Dogcow + iPad
@ June 14, 2011
Drive around via iPad
URL to more information:
- Actuators / output devices: 4 motors
- Control method: iPad
- CPU: atmega328
- Operating system: Arduino / iOS
- Power source: Batteries / 3.3V
- Programming language: Arduino C / Objective-C
- Sensors / input devices: none
- Target environment: A gentle environment
Control a robot using your iOS device with ExternalAccessory framework using a SkyWire MFi cable, an RS232-TTL adapter and a pair of XBees!
The process begins with an App using the ExternalAccessory framework:
Then goes through the SkyWire cable:
RS232 is converted to TTL
: 
Which is then sent through the XBee:
The XBee is powered by 3.3V, using an Arduino as a simple power supply haha:
And Dogcow receives with the XBee:
Making this whole process really cool!
Here are some resources that may be helpful:
- ExternalAccessory framework
- EADemo Code
- SkyWIre 30 pin to RS232 cable
- Sparkfun RS232 to TTL
- More photos on Flickr
- Also FYI, the baud rate is 9600 on the SkyWire cable :)
Also, as per Technote #31:
Dogcows, by their nature, are not all dog, nor are they all cow, but they are a special genetic hybrid. They are rarely seen in the wild. Since dogcows are two dimensional, they will stand facing a viewer "on edge" to avoid being seen.
:P
@ Tue, 2011-06-14 19:03
What's a Dogcow sound like ?
Nice robot and useful info . Any chace of adding sound ? I would like to hear what a dogcow sounds like .
@ Sun, 2012-02-26 23:38
Moof!
@ Tue, 2011-06-14 17:36
Hey there,this is very cool
Hey there,this is very cool :) love the idea of using the iPad. I would try that on my iPhone. Great and cute robot my friend. Thanks for sharing.
@ Tue, 2011-06-14 11:57
Why does it take a few
Why does it take a few seconds before the robot responds to the command sent by the ipad?
Is that because of the ipad?
@ Tue, 2011-06-14 18:27
It's because of the Arduino,
It's because of the Arduino, there's no buffer purging and it is a little slow haha
@ Wed, 2011-06-15 08:13
Which serial library are you using....
Did you try the Serial.flush() command.... or am i barking up the wrong tree.....or milking the wrong cow.
BTW:- SchneeBeast (node/24193) sends her regards, and confirms a 3D form can be an "AlpTraum"-german (nightmare)
@ Thu, 2011-06-16 05:39
That command would indeed
That command would indeed work! Just haven't added it, not enough time to look at this project again right this second >.< ... but consider yourself the winner for knowing how to fix it :D
@ Tue, 2011-06-14 10:23
Cool.
I like the interesting slant you put on your projects.