Users simply send ASCII readable command
characters across a wireless connection to command Open-Robot to
move, send back sensor readings, or perform other useful tasks. A
bootloader is first programmed into the PIC18F4520 and the firmware
is then uploaded into memory. The bootloader provides a way for
end-users to easily update to the most current robot firmware without
having to use a special hardware programmer.
The CCS PIC C Compiler (PCWH) was used to design and create the
firmware. Those who are interested in modifying the firmware for their
own special application must purchase a suitable CCS PIC C
Compiler. If you are using Open-Robot in an educational setting, then
you will qualify for an educational compiler license. You can save
debug time when you purchase the CCS In-Circuit Programmer
Debugger(ICD). Students can gain great experience by working with
the ICD.
TCP/IP C# Class Library:
This C# class library encapsulates all of Open-Robot's functionality in
an easy to use class library and is specifically designed for use with a
MatchPort® b/g equipped robot. All of the low-level TCP/IP socket
communication is handeled, so all you need to do is call the function of
interest and Open-Robot will be at your command. To use this library
you must install the latest version of Microsoft's® C# Express Edition.
TCP/IP C# GUI:
As an example of how to use the TCP/IP C# class library we've put
together a simple Graphical User Interface (GUI). You can use this GUI
to command Open-Robot and explore its unique functionality or use it
as a starting point for your own robot application.
ZigBee C# Class Library:
This C# class library encapsulates all of Open-Robot's functionality in
an easy to use class library and is specifically designed for use with a
XBee® equipped robot. All of the low-level serial communication is
handeled, so all you need to do is call the function of interest and
Open-Robot will be at your command. To use this library you must
install the latest version of Microsoft's® C# Express Edition.
ZigBee C# GUI:
As an example of how to use the ZigBee C# class library we've put
together a simple GUI. You can use this GUI to command Open-Robot
and explore its unique functionality or use it as a starting point for your
own robot application.
Open-Robot C# Code Engine GUI:
The Open-Robot Code Engine can be used to create simple and
complex behaviors for the Open-Robot. In Beginner mode you do not
actually write code. Instead you use the simple buttons, check boxes,
drop-down lists, and number boxes to create the corresponding C#
code. After creating a program, you compile, load, connect to the robot,
and then run it live! Once you become more familiar with the C# syntax,
you can progress onto Advanced mode and actually write some, most ,
or all of the code yourself. At any time you can take a peek at the full
code, even in Beginner mode. When you've reached the limit of
Advanced mode you can then move onto designing and developing
your own application from the ground up and use one of our C# Class
Libraries from above. Don't have access to Open-Robot or just want to
try out the Open-Robot Code Engine, then use a Virtual Robot to
develop and test your programs. Once you have the program perfected
you can use it with an actual Open-Robot!
source-code on Google Code and release it under General Public
License (GPL) Version 2. Below is a listing of the currently available
Open-Robot software.
Current Open-Robot Software:
PIC18F4520 Firmware
TCP/IP C# Class Library
TCP/IP C# GUI
ZigBee C# Class Library
ZigBee C# GUI
Open-Robot Code Engine
PIC18F4520 Firmware:
This is the firmware that is programmed into Open-Robot's
PIC18F4520 and is soley responsible for serving up a simple ASCII
serial command set. Users simply send ASCII readable command
characters across a wireless connection to command Open-Robot to
move, send back sensor readings, or perform other useful tasks. A
bootloader is first programmed into the PIC18F4520 and the firmware
is then uploaded into memory. The bootloader provides a way for
end-users to easily update to the most current robot firmware without
having to use a special hardware programmer.
The CCS PIC C Compiler (PCWH) was used to design and create the
firmware. Those who are interested in modifying the firmware for their
own special application must purchase a suitable CCS PIC C
Compiler. If you are using Open-Robot in an educational setting, then
you will qualify for an educational compiler license. You can save
debug time when you purchase the CCS In-Circuit Programmer
Debugger(ICD). Students can gain great experience by working with
the ICD.
TCP/IP C# Class Library:
This C# class library encapsulates all of Open-Robot's functionality in
an easy to use class library and is specifically designed for use with a
MatchPort® b/g equipped robot. All of the low-level TCP/IP socket
communication is handeled, so all you need to do is call the function of
interest and Open-Robot will be at your command. To use this library
you must install the latest version of Microsoft's® C# Express Edition.
TCP/IP C# GUI:
As an example of how to use the TCP/IP C# class library we've put
together a simple Graphical User Interface (GUI). You can use this GUI
to command Open-Robot and explore its unique functionality or use it
as a starting point for your own robot application.
ZigBee C# Class Library:
This C# class library encapsulates all of Open-Robot's functionality in
an easy to use class library and is specifically designed for use with a
XBee® equipped robot. All of the low-level serial communication is
handeled, so all you need to do is call the function of interest and
Open-Robot will be at your command. To use this library you must
install the latest version of Microsoft's® C# Express Edition.
ZigBee C# GUI:
As an example of how to use the ZigBee C# class library we've put
together a simple GUI. You can use this GUI to command Open-Robot
and explore its unique functionality or use it as a starting point for your
own robot application.
Open-Robot C# Code Engine GUI:
The Open-Robot Code Engine can be used to create simple and
complex behaviors for the Open-Robot. In Beginner mode you do not
actually write code. Instead you use the simple buttons, check boxes,
drop-down lists, and number boxes to create the corresponding C#
code. After creating a program, you compile, load, connect to the robot,
and then run it live! Once you become more familiar with the C# syntax,
you can progress onto Advanced mode and actually write some, most ,
or all of the code yourself. At any time you can take a peek at the full
code, even in Beginner mode. When you've reached the limit of
Advanced mode you can then move onto designing and developing
your own application from the ground up and use one of our C# Class
Libraries from above. Don't have access to Open-Robot or just want to
try out the Open-Robot Code Engine, then use a Virtual Robot to
develop and test your programs. Once you have the program perfected
you can use it with an actual Open-Robot!
Abe Howell's Robotics
Software:
| By releasing all of our software as open-source, we hope to spark interest in the minds of students, hobbyists, educators and researchers. We feel that it is important for all end-users to have complete access to the software because this helps foster learning opportunities and increases success. |
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Copyright 2003-2009, Abe Howell's Robotics
Why Open-Source?
