Pioneer 3™
&
Pioneer 2™
H8-Series
Operations Manual
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ActivMedia Robotics
Important Safety Instructions
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Read the installation and operations instructions before using the equipment.
Avoid using power extension cords.
To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose the equipment to rain or moisture.
Refrain from opening the unit or any of its accessories.
Keep wheels away from long hair or fur.
Never access the interior of the robot with charger attached or batteries inserted.
Inappropriate Operation
Inappropriate operation voids your warranty! Inappropriate operation includes, but is
not limited to:
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Dropping the robot, running it off a ledge, or otherwise operating it in an
irresponsible manner
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Overloading the robot above its payload capacity
Getting the robot wet
Continuing to run the robot after hair, yarn, string, or any other items have become
wound around the robot’s axles or wheels
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Opening the robot with charger attached and/or batteries inserted
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All other forms of inappropriate operation or care
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Table of Contents
ROBOT PACKAGE ........................................................................................................................................ 1
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES ............................................................................................................................ 2
Support Website...................................................................................................................................... 2
PIONEER REFERENCE PLATFORM ................................................................................................................ 4
PIONEER FAMILY OF MICROCONTROLLERS AND OPERATING SYSTEM SOFTWARE ...................................... 4
HITACHI H8S-BASED MICROCONTROLLER.................................................................................................. 5
PLUS MOTOR-POWER BOARD ..................................................................................................................... 5
CLIENT SOFTWARE...................................................................................................................................... 6
SUPPORTING SOFTWARE.............................................................................................................................. 7
THE PIONEER LEGACY................................................................................................................................. 7
Pioneer 1 and AT.................................................................................................................................... 8
Pioneer 2 and PeopleBot........................................................................................................................ 8
MODES OF OPERATION.............................................................................................................................. 10
Maintenance and Standalone Modes.................................................................................................... 10
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS.................................................................................................................... 11
MAIN COMPONENTS .................................................................................................................................. 12
Body, Nose, and Accessory Panels....................................................................................................... 14
Sonar Arrays with Gain Adjustment..................................................................................................... 14
Motors, Wheels, and Position Encoders............................................................................................... 15
BATTERIES AND POWER ............................................................................................................................ 15
DOCKING/CHARGING SYSTEM................................................................................................................... 17
Manual Operation (Robot Power and Systems ON)............................................................................. 17
RADIO CONTROLS AND ACCESSORIES ....................................................................................................... 18
ONBOARD PC............................................................................................................................................ 19
SAFETY AROS WATCHDOGS .................................................................................................................... 22
CHAPTER 4 QUICK START................................................................................................................... 23
PREPARATIVE ASSEMBLY.......................................................................................................................... 23
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ActivMedia Robotics
STARTING UP CLIENT AND SERVER ...........................................................................................................24
Demo Startup Options...........................................................................................................................25
OPERATING THE ARIA DEMONSTRATION CLIENT .....................................................................................26
DISCONNECTING ........................................................................................................................................27
QUICKSTART TROUBLESHOOTING..............................................................................................................27
JOYDRIVE MODE ........................................................................................................................................29
ENGAGING SELF-TESTS..............................................................................................................................30
CLIENT-SERVER COMMUNICATION PACKET PROTOCOLS...........................................................................31
SERVER INFORMATION PACKETS ...............................................................................................................33
CLIENT COMMANDS...................................................................................................................................34
THE CLIENT-SERVER CONNECTION............................................................................................................36
Keeping the Beat—PULSE....................................................................................................................37
MOTION COMMANDS .................................................................................................................................38
ActivMedia Robots in Motion................................................................................................................39
SONAR .......................................................................................................................................................41
STALLS AND EMERGENCIES ........................................................................................................................42
ACCESSORY COMMANDS AND PACKETS ....................................................................................................43
SERIAL PORT COMMUNICATIONS................................................................................................................44
ENCODER PACKETS ....................................................................................................................................45
Gripper packets.....................................................................................................................................45
INPUT OUTPUT (I/O) ..................................................................................................................................48
DOCKING/CHARGING SYSTEM I/O .............................................................................................................50
Docking/Charging Servers....................................................................................................................50
WHERE TO GET AROS SOFTWARE ............................................................................................................53
AROS MAINTENANCE MODE ....................................................................................................................53
SIMPLE AROS UPDATES............................................................................................................................53
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AROSCF ................................................................................................................................................... 54
STARTING AROSCF................................................................................................................................... 54
CONFIGURING AROS OPERATING PARAMETERS ...................................................................................... 55
Interactive Commands.......................................................................................................................... 55
SAVE YOUR WORK.................................................................................................................................... 56
PID PARAMETERS ..................................................................................................................................... 56
TICKSMM AND REVCOUNT ........................................................................................................................ 58
STALLVAL AND STALLCOUNT .................................................................................................................. 59
BUMPERS................................................................................................................................................... 59
TIRE INFLATION ........................................................................................................................................ 61
DRIVE LUBRICATION................................................................................................................................. 61
BATTERIES ................................................................................................................................................ 61
Changing Batteries............................................................................................................................... 61
Hot-Swapping the Batteries.................................................................................................................. 61
Automated Docking/Charging System.................................................................................................. 62
TIGHTENING THE AT DRIVE BELT............................................................................................................. 62
GETTING INSIDE ........................................................................................................................................ 63
FACTORY REPAIRS .................................................................................................................................... 64
H8S PORTS & CONNECTIONS.................................................................................................................... 65
H8S MICROCONTROLLER.......................................................................................................................... 65
Power Connector.................................................................................................................................. 65
Serial Ports........................................................................................................................................... 66
The Expansion I/O Bus......................................................................................................................... 67
PIONEER 3 AND 2-PLUS MOTOR-POWER BOARD....................................................................................... 70
LEGACY MOTOR-POWER........................................................................................................................... 72
RADIO MODEM SETTINGS.......................................................................................................................... 73
SERIAL ETHERNET SETTINGS..................................................................................................................... 74
LAN IP SETTINGS..................................................................................................................................... 74
Console mode:...................................................................................................................................... 74
SPECIFICATIONS ........................................................................................................................................ 76
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ActivMedia Robotics
Chapter 1 Introduction
Congratulations on your purchase and
welcome to the rapidly growing community
of developers and enthusiasts of ActivMedia
Robotics’ intelligent mobile robots.
Figure 1. Pioneer Mobile Robots first
appeared commercially in 1995.
This Pioneer
Operations Manual provides both the
3
&
Pioneer
2
H8-Series
general and technical details you need to
operate your new Pioneer 3-DX or –AT, or Pioneer 2-DX8/DX8 Plus and –AT8/AT8 Plus
mobile robot, and to begin developing your own robotics hardware and software.
For operation of previous versions of Pioneer 2 which use the Siemens C166-based
microcontroller, original motor-power boards, and support systems, please consult the
ROBOT PACKAGE
Our experienced manufacturing staff put your mobile robot and accessories through a
“burn in” period and carefully tested them before shipping the products to you. In
addition to the companion resources listed above, we warranty your ActivMedia robot
and our manufactured accessories against mechanical, electronic, and labor defects
for one year. Third-party accessories are warranted by their manufacturers, typically for
90 days.
Even though we’ve made every effort to make your ActivMedia Robotics package
complete, please check the components carefully after you unpack them from the
shipping crate.
Basic Components (all shipments)
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One fully assembled mobile robot with battery
CD-ROM containing licensed copies of ActivMedia software and documentation
Hex wrenches and assorted replacement screws
Replacement fuse
Set of manuals
Registration and Account Sheet
Optional Components and Attachments (partial list)
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Battery charger (some contain power receptacle and 220VAC adapters)
Automated dock and recharge station
Onboard PC computer and accessories
Radio Ethernet
Supplementary and replacement batteries
3-Battery Charge Station (110/220 VAC)
Added sonar arrays
2-DOF Gripper
5-DOF P2 Arm with gripper
ActivMedia Color Tracking System (ACTS)
Stereo Vision Systems
Pan-Tilt-Zoom Surveillance Cameras
Custom Vision System
Range-finding laser
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Congratulations
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Global Positioning System
Heading-correction gyro
Compass
Bumper rings
Serial cables for external connections
Many more…
User-Supplied Components / System Requirements
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Client PC: 586-class or later PC with Microsoft Windows© or RedHat© Linux OS
One RS-232-compatible serial port or Ethernet
Four megabytes of available hard-disk storage
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
New ActivMedia Robotics customers get three additional and valuable resources:
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A private account on our support Internet website for downloading software,
updates, and manuals
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Access to private newsgroups
Direct access to the ActivMedia Robotics technical support team
Support Website
We maintain a 24-hour, seven-day per week World Wide Web server where customers
may obtain software and support materials:
Some areas of the website are restricted to licensed customers. To gain access, enter
the username and password written on the Registration & Account Sheet that
accompanied your robot.
Newsgroups
We maintain several email-based newsgroups through which ActivMedia robot owners
share ideas, software, and questions about the robot.
Visit the support
for example, send an e-mail message to the –requests automated newsgroup server:
From: <your return e-mail address goes here>
Subject: <choose one command:>
help
(returns instructions)
lists (returns list of newsgroups)
subscribe
unsubscribe
Our SmartList-based listserver will respond automatically. After you subscribe, send your
email comments, suggestions, and questions intended for the worldwide community of
Pioneer users:1
From: <your return e-mail address goes here>
Subject: <something of interest to pioneer users>
1 Note: Leave out the –requests part of the email address when sending messages to the newsgroup.
2
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ActivMedia Robotics
Access to the pioneer-users newslist is limited to subscribers, so your address is safe
from spam. However, the list currently is unmoderated, so please confine your
comments and inquiries to issues concerning the operation and programming of Pioneer
or PeopleBot robots.
Support
Have a problem? Can’t find the answer in this or any of the accompanying manuals? Or
do you know a way that we might improve our robots? Share your thoughts and
questions with us from the online form at the support website:
or by email:
Please include your robot's serial number (look for it beside the Main Powerswitch)we
often need to understand your robot's configuration to best answer your question.
Tell us your robot’s SERIAL NUMBER.
Your message goes directly to the ActivMedia Robotics technical support team. There a
staff member will help you or point you to a place where you can find help.
Because this is a support option, not a general-interest newsgroup like pioneer-users,
we reserve the option to reply only to questions about problems with your robot or
software.
See Chapter 8, Maintenance & Repair, for more details.
3
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What is Pioneer?
Chapter 2 What Is Pioneer?
Pioneer is a family of mobile robots,
both two-wheel and four-wheel drive,
including the Pioneer 1 and Pioneer AT,
Pioneer 2™ -DX, -DXe, -DXf, -CE, -AT, the
Pioneer 2™-DX8/Dx8 Plus and -AT8/AT8
Plus, and the newest Pioneer 3-DX and -
AT mobile robots. These small, research
and development platforms share a
common architecture and foundation
software with all other ActivMedia
robots including AmigoBot™, People-
Bot™ V1, Performance PeopleBot™,
and PowerBot™ mobile robots.
employ common client-server
robotics control architecture.
All
a
Figure 2. ActivMedia Robots
PIONEER REFERENCE PLATFORM
ActivMedia robots set the standards for intelligent mobile platforms by containing all of
the basic components for sensing and navigation in a real-world environment. They
have become reference platforms in a wide variety of research projects, including
several US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) funded studies.
Every ActivMedia robot comes complete with a sturdy aluminum body, balanced drive
system (two-wheel differential with caster or four-wheel skid-steer), reversible DC motors,
motor-control and drive electronics, high-resolution motion encoders, and long-life, hot-
swappable battery power, all managed by an onboard microcontroller and mobile-
robot server software.
Besides the open-systems ActivMedia Robotics Operating System (AROS) software
onboard the robot controller, every ActivMedia robot also comes with a host of
advanced robot-control client software applications and applications-development
environments. Software development includes our own foundation ActivMedia Robotics
Interface for Applications (ARIA), released under the GNU Public License, and complete
with fully documented C++, Java, and Python libraries and source code.
SRI
International’s Saphira robotics development system with simulator and GUI, as well as
support for advanced localization and gradient-based navigation comes bundled, too.
Several third-party robotics applications development environments also have emerged
from the research community for ActivMedia robots, including Ayllu from Brandeis
University, Pyro from Bryn Mawr and Swarthmore Colleges, Player from the University of
Southern California, and Carmen from Carnegie-Mellon University.
Every ActivMedia robot also comes with a plethora of expansion options, including built-
in hardware support for sonar and bump sensors and lift/gripper effectors, as well as
serial-port and server software support for a number of sensors, effectors, and control
accessories, like an onboard PC system, automated docking/recharging system, laser
range-finder, 5-DOF arm, robotic pan-tilt cameras, and much, much more.
PIONEER FAMILY OF MICROCONTROLLERS AND OPERATING SYSTEM SOFTWARE
The original Pioneer 1 mobile robot had a microcontroller based on the Motorola 68HC11
microprocessor and powered by Pioneer Server Operating System (PSOS) software. The
first generation of Pioneer 2 and PeopleBot robots use a Siemens C166-based
microcontroller and Pioneer 2 Operating System (P2OS) software. Now, all new
4
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ActivMedia Robotics
ActivMedia robots, including Pioneer 3, Performance PeopleBot, and PowerBot, use a
multifunctional Hitachi H8S-based microcontroller and new ActivMedia Robotics
Operating System (AROS) software.2 The newest Pioneer 3 and 2 Plus platforms also sport
an advanced motor-power board for high-power motor drives and systems power.
Although differing in some power and interfacing features, processing power, support for
various sensors, and I/O, all ActivMedia Robotics’ server-operating system software—
PSOS, P2OS, AmigOS, and now AROS—are upwardly compatible and virtually
interchangeable. Accordingly, client software written to operate a six-year old Pioneer
AT will work with a brand new Pioneer 3. We’ve taken great care to have all client
commands for control of that original Pioneer 1 work identically in our latest robots.
Client-server communications protocols over a serial communication link remain
identical, too. See Chapter 6, ActivMedia Robotics Operating System, for details.
HITACHI H8S-BASED MICROCONTROLLER
Your H8S-based ActivMedia robot also has a variety of expansion power and I/O ports for
attachment and close integration of a client PC, sensors, and a variety of accessories—
all accessible through a common application interface to the robot server software,
AROS. Features include:
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18 MHz Hitachi H8S/2357 with 32K RAM and 128K FLASH
Optional 512K FLASH or SRAM expansion
3 RS-232 serial ports (4 connectors) configurable from 9.6 to 115.2 kbaud
4 Sonar arrays of 8 sonar each
2 8-bit bumpers/digital input connectors
1 P2 Gripper/User I/O connector with 8-bits digital I/O and 1 analog input
1 Expansion/bus connector containing
5 Analog input
2 Analog output
8-bit I/O bus with r/w and 4 chip-selects
2-axes, 2-button joystick port
User Control Panel
Controller HOST serial connector
Main power and bi-color LED battery level indicators
AUX and RADIO power switches with related LED indicators
RESET and MOTORS pushbutton controls
Piezo buzzer
Motor/Power Board (drive system) interface with PWM and motor-direction control
lines and 8-bits of digital input
With the onboard PC option, your ActivMedia robot becomes an autonomous agent.
With Ethernet-ready onboard autonomy, your robot even becomes an agent for multi-
intelligence work.
PLUS MOTOR-POWER BOARD
The new Pioneer 3 and previous Pioneer 2-Plus robots come with an advanced motor-
power board. It can be configured as a plug-and-play replacement for some older
Pioneer 2s, as well.
Besides expanded user-power connectors and connections for ease and versatility of
use, the new board supplies three to four times the motor power than the original Pioneer
2 board. Accordingly, the Pioneer 3 and 2-Plus platforms operate more robustly over
rougher terrain (fewer stalls!) and carry significantly more payload when compared with
their predecessors. And because of the power improvements, the Pioneer 3-AT and 2-
2 AmigoBot has an H8S-based controller, too, but uses the AmigoBot Operating System tailored for its
electronics.
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What is Pioneer?
AT8 Plus now come with a lower motor-gearhead reduction for faster speeds, even with
much-improved turning power.
CLIENT SOFTWARE
All ActivMedia robots operate as the server in a client-server environment: Their
controllers handle the low-level details of mobile robotics, including maintaining the
platform’s drive speed and heading over uneven terrain, acquiring sensor readings, such
as the sonar, and managing attached accessories like the Gripper. To complete the
client-server architecture, ActivMedia robots require a client connection: software
running on a computer connected with the robot’s controller via the HOST serial link and
which provides the high-level, intelligent robot controls, including obstacle avoidance,
path planning, features recognition, localization, gradient navigation, and so on.
An important benefit of ActivMedia Robotics’ client-server architecture is that different
robot servers can be run using the same high-level client. For example, we provide a
robot simulator that runs on the host machine that can look and act just like your real
robot. With the Simulator, you may conveniently perfect your application software and
then run it without modification on any ActivMedia robot. Several clients also may share
responsibility for controlling a single mobile server, which permits experimentation in
distributed communication, planning, and control.
Currently available client software and development environments for the Microsoft
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ActivMedia Robotics Interface for Applications (ARIA)
SRIsim ActivMedia robot simulator
SRI’s Saphira client-development suite with Colbert
Versions and updates for supported computing platforms are available to password-
registered customers for download from our software website:
ARIA
The ActivMedia Robotics Interface for
Applications (ARIA) is a C++-based
open-source development environ-
ment that provides a robust client-side
interface to a variety of intelligent
robotics
systems,
including
your
ActivMedia robot’s controller and
accessory systems.
ARIA is the ideal platform for integration
of your own robot-control software,
since it neatly handles the lowest-level
details of client-server interactions,
including
command
serial
and
communications,
server-information
packet processing, cycle timing, and
multithreading, as well as a variety of
accessory controls, such as for the PTZ
Figure 3. ARIA's architecture
robotic
camera,
the
P2-Gripper,
scanning laser-range finder, motion gyros, among many others.
3 Some software may come bundled with your robot. Other packages require purchase for licensing. Some
software is also available for alternative operating systems, such as Macintosh, SunOS, Solaris, and BSD Unix.
6
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ActivMedia Robotics
What’s more, it comes with source code so that you may examine the software and
modify it for your own sensors and applications.
Saphira
Saphira, including the Colbert language, is a full-featured robotics control environment
developed at SRI International’s Artificial Intelligence Center. Saphira and its ARIA
foundation form the robotics-control and applications-development foundation for most
ActivMedia robot owners and users.
The complete, licensed Saphira robotics
development environment, including C/C++ libraries, GUI interface and Simulator, comes
bundled with your ActivMedia robot.
Laser Navigation and Localization
Figure 4. ActivMedia’s robot servers require a computer, typically a Windows©- or
RedHat© Linux-based PC, to run client software for intelligent robotics command
and control operations.
A separate Laser Navigation and Localization package is available as a Saphira add-on.
It is a comprehensive suite of software tools and applications by which, with your laser-
scanning/range-finder enabled robot, you automatically create, edit, and use maps
and floor plans for advanced robotics applications including localization and gradient
navigation.
SUPPORTING SOFTWARE
Simulator
The SRIsim Simulator is a connection option that provides a virtual replacement for your
ActivMedia robot. By connecting to the simulator instead of a real robot, you can test
your client programs, maps, and so on, when the real robot isn’t practical or available.
Mapper
Mapper provides the tools you need to construct a map of your robot’s real operating
space (“world”).
THE PIONEER LEGACY
Commercially introduced in Summer 1995, Pioneer 1 is the original platform. It came with
a single-board 68HC11-based robot microcontroller and the Pioneer Server Operating
System (PSOS) software. Its low-cost and high-performance caused an explosion in the
number of researchers and developers who now have access to a real, intelligent mobile
robotic platform.
7
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What is Pioneer?
Pioneer 1 and AT
Intended mostly for indoor
use on hard, flat surfaces,
the Pioneer 1 had solid
rubber tires and a two-
wheel
reversible drive system
with rear caster for
differential,
a
balance. The Pioneer 1
came standard with seven
sonar range finders (two
Figure 5. The original Pioneer 1s
side-facing
and
five
forward-facing)
and
integrated wheel encoders.
Software-wise, the Pioneer 1 initially served as a platform for SRI International's AI/fuzzy
logic-based Saphira robotics applications development. But it wasn't long before its
open architecture became the popular platform for the development of a variety of
alternative robotics software environments.
Many developers created software that interfaced directly with PSOS. Others extended
the capabilities of Saphira (PAI and P-LOGO are two good examples), while others have
implemented alternative robotics-control architectures, such as the subsumption-like
Ayllu.
Functionally and programmatically identical to
the Pioneer 1, the four-wheel drive, skid-steering
Pioneer AT was introduced in the Summer of
1997 for operation in uneven indoor and outdoor
environments, including loose, rough terrain.
Except for the drive system, there are virtually no
operational differences between the Pioneer AT
and the Pioneer 1: The integrated sonar arrays
and microcontrollers are the same. The
accessories available for the Pioneer 1 also work
with the Pioneer AT.
Further, applications
developed for the Pioneer 1 work with little or no
porting to the Pioneer 2s and 3s.
Pioneer 2 and PeopleBot
The next generation of Pioneer Mobile Robots—
including the Pioneer 2-DX, -CE, and -AT,
introduced in Fall 1998 through Summer 1999,
improved upon the Pioneer 1 legacy while
Indeed, in most respects, particularly with
applications software, Pioneer 2 works identically
to Pioneer 1 models.
Figure 6. The Performance
PeopleBot sports an attractive body
design and bundled systems,
including voice synthesis and
recognition for human-interaction
research and applications.
The ActivMedia Robotics Pioneer 2 models -DX, -
DE, -DXe, -DXf, and -AT, and the V1 and
Performance PeopleBot robots used a high-
4 Price/performance ratio included! The much more capable and expandable Pioneer 2 was introduced four
years later for just a few hundred dollars (US) more than the original Pioneer 1.
8
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ActivMedia Robotics
performance 20 MHz Siemens 88C166-based microcontroller, with independent motor/
power and sonar-controller boards for a versatile operating environment. The controller
had two RS232-standard communications ports and an expansion bus to support the
many accessories available for your ActivMedia robot, as well as your own custom
attachments.
Sporting a more holonomic body, larger wheels and stronger motors for better indoor
performance, Pioneer 2-DX, -DXe, -DXf, and -CE models, like Pioneer 1, are two-wheel,
differential-drive mobile robots.
The four-wheel drive Pioneer 2-AT has
independent motor drivers. Unlike its Pioneer
AT predecessor, the Pioneer 2-AT comes with a
stall-detection
system
and
inflatable
pneumatic tires with metal wheels for much
more robust operation in rough terrain, as well
as the ability to carry nearly 30 kilograms (66
lbs) of payload and climb a 60-percent grade.
The newest version of the 2-AT, introduced in
mid-2001, includes an integrated joystick port
for manual operation and a hinged top-plate
for easy access to the internal systems.
Other Pioneer 2-like robots include the
Performance PeopleBot robots, which were
introduced in 2000. They are architecturally
Figure 7. PowerBot carries over 100
kg of payload.
Pioneer 2 robots, but with stronger motors and integrated human-interaction features,
including a pedestal extension, integrated voice and sound synthesis and recognition—
ideal for human-interaction studies as well as for commercial and consumer mobile-
robotics applications.
New Pioneer 3 and Recent Pioneer 2-DX8, -AT8, and Plus Mobile Robots
Two new models of Pioneer 2 appeared in the Summer of 2002, two more at the
beginning of 2003, and the Pioneer 3 debuted in the Summer of 2003. They are the
topics of this manual: the Pioneer 3-DX and –AT, and Pioneer 2-DX8/DX8 Plus and –
AT8/AT8 Plus mobile robots. All sport a microcontroller based on the Hitachi H8S
microprocessor, with new control systems and I/O expansion capabilities. The Pioneer 3
and 2-Plus robots also have new, more powerful motor/power systems for better
navigational control and payload.5
Software-wise, Pioneers all are compatible with all other ActivMedia robots, including
Pioneer 1. The new ActivMedia Robotics Operating System (AROS) software extends—
but does not replace—the original PSOS and P2OS. This means that even programs that
interface at the lowest communication levels will work with all Pioneer 1, 2, and 3
platforms. This also means that the higher level clients and applications, including
Saphira, ARIA, and others including your own software, will work with AROS and any host
to extend your client software, as we have done with Saphira, ARIA, and others, in order
to take full advantage of AROS.
To the relief of those who have invested years in developing software for Pioneer 1 and 2,
Pioneer 3 truly does combine the best of the new mobile robot technologies with
ActivMedia’s tried-and-true robot architecture.
5 The interim Pioneer 2-DXf had the same, more-powerful motors as the DX8s and AT8 Plus.
6 The two-time gold medal winners of the International RoboCup robot soccer competition used Pioneer 1s one
year and quickly converted to Pioneer 2s in the next year.
9
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What is Pioneer?
MODES OF OPERATION
You may operate your Pioneer 2 and 3 robots in one of five modes:
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Server
Joydrive
Self-test
Maintenance
Standalone
Server Mode
The Pioneer H8S microcontroller comes with fully programmable 128K FLASH and 32K
dynamic RAM included in its Hitachi 18 MHz H8S/2357 microprocessor. An additional
512K of dynamic RAM or FLASH-ROM is available as optional equipment. But we don't
recommend that you start learning H8S programming. Rather, the robot comes to you
installed with the latest AROS robotics server software.
In conjunction with client software, such as ARIA or Saphira, running on an onboard or
other user-supplied computer, AROS lets you take advantage of modern client-server
and robot-control technologies to perform advanced robot tasks.
Most users run their ActivMedia robot in server mode, because it gives them quick, easy
access to its robotics functionality while working with high-level software on a familiar
host computer.
Maintenance and Standalone Modes
For experiments in microcontroller-level operation of your robot’s functions, you may
reprogram the onboard FLASH for direct and standalone operation of your ActivMedia
robot. We supply the means to download, but not the microcontroller's programming
software, for you to work in standalone mode.
The utilities we provide for you to reprogram the H8S-based controller's FLASH also may
be used to update and upgrade your robot’s AROS. In a special Maintenance Mode,
you also adjust your robot’s operating parameters that AROS uses as default values on
startup or reset. See Chapter 7, Updating & Reconfiguring AROS, for much more detail.
We typically provide the maintenance utilities and AROS upgrades free for download
from our website, so be sure to sign up for the pioneer-users email newslist. That's
where we notify our customers of the upgrades, as well as where we provide access to
ActivMedia robot users worldwide.
Joydrive and Self Test Modes
Finally, we provide onboard software and controller hardware that lets you drive the
robot from a tethered joystick when not otherwise connected with a controlling client.
And we provide some self-test programs that exercise your robot’s hardware and
software. We examine these modes in some detail in Chapter 5, Joydrive and Self-Tests.
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Chapter 3 Specifications & Controls
ActivMedia’s Pioneer robots may be smaller than most, but they pack an impressive
array of intelligent mobile robot capabilities that rival bigger and much more expensive
machines.
For example, the Pioneer 3-DX with onboard PC is a fully autonomous
intelligent mobile robot. Unlike other commercially available robots, Pioneer’s modest
size lends itself very well to navigation in tight quarters and cluttered spaces, such as
classrooms, laboratories, and small offices.
At the same time, the powerful AROS server with ActivMedia Robotics client software is
fully capable of mapping its environment, finding its way home, and performing other
sophisticated path-planning tasks.
Figure 8. Pioneer 3-DX’s physical dimensions and swing radius
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Weighing only 9 kg (20 pounds
with one battery), the basic
Pioneer 3- and 2-DX8/DX8 Plus
mobile robots are lightweight,
but their strong aluminum body
and solid construction make
them virtually indestructible.
These characteristics also permit
them to carry extraordinary
payloads: The new Pioneer 3-
DX can carry up to 23 Kg (50
lbs.) additional weight; the 3-AT
can carry over 35 Kg (70 lbs.)
more! Yet, Pioneer 2s and 3s
are lightweight enough that it is
also as easy to transport as a
suitcasea task made even
Figure 9. Pioneer 3-AT’s console and hinged deck
easier by the DX's built-in
handle.
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Specifications and Controls
MAIN COMPONENTS
ActivMedia robots are composed of several main parts:
ꢀ
ꢀ
ꢀ
ꢀ
ꢀ
ꢀ
ꢀ
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Deck
Motor Stop Button
User Control Panel
Body, Nose, and Accessory Panels
Sonar Array(s)
Motors, Wheels, and Encoders
Batteries and Power
Deck
Figure 10. Components of the Pioneer 3
The original Pioneer 2-DX, CE, and AT decks are one piecethe top plate of the robot.
The newer DXe and AT, and now the DX8/DX8 Plus, AT8/AT8 Plus, and Pioneer 3 models
have hinged top-plates which give you much easier access to the internal components
of the robot. See Chapter 8, Maintenance & Repair, for access details.
The robot’s deck is simply the flat surface for mounting projects and accessories, such as
the PTZ Robotic Camera and the laser range finder. Feed-through slots on each side of
the DX deck let you conveniently route cables to the accessory panels on the side
panels of the robot. A removable plug in the middle of the deck on all models gives you
convenient access to the interior of the robot.
When mounting accessories, you should try to center the robot's payload over the drive
wheels. If you must add a heavy accessory to the edge of the deck, counterbalance
the weight with a heavy object on the opposite end. A full complement of batteries
helps balance the robot, too.
Motor Stop Button
All new Pioneer 3-AT and, upon request, some new Pioneer 3-DX robots have a STOP
button at the rear of the Deck. Press and release it to immediately disengage the robot’s
motor power. It will also cause a stall and result in incessant beeping from the onboard
piezo speaker (see User Controls below).
Press the STOP button in to re-engage motor power and stop that incessant beeping
noise. Note that you may also have to re-engage the motor controls when connected
with a client, either by manually pressing the MOTORSbutton on the User Control Panel, or
through a special client command. Read on…
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User Control Panel
The User Control Panel is where you have access to the AROS-based onboard
microcontroller. Found inside the AT’s hinged access panel on the deck or on the left-
side panel of the DX, it consists of control buttons and indicators, and an RS232-
compatible serial port with a 9-pin DSUB connector.
The red PWRLED is lit whenever main power is applied to the robot. The green STATLED
state depends on the operating mode and other conditions. It flashes slowly when the
controller is awaiting a connection with a client and flashes quickly when in joydrive
mode or when connected with a client and the motors are engaged. It also flashes
moderately fast when the controller is in maintenance mode.
The BATTERYLED’s apparent color depends on your robot’s battery voltage: green when
fully charged (>12.5 volts) through orange, and finally red when the voltage is below
11.5. When in maintenance mode, however, the BATTERY LED glows bright red only,
regardless of battery charge.
A built-in piezo buzzer (audible through the holes just above the STATand PWRLEDs)
provides audible clues to the robot’s state, such as upon successful startup of the
controller and a client connection. An AROS client command lets you program the
buzzer, too, to play your own sounds.
The SERIALconnector, with incoming
and outgoing data indicator LEDs (RX
and TX, respectively), is through where
you may interact with the H8S
microcontroller from an offboard
computer for tethered client-server
control and for AROS system
maintenance. The port is shared
internally by the HOSTserial port, to
which we connect the onboard
computer or radio modem/Ethernet.
Digital switching circuitry disables the
or
internal HOSTserial port if the computer
radio modem is OFF. However, serial
port interference will be a problem if
the HOSTand User Control SERIALports
are both occupied and engaged.
Accordingly, remove the cable from
the SERIALport if you plan to connect
with the controller through the onboard
radio modem or PC.
Figure 11. P3-DX User Control Panel
RADIOand AUXare pushbutton switches which engage or disengage power to the
respective devices on the Motor/Power Interface board. See Appendix B for power
connections. Respective red LEDs indicate when power is ON.
The red RESETpushbutton acts to unconditionally reset the H8S controller, disabling any
active connections or controller-attached devices, including the motors.
The white MOTORSpushbutton’s actions depend on the state of the controller. When
connected with a client, push it to manually enable and disable the motors, as its label
implies. When not connected, press the pushbutton once to enable joydrive mode, and
again to enable the motors self-test.
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To engage AROS maintenance mode, press and hold the white MOTORSbutton, press
and release the red RESETbutton, then release MOTORS. In the future, the white
MOTORSbutton may engage other modes, such as when in AROS standalone mode.
Body, Nose, and Accessory Panels
Your ActivMedia robot’s sturdy, but lightweight aluminum body houses the batteries,
drive motors, electronics, and other common components, including the front and rear
sonar arrays. The body also has sufficient room, with power and signal connectors, to
support a variety of robotics accessories inside, including an A/V wireless surveillance
system, radio modems or radio Ethernet, onboard computer, laser range finder, and
more.
On all models except the Pioneer 2-CE, a hinged rear door gives you easy access to the
batteries, which you may quickly hot-swap to refresh any of up to three batteries.
The nose is where we put the onboard PC. The nose is readily removable for access:
Simply remove two screws from underneath the front sonar array. A third screw holds the
nose to the bottom of the AT’s body. The DX nose is hinged at the bottom.
provides a quick and easy way to get to the accessory boards and disk drive of the
onboard PC, as well as to the sonar gain adjustment for the front sonar array. The nose
also is an ideal place for you to attach your own custom accessories and sensors.
All DX’s come with a removable right-side panel through which you may install accessory
connectors and controls. A special side panel comes with the onboard PC option, for
example, which gives users monitor, keyboard, mouse, and 10Base-T Ethernet access, as
well as the means to reset and switch power for the onboard computer.
AT’s come with a single access panel in the deck. Fastened down with finger-tight
screws, the User Control Panel and onboard computer controls are accessible beneath
the hinged door.
All models come with an access port
near the center of the deck through
which to run cables to the internal
components.
Sonar Arrays with Gain Adjustment
Natively, H8S/AROS-based ActivMedia
robots support up to four sonar arrays,
each with eight transducers that
provide object detection and range
information for collision avoidance,
features recognition, localization, and
navigation. The sonar positions in all
Pioneer 2 and 3 arrays are fixed: one
on each side, and six facing outward
at 20-degree intervals. Together, fore
Figure 12. Pioneer 3 sonar array
and aft sonar arrays provide 360
degrees of nearly seamless sensing for
the platform.
7
With older Pioneer 2 models, you also needed to remove the Gripper before removing the Nose.
With the DXE, and newer DXs and ATs, the Nose and Gripper come off together, so you only
need to remove the Nose’s mounting screws.
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ActivMedia Robotics
Each sonar array comes with its own driver electronics for independent control. Each
array’s sonar are multiplexed; the sonar acquisition rate is adjustable, normally set to 25
Hz (40 milliseconds per sonar per array). Sensitivity ranges from ten centimeters (six
inches) to over four meters, depending on the ranging rate. You may control the sonar’s
firing pattern through software, too; the default is left-to-right in sequence 0 to 7 for each
array. See the AROS chapters 6 and 7 for details.
The driver electronics for each array is calibrated at the factory. However, you may
adjust the array’s sensitivity and range to accommodate differing operating
environments. The sonar gain control is on the underside of the sonar driver board,
which is attached to the floor of each sonar module.
Sonar sensitivity adjustment controls are accessible directly, although you may need to
the front sonar, for instance, locate a hole near the front underside of the array through
which you can see the cap of the sonar-gain adjustment potentiometer. Using a small
flat-blade screwdriver, turn the gain control counterclockwise to make the sonar less
sensitive to external noise and false echoes.
Low sonar-gain settings reduce the robot’s ability to see small objects. Under some
circumstances, that is desirable. For instance, attenuate the sonar if you are operating in
a noisy environment or on uneven or highly reflective floora heavy shag carpet, for
example. If the sonar are too sensitive, they will “see” the carpet immediately ahead of
the robot as an obstacle.
Increase the sensitivity of the sonar by turning the gain-adjustment screw clockwise,
making them more likely to see small objects or objects at a greater distance. For
instance, increase the gain if you are operating in a relatively quiet and open
environment with a smooth floor surface.
Motors, Wheels, and Position Encoders
Pioneer 2’s and 3’s drive systems use high-speed, high-torque, reversible-DC motors,
each equipped with a high-resolution optical quadrature shaft encoder for precise
position and speed sensing and advanced dead-reckoning. Motor gearhead ratios and
encoder ticks per revolution vary by robot model. However, AROS converts most client
commands and server information from platform independent distance units into
platform-dependent encoder ticks, as expressed in the Ticksmm FLASH parameter,
calculated as the encoder counts (4 * 500, typically) divided by the product of wheel
circumference times gear ratio.
Inflate the tires evenly
or your robot won’t drive properly.
All Pioneer 3 robots now come with pneumatic tires so that you may configure your robot
for differing terrains. In any configuration, however, be careful to inflate the tires evenly
and adjust the respective Ticksmm and rotational Revcount FLASH parameters for
proper operation. We ship with the tires inflated to 23 psi each.
BATTERIES AND POWER
Except when outfitted with the automated docking/charging system (see below),
Pioneer 2 and 3 robots may contain up to three, hot-swappable, seven ampere-hour, 12
volts direct-current (VDC) sealed lead/acid batteries (total of 252 watt-hours), accessible
through a hinged and latched rear door. We provide a suction cup tool to help grab
8 It’s easier to remove the DXE’s Nose with Gripper attached.
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Specifications and Controls
and slide each battery out of its bay. Spring contacts on the robot’s battery power
board alleviate the need for manually attaching and detaching power cables or
connectors.
Balance the batteries in your robot.
Battery life, of course, depends on the configuration of accessories and motor activity.
AT charge life typically ranges from two to three hours. The DX runs continuously for six
hours or more; up to four hours with onboard computer. If you don’t use the motors, your
robot’s microcontroller will run for several days on a single battery charge.
IMPORTANT: Batteries have a significant impact on the balance and operation of your
robot.
Under most conditions, we recommend operating with three batteries.
Otherwise, a single battery should be mounted in the center, or two batteries inserted on
each side of the battery container.
Battery Indicators and Low Voltage Conditions
The User Control Panel has a bi-color LED labeled BATTERYthat visually indicates current
battery voltage. From approximately 12.5 volts and above, the LED glows bright green.
The LED turns progressively orange and then red as the voltage drops to approximately
11.5 volts.
Aurally, the User Control Panel’s buzzer, if active (see the AROS SoundTogclient
command and FLASH parameter), will sound a repetitive alarm if the battery voltage
drops consistently below the FLASH LowBatterylevel. If the battery voltage drops below
11 volts, the microcontroller’s watchdog server automatically shuts down a client
connection and notifies the computer, via the HOSTRI (ring indicator) pin, to shut down
and thereby prevent data loss or systems corruption due to low batteries.
Recharging
Typical battery recharge time using the recommended accessory (800 mA) charger
varies according to the discharge state; it is roughly equal to three hours per volt per
battery. The Power Cube accessory allows simultaneous recharge of three swappable
batteries outside the robot.
With the optional high-speed (4A maximum current) charger, recharge time is greatly
reduced. It also supplies sufficient current to continuously operate the robot and
onboard accessories, such as the onboard PC and radios. But with the higher-current
charger, care must be taken to charge at least two batteries at once. A single battery
may overcharge and thereby damage both itself and the robot.
The new automated docking/recharging system is the best option. Because its
integrated charge-management system has sufficient power and actively adjusts to
system loads, it can run your robot's onboard systems while properly and optimally
recharging its batteries. And because the charging mechanism may be operated
independently of your robot's systems power, you may start up and shut down your robot
and its onboard systems without disturbing the battery charging cycle.
All our recommended chargers are specifically designed for safe lead-acid battery
recharging. Indicators on the module’s face show fast-charge mode (typically an
orange LED) in which the discharged batteries are given the maximal current, and trickle
mode (green LED indicator), which the batteries are given only enough current to remain
at full charge.
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DOCKING/CHARGING SYSTEM
The Pioneer 3/PeopleBot docking/charging accessory is both a manual and an
automated mechanism. Onboard controls, triggered either by the DEPLOY CHARGER
button near the manual CHARGE port, or by H8S controller-mediated client commands,
deploy actuated contacts on the bottom of the robot, which in turn seat onto the
charging platform. Then, when activated by an IR-based, unique frequency-modulated
signal from the robot, the charger platform delivers up to 17 VDC @ 11.5 A to its plates.
While connected, onboard circuitry conditions the power to optimally charge the three
21-Ahr, 12 VDC lead-acid batteries (6 A charging current max) and provides sufficient
power (up to 5.5 A) for operation of all onboard systems.
The charging mechanism and onboard power conditioning circuitry can be retrofitted to
all Pioneer 3 and some Pioneer 2 and PeopleBot robots; all require return to the factory.
Manual Operation (Robot Power OFF)
With MAIN POWER off, place the robot over the charge platform so that its charging
contacts are perpendicular to and, when deployed, contact the charger plates. Note
that no charging power is applied to the plates on the platform; only low signal (5VDC @
<300mA) power for the IR detectors.
Press and hold the DEPLOY CHARGERbutton to manually deploy the charge mechanism
on the bottom of the robot. Hold for a few seconds, but not more than 10 seconds.
Charging is activated by positive contact with the charging platform. In that case, the
charge lamp on the charger unit will light and the robot's contacts will remain deployed
when you release the DEPLOY CHARGERbutton. Otherwise, the mechanism will retract.
In that case, re-position the robot and try again.
The robot's charging mechanism automatically retracts if you press the DEPLOY CHARGER
button while charging, if you move the robot on the docking platform and lose positive
charging contact, or if you remove power from the charger unit. In all cases, charging
power is removed immediately from the docking platform when not actively engaged
by the robot.
Manual Operation (Robot Power and Systems ON)
Because the automated docking/charging system’s charger and integrated circuitry
actively adjusts to system loads, it can run your robot's onboard systems while properly
and optimally recharging its batteries. And because the charging mechanism may be
operated independently of your robot's systems power, you may start up and shut down
your robot and its onboard systems without disturbing the battery charging cycle, if
engaged.
For example, with MAIN POWER on, use joystick mode to position the robot onto the
charging platform. Then reset the robot controller and manually deploy the charging
mechanism as described in the section above. Thereafter, switch MAIN POWER off, or
conversely, start up and shut down other onboard systems, including the PC, camera,
laser, and other accessories, to proceed with development work without disturbing
battery recharging.
The same conditions apply to remove charging power and retract the robot's charging
mechanism with the robot’s MAIN POWER on as well as off. In addition, engaging the
motors, such as when you press the white MOTORS button on the robot controller to
engage joystick/self-tests mode, also disengages recharging and retracts the charging
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mechanism. And the charging mechanism will not activate until you disengage the
motors, either manually or programmatically.
RADIO CONTROLS AND ACCESSORIES
All ActivMedia robots are servers in a client-server architecture. You supply the client
computer to run your intelligent mobile-robot applications. The client can be either an
onboard piggy-back laptop or embedded PC, or an offboard PC connected through
radio modems or wireless serial Ethernet. In all cases, that client PC must connect to the
HOSTserial port of the robot’s microcontroller in order for the robot and your software to
work.
For the piggyback laptop or embedded PC, that serial connection is a cable. Radio
modems simply replace that serial cable with a wireless tether. Accordingly, if you have
radio modems, one is inside your robot and connected to the controller’s HOST serial
port, and the other modem plugs into a serial port on some offboard computer where
you run your client software. Hence, in these configurations, there is one dedicated
client computer. (See Appendix C for radio modem settings.)
Figure 13. Client-server connection options.
Radio Ethernet is a little more complicated because it lets you use many different
computers on the network to become the robot’s client. A special onboard Serial-
Ethernet accessory that we provide is a standard wireless Ethernet radio which connects
to your local TCP/IP network through an Access Point.
But it’s different from most
standard wireless Ethernet devices in that it also connects to the HOSTserial port on the
robot’s microcontroller. It works by automatically translating network-based Ethernet
packet communications into streaming serial for the robot controller and back again.
Accordingly, you may run the robot’s client on any network PC just as if that client PC
were connected directly to the robot’s controller. (See Appendix D for Serial Ethernet
settings.)
A major disadvantage of the wireless Ethernet-to-serial device, however, as well as for
radio modems, is that they require a constant wireless connection with the robot.
Disruption of the radio signal—a common occurrence in even the most modern
installations—leads to poor robot performance and very short ranges of operation.
This is why we recommend onboard client PCs for wider, much more robust areas of
autonomous operation, particularly when equipped with their own wireless Ethernet. In
this configuration, you run the client software and its interactions with the robot controller
locally and simply rely on the wireless connection to export and operate the client
controls, such as through X-Windows or VNCserver. Moreover, the onboard PC is often
needed for local processing, such as to support a laser range finder or to capture and
process live video for vision work.
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ONBOARD PC
Unlike the original Pioneer 1, Pioneer 2 and 3 robots are designed to support an onboard,
internally integrated PC for fully autonomous operation. Mounted just behind the nose of
the robot, the PC is a common EBX form-factor that comes with up to four serial ports,
10/100Base-T Ethernet, monitor, keyboard, and mouse ports, two USB ports, and support
for floppy, as well as IDE hard-disk drives. For additional functionality, such as for sound,
video framegrabbing, firewire or PCMCIA bus, and wireless Ethernet, the onboard PC
accepts PC104 and PC104-plus (PCI bus-enabled) interface cards that stack on the
motherboard.
Necessary 5 VDC power comes from a dedicated
DC:DC converter, mounted nearby. A hard-disk
drive is specially shock-mounted to the robot’s nose,
in between a cooling fan and computer speaker.
The onboard PC communicates with the H8S
microcontroller through its HOST serial port and the
dedicated serial port COM1 under Windows or
/dev/ttyS0on Linux systems. Automatic systems on
the microcontroller switch in that HOST-to-PC
connection when PC-based client software opens
the serial port. Otherwise, the PC doesn’t interfere
with externally connected clients through the shared
SERIALport on the User Control Panel.
Figure 14. DX computer
control side panel
Note also that some signals on the H8S
microcontroller’s HOST serial port as connected with
the onboard PC or other accessory can be used for
automated PC shutdown or other utilities: Pin 4 (DSR) normally is RS232 high when the
controller operates normally; otherwise it is low when reset or in maintenance mode.
Similarly, pin 9 (RI) normally is low and goes RS232-level high when the robot’s batteries
drop below a set (nominally 11 VDC) voltage level.
Computer Control Panel
User-accessible communication and control port connectors, switches, and indicators for
the onboard PC are on the Computer Control Panel, found on the right side panel of the
DX or in the hinged control well next to the User Controls of the AT.
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The controls and ports use common connectors: standard monitor DSUB and PS/2
connectors on the mouse and keyboard. The Ethernet is a 10/100Base-T standard RJ-45
socket.
The ON/OFF slide switch directly controls power to the onboard PC—through Main
Power, unlike some earlier versions of the onboard system which included a delayed
power shutdown. The PWRLED lights when the computer has power.
The HDDLED lights when the onboard hard-disk drive is active. The RESET button restarts
the PC.
Operating the Onboard PC
This is a brief overview of operating the onboard PC. Please consult the Computer
Systems Documentation and the OS manufacturer’s documentation for more detail.
ActivMedia Robotics’ software runs over either Microsoft Windows (currently Windows
2000®) or RedHat® Linux (currently version 7). Accordingly, we prefer (the latter, in
particular) and support those OSes on the onboard PC.
When we perform the installation and configuration, we install our robotics and
accessory software typically in /usr/local on Linux systems, or in C:\Program
Files\ActivMedia Robotics under Windows. Of course, we install the appropriate
drivers for the various accessory expansion cards, such as for a framegrabber or sound
card. Please consult the respective ActivMedia Robotics application software manuals,
such as the ActivMedia Color Tracking System (ACTS) for the video framegrabber or
Festival for the sound card.
The first time you access the onboard PC, we recommend that you put the robot up on
blocks so that it cannot inadvertently move and wreak havoc with external connections.
Then attach a keyboard, monitor, and mouse to their respective sockets on the
Computer Control Panel. Switch Main Powerand then the computer power switch on.
After boot up, log in to the system. We’ve already created two users: one with common
systems and file read/write permissions (guest) and one with full-access to the PC
software and OS—root (Linux) or administrator (Windows). If there is a password
(usually not) it’s activmedia. When connected directly, we recommend you log in with
full-access capabilities so that you can do systems set up and maintenance, such as
change passwords, add users, and set up the network. Do note that with Linux systems,
you cannot log in remotely over the network as root; you must log in as a common user
and use the ‘su –‘command thereafter to attain superuser (root) status.
Once logged into a Windows system, it’s simply a matter of clicking the mouse to select
programs and applications. With Linux, use the ‘startx’ command to enable the X-
Windows desktop and GUI environment. You might perform some of the QuickStart
activities this way, although motion is impractical because of the monitor, mouse, and
keyboard tethers. You may remove these while the system is active at your own risk.
Rather, we suggest that you run the QuickStart activities from an offboard computer first
(onboard PC off), and then tackle the networking issues to establish a remote, preferably
wireless connection with your robot.
PC Networking
The RJ-45 connector on the Computer Control Panel provides wired 10/100Base-T
Ethernet networking directly with the onboard PC. With the purchased option, we also
install a PCMCIA adaptor card on the PC’s accessory stack and insert a 10GHz 11Mbps
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802.11b-compatible wireless Ethernet card in one of its slots. The wireless Ethernet
antenna sits atop the top deck.
To complete the wireless installation, you will need to provide an Access Point module
(comes as an accessory with most units). Attach the Access Point to one of your LAN
hubs or switches with a standard CAT5 100Base-T cable. No configuration required. We
use the default operating mode: “managed” client-server.
We ship installed PC systems’ preset and tested at a fixed IP address with Class-C network
configuration. We allocate the same IP to both the wired and wireless Ethernet ports,
typically 192.168.1.32. Although you need not fuss with drivers or low-level device
settings, before you may establish a network connection with the onboard PC (not the
robot’s controller!), even if just through a “cross-over” Ethernet cable to another PC,
you’ll need to reconfigure the robot’s PC network settings. Please consult with your
network systems administrator for networking details.
Briefly, with Windows, go to the Control Panel’s Network and Dialup Connections
wizard and choose the networking device’s Properties to change the IP address and
other details. Under Linux, there are similar, GUI-based tools under X-Windows to help
you set up the network, such as netcfg, but we prefer to edit (emacs or vi) the salient
network settings in /etc/sysconfig/network and in the specific device configuration
files found in /etc/sysconfig/network-scripts/, such as ifcfg-eth0 (wired
Ethernet) and ifcfg-eth1or ifcfg-wvlan0(wireless).
From Windows, use the Control Panel Network and Dialup Connections tool to
enable or disable a particular device. From Linux, use ifup and ifdown to enable or
disable an Ethernet device. For example, as superuser, type ‘ifdown eth0; ifup
eth1’to switch from a tethered to a wireless Ethernet connection.
For remote connections over Ethernet to your onboard PC, simply use telnet or the more
secure ssh to log in to your Linux system. Allow X-windows server connections at your
remote PC (xhost) if you plan to export the X-Windows display from the robot PC for
remote GUI-based controls (export DISPLAY=remote’s hostname or IP:0, for
example).
With Windows, you will need a special remote-control application to establish a GUI-
based connection from a remote computer to the onboard PC over the network;
VNCserver, for example, or XWin32.
Please note that you may not connect with the robot’s microcontroller directly over the
network: That is, you cannot run a client application, such as the ARIA demo or Saphira,
on the remote PC and choose to directly connect with the robot server by selecting the
robot PC’s IP address. Rather, either run the client application on the onboard PC and
export the display and controls over the network to the remote PC (preferred), or use the
ARIA-based IPTHRUprograms (see program sources in Aria/examples) to negotiate the
IP-to-serial conversions needed by the client-server connection.
UPS and Genpowerd
To protect your robot’s onboard PC data, we’ve enabled a detection scheme in AROS
and UPS-like software on the computer that invoke shutdown of the operating system in
the event of a persistent low-battery condition.9
AROS versions 1.6 and later raises the HOST serial port's RI pin 9 to RS232-level high when
the P2-H8 controller is operating normally, but when your robot’s battery power drops the
9 The original Pioneer 2 Motor-Power boards implemented a similar strategy in hardware.
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below safe operating level of ~11 VDC.10,11 Genpowerd running on the onboard Linux
system or ups.exe running under Windows, detects the change of state and initiates OS
shutdown after a short wait, during which the shutdown may be canceled by raising the
battery voltage, such as by attaching a charger.
Genpowerd monitors the HOST serial RI port on /dev/ttyS0. Windows’ ups.exe requires
a dedicated serial port—COM2 on current systems, and prefers to monitor the CTS line.
Consequently, we wire the onboard PC serial connector differently for Linux versus
Windows PC. Please consult the AROS chapters for more detail.
SAFETY AROS WATCHDOGS
AROS contains a communications watchdog that will halt the robot’s motion if
communications between a PC client and the robot server are disrupted for a set time
interval, nominally two seconds (watchdog parameter). The robot will automatically
resume activity, including motion, as soon as communications are restored.
AROS also contains a stall monitor.
If the drive exerts a PWM pulse that equals or
exceeds a configurable level and the wheels fail to turn (stallval), motor power is cut
off for a configurable amount of time (stallwait). The server software also notifies the
client which motor is stalled. When the stallwait time elapses, motor power
automatically switches back on and motion continues under server control.
There also is the LowBatteryFLASH parameter that sets off an audible warning when the
batteries fall below a safe charge level. To avoid systems corruptions, the AROS servers
force a soft system shutdown, possibly including the onboard PC (Linux genpowerd or
Windows’ ups.exe), when the batteries fall below approximately 11 volts.
All these “failsafe” mechanisms help ensure that your robot will not cause damage or be
damaged during operation. You may reconfigure the various FLASH-based parameter
values to suit your application. See Chapter 7, Updating & Reconfiguring AROS, for
details.
10 RI and DSR on the HOST serial port are RS232 low during reset or when the controller is in Maintenance Mode.
11 AROS versions 1.5 and earlier raised the HOST serial port's DSR and RI to RS232-level high and lowered the RI
for low-power condition, which worked fine for Linux genpowerd, but was incompatible with Windows’ ups.
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ActivMedia Robotics
Chapter 4 Quick Start
This chapter describes how to quickly set up and operate your new ActivMedia robot
with the ARIA demonstration software. For more details about programming and
operating your ActivMedia mobile robot with ARIA, Saphira, or other client software, see
their respective programming manuals.
PREPARATIVE ASSEMBLY
Your ActivMedia robot comes fully assembled and ready for out-of-the-box operation.
However, you may need to attach some accessories that were shipped separately for
safety. The procedures we describe herein are for control of the basic robot.
If you have the onboard PC option, we recommend that you leave it off and perform
the following tests first with a laptop or desktop computer tethered to the robot’s serial
port on the User Control Panel, then attack the many networking issues before you
establish a remote-control connection with the onboard PC.
Install ARIA
The ARIA client software-development environment, including the ARIA demonstration
program and robot simulator, come on CD-ROM with your new robot. They also come
installed in your robot’s onboard PC, if you purchased this option.
ActivMedia Robotics customers also may obtain ARIA and related software and updates
from our support website:
When installed, ARIA typically requires ten or more megabytes of hard-disk space.
The Windows version of ARIA is a self-extracting InstallShield® archive. Simply double-
click its .exe icon and follow the extraction program’s instructions. Normally, ARIA is put
into a directory named C:\Program Files\ActivMedia Robotics\ARIA.
demonstration program and simulator get put into the bin\ subdirectory.
The
For
convenience, you may access all these from the Start Menu’s Programsoption. The
demonstration program’s source code and MSVC++ project and workspace files are in
the examples\subdirectory.
Linux users must have superuser (root) permissions in order to install ARIA. It comes as
an RPM installation archive:
rpm -ihv aria...
and gets installed in /usr/local/Aria. The ARIA demonstration program and simulator
get put into the bin/ subdirectory. The demonstration sources and makefile are in the
examples/subdirectory.
Linux users should also be sure they have permission to read/write through their PC’s serial
port that connects with the robot. The default is /dev/ttyS0.
ARIA is a terminal
application that does not include a GUI, so its programs do not require X-Windows.
CAREFUL
Slide the batteries into the robot TERMINALS LAST.
Otherwise, you will damage the robot.
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Quick Start
Install Batteries
Out of the box, your ActivMedia robot comes with its batteries fully charged, although
shipped separately, unless you have the automated docking/charging system. For most
models, slide one or up to three batteries into robot’s battery box through the back door.
Balance them: one in the center; if two, then one on each side.
Client-Server Communications
Your robot requires a serial communication link with a client PC for operation. The serial
link may be:
ꢀ
A tether cable from the robot’s 9-pin serial connector on the User Control Panel to a
computer
ꢀ
ꢀ
ꢀ
ꢀ
A piggyback laptop cabled to the User Control Panel
Serial Ethernet
Radio Modem
An integrated onboard PC wired internally for direct onboard control
STARTING UP CLIENT AND SERVER
We recommend that you first test your robot and are confident of its operation before
putting it together with and controlling it from the ARIA demonstration client.
Drive Self-Test
Position your ActivMedia robot on the floor or ground in an open space, or up on blocks
if you have attachments to the Computer Control Panel. Slide the Main Powerswitch to
ON. You should hear an audible beep, and the Power light and Battery light should
glow while the Status light blinks rhythmically on the User Control Panel. The same
AROS initialization sequence also occurs whenever you press the red RESETbutton.
Now press the white MOTORSbutton twice to engage the motor’s self-test. If your robot is
working properly, it should move or rotate the wheels in four brief, but distinctive turns,
assistance.
Press the red RESETbutton to prepare for the client connection.
Client Server Connection
ARIA’s examples are text-based “terminal” applications that do not include a GUI, so its
programs do not require X-Windows over Linux or special software on a remote PC
client—a simple telnet session will do the trick.
First, please note well that you cannot connect with and control your ActivMedia robot
through its controller directly from a remote client over the network without special
hardware (new radio Ethernet-to-serial device) or, alternatively, special software that
must run the client software on the robot’s PC or on a PC that is connected to the robot’s
controller HOST serial port. You may, of course, export the controls and display over the
network from X-windows or with special Windows software, such as VNCserver.
To start the ARIA client demonstration program and connect with the robot, we presume
that you have completed the preparatory stages of this chapter by installing ARIA (as
12 Look in the ARIA/examples directory for a program called ipthru. It converts IP to serial and back again for
remote-control clients connected through the onboard PC.
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ActivMedia Robotics
needed), by starting and testing the robot, and by connecting the client PC with the
AROS controller via a serial link. Now it is time to connect the ARIA demonstration
program with your robot.
If you are using radio modems or the new Low-Speed Ethernet-to-serial device to
communicate wirelessly from a desktop PC to the robot controller, now is a good time to
power the units. The RADIO power switch for the integrated radio is on the User Control
Panel. The other radio modem should be attached to your PC and powered via the
module that came with the unit. If using the Ethernet-to-serial radio, be sure you have a
connection with a local access point, or have a peer-to-peer radio Ethernet installed in
your client computer.
Windows users may select the ARIA demo from the Start menu, in the ActivMedia
Roboticsprogram group. Otherwise, start if from the ARIA bin\directory.
Linux users will find the compiled demoin /usr/local/Aria/bin/or in examples/. Start
it:
% ./demo
Demo Startup Options
Table 1. ARIA demo command line arguments
--remoteHost <Host Name or IP> Connect with robot through a remote
host over the network instead of a
serial
hardware
port;
or
requires
IPTHRU
special
software
mediation.
--robotPort <Serial Port>
Connect with robot through specified
serial port name; COM3, for example.
--remoteRobotTcpPort <Number> Remote TCP host-to-robot connection
port number; default is 8080.
--laserPort <Serial Port>
Connect with laser rangefinder
through the specified serial port
name; /dev/ttyS3, for example.
--remoteLaserTcpPort <Number> Remote TCP host-to-laser connection
port number; default is 8081.
By default, the ARIA demo program connects with the robot through the serial port COM1
under Windows or /dev/ttyS0 under Linux. And, by default, the demo connects with
the laser rangefinder accessory through serial port COM3 or /dev/ttyS2. To change
those connection options, either modify the ARIA source code (examples/demo.cpp
and related files in src/) and recompile the demo application, or use a startup
argument on the command line. See Table 1.
For example, from the Windows Start:Rundialog, choose Browse…and select the ARIA
demo program: C:\Program Files\ActivMedia Robotics\ARIA\bin\demo.exe.
Then, type a command line argument at the end of the text in the Run dialog as
described in Table 1. To connect through the new Ethernet-to-serial radio device over
the wireless network, for example, try the command:
C:\Program Files\ActivMedia Robotics\ARIA\bin\demo.exe --remoteHost 192.168.1.32
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Quick Start
A Successful Connection
ARIA prints out lots of diagnostic text as it negotiates a connection with the robot. If
successful, the client requests various AROS servers to start their activities, including sonar
polling, position integration, and
so on.
The microcontroller
Table 2. ARIA demo operation modes
sounds an audible connection
cue, and you should hear the
robot’s sonar ping with
MODE
HOT
KEY
DESCRIPTION
a
distinctive
clicking.
motors-associated STATUS LED
on the User Control Panel should
light continuously (was flashing
slowly
connection).
ARIA demo
engages your robot’s motors
though special client
command. Normally, the
and
repetitive
laser
l
Displays the closest and furthest readings
from the robot’s laser range finder
Displays the state of the robot’s digital
and analog-to-digital I/O ports
In addition, the
io
i
position
p
Displays the coordinates of the robot’s
position relative to its starting location
while
awaiting
Note that the
automatically
bumps
sonar
camera
b
s
Displays the status of the robot’s bumpers
Displays the robot’s sonar readings
a
c
Controls and exercises the robot’s pan-
tilt-zoom robotic camera
motors are disengaged when
first connecting.
gripper
wander
teleop
g
w
t
Controls, exercises, and displays status of
the robot’s Gripper
The
amber SERIAL
port
Sends the robot to move around at its own
whim, while avoiding obstacles
indicator LEDs on the robot’s
User Control Panel should blink
to indicate ARIA-client to AROS-
server communications, too.
Allows the user to drive and steer the
robot via the keyboard or a joystick
connected to the computer
OPERATING THE ARIA
DEMONSTRATION CLIENT
When connected with the ARIA demo client, your robot becomes responsive and
intelligent. For example, it moves cautiously. Although it may drive toward an obstacle,
your ActivMedia robot will not crash because the ARIA demo includes obstacle-
avoidance behaviors which enable the robot to detect and actively avoid collisions.
The ARIA demo displays a menu of robot
operation options. The default mode of
Table 2. Keyboard teleoperation
operation is teleop. In teleopmode, you
drive the robot manually, using the arrow
KEY
↑
ACTION
Increment forward velocity
Decrement forward velocity
Incremental left turn
Incremental right turn
All stop
keys on your keyboard or
a
joystick
connected to the client PC’s joystick port
(as opposed to a joystick port on the
robot).
↓
←
→
While driving from the keyboard, each
keypress speeds the robot forward or
backward or incrementally changes its
space
direction incrementally. For instance, when turning, it is often useful to press the left- or
right-turn key rapidly several times in a row, because the turn increment is small.
The other modes of ARIA demo operation give you access to your robot’s various sensors
and accessories, including encoders, sonar, laser, Gripper, a pan-tilt-zoom robotic
camera, I/O port states, bumpers, and more. Accordingly, use the ARIA demo not only
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ActivMedia Robotics
as a demonstration tool, but as a diagnostic one, as well, if you suspect a sensor or
effector has failed or is working poorly.
Access each ARIA demo mode by pressing its related hot-key;‘t’, for instance, to select
teleoperation. Each mode includes onscreen instructions and may have sub-menus for
operating of the respective device.
DISCONNECTING
When you finish, press the Esc key to disconnect the ARIA client from your robot server
and exit the ARIA demonstration program. Your ActivMedia robot should disengage its
drive motors and stop moving, and its sonar should stop firing. You may now slide the
robot’s Main Powerswitch to OFF.
QUICKSTART TROUBLESHOOTING
Most problems occur when attempting to connect the ARIA client with a robot for the
first time. The process can be daunting if you don’t make the right connections and
installations.
ATTENTION!
The ARIA-to-robot connection is SERIAL only. Accordingly, run the ARIA
demo client with the onboard or piggyback computer, over radio
modems, or over the network with the radio Ethernet-to-serial device.
Proper Connections
Make sure you have ARIA properly installed and that your robot and connections are
correct. A common mistake with Linux is not having the proper permissions on the
connecting serial port.
Make sure your robot’s batteries are fully charged (battery LED green). The robot servers
shut down and won’t allow a connection at under 10.5 volts.
If you are using the onboard PC or radios, the serial connection is internal and
established at the factory; you should not have problems with those cables. Simply
make sure the RADIO switch is ON, for example. And remove any serial cable that is
plugged into the User Control Panel as it may interfere with internal serial
communication.
With other serial connections, make sure to use the proper cable: a “pass-through” one,
minimally connecting pins 2, 3, and 5 of your PC’s serial port to the HOST radio modem of
the pair or to the robot’s serial port on the User Control Panel.
If you access the wrong serial port, the ARIA demonstration program will display an error
message. If the robot server isn't listening, or if the serial link is severed somewhere
between the client and server (cable loose or the radio is off, for instance), the client will
attempt "Syncing 0" several times and fail. In that case, RESETthe robot and check your
serial connections. For instance, if you are using radio modems, the DCD lamp on the
HOST unit next to your PC should light up. If it doesn't, it means it cannot find the one in
the robot.
If for some reason communications get severed between the ARIA client and AROS
server, but both the client and server remain active, you may revive the connection with
little effort: If you are using radio modems, first check and see if the robot is out of range.
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Quick Start
To test for range limits, simply pick up the robot and move it closer to the basestation
radio modem or access point. If the robot was out of range, the connection should
resume. If not, check to make sure that radio modems were not inadvertently switched
OFF.
Communications also will fail if the client and/or server is somehow disabled during a
session. For instance, if you inadvertently switch off the robot’s Main Poweror press the
RESETbutton, you must restart the connection. Turning the Main Powerswitch OFFand
then back ON, or pressing the RESETbutton puts the robot servers back to their wait state,
ready to accept client connections again. If the ARIA demo or other client application is
still active, simply press escand restart.
SRIsim
To verify proper installation of the software, you might run the robot simulator, SRISim. It
is in the same directory as the ARIA demonstration program. Start SRIsimfirst, then the
ARIA demoprogram. ARIA should successfully connect with the simulator if the software
has been installed correctly.
SRIsimlooks like a real robot to the ARIA client, so you can operate the demo as you do
your own ActivMedia robot. SRIsim includes simulated worlds and different robot profiles
which you select from the Filesmenu, too, so you can see how different robots might
navigate in a real or imagined space.
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ActivMedia Robotics
Chapter 5 Joydrive and Self-Tests
Although not all models come standard with a joystick port, your robot’s H8S-based
controller has a joystick connector and AROS contains a joydrive server for manual
To run in either joydrive or self-test mode, start up or RESET the robot into its AROS wait
state. You may press the RESET button at any time to disable self-test and joydrive
modes. You have about 10 seconds to engage and complete the joystick calibration
and begin driving the robot or to enter into motors self-test mode before the controller
automatically cancels joydrive mode and reverts to waiting for a client connection.
You may also enable AROS’ joydrive server while connected with a client by sending the
client command number 47 with the integer argument 1.
JOYDRIVE MODE
To joydrive your robot when not connected with a client program, switch the robot’s
Main Power ON or RESET the controller, then press the white MOTORSbutton on the User
Control Panel once. Listen for a rhythmic, low-tone beeping indicating joydrive mode.
To joydrive your robot while it is connected with a client (overrides client-based drive
commands for manual operation while recording a map, for instance), you must have
the client software send the AROS command #47 with an integer argument 1 to enable
the joydrive servers. The first time you press and release the joystick fire button after AROS
receives the command, you engage self-calibration mode (see below). Have your client
send the AROS joydrive command #47 with an integer argument of 0 to disable the
joystick drive-override.
The joystick is self-calibrating: When you first enable joydrive mode, either by the client
command or when in self-test joydrive mode, AROS detects the joystick’s center and
extreme positions and saves these values to balance the driving action. Accordingly,
rotate the joystick around its extreme limits and then let the joystick handle find its default
centered position before pressing the fire button and starting to joydrive the robot. Try
exiting (RESET or client command 47, depending on mode) and restarting joydrive mode
if the joystick doesn’t seem to function well.
The joystick’s fire button 1 acts as the joydrive “deadman”—press it to start driving;
release it to stop the robot’s motors. The robot should drive forward and reverse, and
turn left or right in response and at speeds relative to the joystick’s position.
When not connected with a client control program, releasing the joystick fire button
stops the robot. However when connected with a client, the client program resumes
automatic operation of your robot’s drive system. So, for example, your robot may
speed up or slow down and turn, depending on the actions of your client program.
You may adjust the maximum translational and rotational speeds and even disable
joydrive mode, through special AROS FLASH configuration parameters. See Chapter 7,
Updating & Reconfiguring AROS, for details.
13 The joystick adaptor kit, including the 15-pin DSUB joystick connector and pull-up resistors, if not installed on
your robot, is available for nominal fee through [email protected]. Also note that this port is different
than the USB-based joystick port found on the back of the Laser bracket for the optional equipment and used
to manually drive from ARIA-based clients.
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Joydrive and Self Tests
ENGAGING SELF-TESTS
ATTENTION!
Place your robot on the floor or ground and have everyone step
back before engaging self-tests.
Currently, the only AROS self-test exercises your ActivMedia robot’s drive motors. During
this test, the robot is not at all conscious of bystanders. Please have everyone step back
and remove any obstacles from within a diameter of four to five feet around before
engaging the self-test.
The motor’s self-test begins by engaging the left drive wheel, first forward, then in reverse,
each to complete a partial turn clockwise, then counterclockwise. Similarly, the right
wheel engages, first forward, then reverse, to complete partial turns, first
counterclockwise, then clockwise.
The H8S-AROS controller reverts to its client-connection wait state after completing the
motors self-test.
14 As described above, the first MOTORSpress and release puts the robot into joydrive mode.
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ActivMedia Robotics
Chapter 6 ActivMedia Robotics Operating System
All ActivMedia robots use a client-server
mobile robot-control architecture originally
developed at SRI International, Inc. and
Stanford University. In the model, the robot’s
controller servers work to manage all the low-
level details of the mobile robot’s systems.
These include operating the motors, firing the
sonar, collecting sonar and wheel encoder
data, and so onall on command from and
reporting to a separate client application,
such as ARIA.
With this client/server architecture, robotics
applications developers do not need to
know many details about a particular robot
server, because the client insulates them
from this lowest level of control.
Some of
you, however, may want to write your own
robotics control and reactive planning
programs, or just would like to have a closer
programming relationship with your robot.
This chapter explains how to communicate
with and control your ActivMedia robot via
the ActivMedia Robotics Operating System
(AROS) client-server interface. The same
AROS functions and commands are
supported in the various client-programming
environments that accompany your robot or
are available for separate license.
Figure 16. ActivMedia Robotics
client-server control architecture
Experienced ActivMedia robot users can be assured that AROS is upwardly compatible
with all ActivMedia robots, implementing the same commands and information packets
that first appeared in the Pioneer 1-based PSOS and in the original Pioneer 2-based
P2OS. AROS, of course, extends the servers to add new functionality, improve
performance, and provide additional information about the robot's state and sensing.
CLIENT-SERVER COMMUNICATION PACKET PROTOCOLS
ActivMedia robots communicate with a control client using special client-server
communication packet protocols, one for command packets from client to server and
another for server information packets (SIPs) from the server to client. Both protocols are
bit streams consisting of five main elements: a two-byte header, a one-byte count of the
number of subsequent packet bytes, the client command or SIP packet type, command
data types and argument values or SIP data bytes, and, finally, a two-byte checksum.
Packets are limited to a maximum of 206 bytes each.
The two byte header which signals the start of a packet is the same for both client-
command packets and SIPs: 0xFA, 0xFB. The byte count value counts the number of all
subsequent bytes in the packet including the checksum, but not including the byte
count value itself or the header bytes.
Data types are simple and depend on the element (see descriptions below): client
commands, SIP types, and so on, are single 8-bit bytes, for example. Command
arguments and SIP values may be 2-byte integers, ordered as least-significant byte
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ActivMedia Robotics Operating System
always first. Some data are strings of up to a maximum 200 bytes, prefaced by a length
byte. Unlike common data integers, the two-byte checksum appears with its most-
significant byte first (opposite order).
Packet Checksum
Calculate the PSOS/P2OS/AROS client-server packet checksum by successively adding
data byte pairs (high byte first) to a running checksum (initially zero), disregarding sign
and overflow. If there are an odd number of data bytes, the last byte is XORed to the
low-order byte of the checksum.
int calc_chksum(unsigned char *ptr)
{
// ptr is array of bytes
// first is data count
int n;
int c = 0;
n = *(ptr++);
n -= 2;
/* Step over byte count
/* don't include checksum word */
*/
while (n > 1)
{
c += (*(ptr)<<8) | *(ptr+1);
c = c & 0xffff;
n -= 2;
ptr += 2;
}
if (n > 0)
c = c ^ (int)*(ptr++);
return(c);
}
NOTE: The checksum integer is placed at the end of the packet, with its bytes in the
reverse order of that used for data integers; that is, b0 is the high byte and b1 is the low
byte.
Packet Errors
AROS ignores a client command packet whose byte count exceeds 204 (total packet
size of 206 bytes) or has an erroneous checksum. The client should similarly ignore
erroneous SIPs.
AROS does not acknowledge receipt of a command packet nor does it have any facility
to handle client acknowledgment of a SIP. Accordingly, when designing client
applications, keep in mind serial communication limitations, particularly data rates and
physical linkage. Communication between an onboard PC client connected with the
server via a signal cable is much more reliable than over radios, for example. And don’t
expect to send a client command every millisecond if the HOST serial port’s baud rate is
set to 9,600 kbps.
Because of the real-time nature of client-server mobile-robotics interactions, we made a
conscious decision to provide an unacknowledged communication packet interface.
Retransmitting server information or command packets would serve no useful purpose,
because old data would be virtually useless in maintaining responsive robot behaviors.
Nonetheless, the client-server interface provides a simple means for dealing with ignored
command packets: Most of the client commands alter state variables in the server. By
examining those values in respective SIPs, client software may detect ignored
commands and re-issue them until achieving the correct state.
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ActivMedia Robotics
SERVER INFORMATION PACKETS
Like its PSOS and P2OS predecessors, AROS automatically and repeatedly sends a
packet of information over its HOSTserial port to a connected client. The standard AROS
SIP informs the client about a number of operating states and readings, using the order
and data types described in the nearby Table.
Table 3. Standard Server Information Packet
NAME
VALUE
DESCRIPTION
HEADER
int
Exactly 0xFA, 0xFB
BYTE COUNT
byte
Number of data bytes + 2 (checksum), not including header or
byte-count bytes
STATUS/PACKET
TYPE
0x3S =
Motors status
2
3
Motors stopped
Robot moving
XPOS
int
Wheel-encoder integrated coordinates; platform-dependent units;
multiply by DistConvFactor‡
to convert to millimeters.
YPOS
int
sint╪
THPOS
Orientation in platform-dependent units—multiply by
AngleConvFactor‡ for degrees.
L VEL
R VEL
sint
sint
Wheel velocities in mm/sec (VelConvFactor‡ = 1.0)
BATTERY
STALL AND
BUMPERS
byte
int
Battery charge in tenths of volts (101 = 10.1 volts, for example)
Motor stall and bumper indicators. Bit 0 is the left wheel stall
indicator, set to 1 if stalled. Bits 1-7 correspond to the first bumper
I/O digital input states (accessory dependent). Bit 8 is the right
wheel stall, and bits 9-15 correspond the second bumper I/O
states, also accessory and application dependent.
CONTROL
FLAGS
sint
sint
Setpoint of the server’s angular position servo—multiply by
AngleConvFactor‡ for degrees
Bit 0 motors status; bits 1-4 sonar array status; bits 5,6 M-STOP;
bits 7,8 ledge-sense IRs; bit 9 joystick button; bit 10 auto—
charger power-good.
COMPASS
SONAR COUNT
NUMBER
byte
byte
byte
int
Electronic compass accessory heading in 2-degree units
Number of new sonar readings included in SIP
If Sonar Count>0, is sonar disc number 0-31; reading follows
RANGE
Sonar range value; multiply by RangeConvFactor‡
…REST OF THE SONAR READINGS…
GRIP_STATE
ANPORT
ANALOG
DIGIN
byte
byte
byte
byte
Gripper state byte.
Selected analog port number 1-5
User Analog input (0-255=0-5 VDC) reading on selected port
Byte-encoded User I/O digital input
DIGOUT
byte
integer
Byte-endcoded User I/O digital output
Packet-integrity checksum
CHECKSUM
‡ Client-side data-conversion factor. Consult the ARIA parameter file your robot.
╪ Explicitly, a signed integer.
AROS also supports several additional SIP types. These include an “alternative” SIP that
description of the extended SIP types.
15 Indeed, if enabled, the alternative SIP apparently will “break” the client software. Read carefully.
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ActivMedia Robotics Operating System
CLIENT COMMANDS
AROS has a structured command format for receiving and responding to directions from
a client for control and operation of your ActivMedia robot or the simulator. Client
commands are comprised of a one-byte command number optionally followed, if
required by the command, by a one-byte description of the argument type and then
the argument value.
Table 4. AROS/P2OS/PSOS client command packet protocol
COMPONENT
BYTES
VALUE
DESCRIPTION
HEADER
2
1
0xFA, 0xFB
Packet header; same for client and server
Number of command/argument bytes plus
Checksum’s two bytes, but not including Byte Count
itself or the header bytes. Maximum of 249.
Client command number;
see Table 7.
Required data type of command argument:
positive integer,
BYTE COUNT
N
COMMAND
NUMBER
ARGUMENT
TYPE
1
1
0 - 255
0x3B or
0x1B or
0x2B
negative or absolute integer,
or string (ARGSTR)
ARGUMENT
CHECKSUM
n
2
data
Command argument; always 2-byte integer or string
containing length prefix
Packet integrity checksum
computed
Table 5. AROS/P2OS/PSOS command set
COMMAND
#
ARGS DESCRIPTION
AROS
P2OS PSOS
Before Client Connection
SYNC0
SYNC1
SYNC2
0
1
2
none Start connection. Send in sequence. AROS echoes
none synchronization commands back to client, and
none robot-specific autosynchronization after SYNC2.
After Established Connection
1.0
1.0
3.x
PULSE
OPEN
0
1
2
3
4
5
none Resets server watchdog
none Starts the AROS servers
none Close servers and client connection
string Change sonar polling sequence (see text)
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
3.x
3.x
3.x
3.9
–
CLOSE
POLLING
ENABLE
SETA
int
1=enable; 0=disable the motors
sint
Translational acceleration, if positive, or
deceleration, if negative; mm/sec/sec
Sets maximum translational velocity; mm/sec
–
SETV
6
7
8
int
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
4.8
3.x
–
SETO
none Resets local position to 0,0,0 origin
MOVE
ROTATE
SETRV
VEL
sint
sint
int
sint
sint
sint
Translate (+) forward or (-) back mm distance
Rotate (+) counter- or (-) clockwise degrees/sec
Sets maximum rotational velocity; degrees/sec
Translate at mm/sec forward (+) or backward (-)
Turn to absolute heading; ±degrees (+ = ccw )
Turn relative to current heading; (+) counter- or
(–) clockwise degrees
9
–
10
11
12
13
4.8
3.x
4.2
3.x
HEAD
DHEAD
SAY
15 string As many as 20 pairs of duration (20 ms
increments) /tone (half-cycle) pairs
1.0
1.0
4.2
CONFIG
18 none Request configuration SIP
1.0
1.0
1.4
1.4
–
–
ENCODER
19
21
22
int
Request one (1), a continuous stream (>1), or stop
(0) encoder SIPs
Rotate at (+) counter- or (–) clockwise;
degrees/sec
RVEL
sint
sint
1.0
1.0
1.0
4.2
DCHEAD
Heading setpoint relative to last setpoint;
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DCHEAD
SETRA
22
23
28
sint
sint
int
Heading setpoint relative to last setpoint;
± degrees (+ = ccw)
Rotational (+)acceleration or
(-)deceleration, in degrees/sec/sec
1=enable, 0=disable all the sonar; otherwise, use
bit 0 to enable (1) or disable (0) a particular array
1-4, as specified in argument bits 1-4.
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
–
–
SONAR
STOP
29 none Stops robot; motors remain enabled
1.0
1.716
1.0
1.2
–
DIGOUT
30
2
Bits 8-15 is a byte mask that selects the output
4.2
bytes port(s); Bits 0-7 set (1) or reset (0) the selected
port(s).
VEL2
32
2
Independent wheel velocities; Bits 0-7 for right
1.0
1.0
4.1
bytes wheel, Bits 8-15 for left wheel; PSOS is in
±4mm/sec; AROS/P2OS in 20mm/sec increments
GRIPPER
33
35
36
int
int
int
Gripper server commands. See the Pioneer 2
Gripper or PeopleBot manual for details.
Selects the A/D port number for reporting Anport
value in standard SIP.
Gripper server values. See Pioneer 2 Gripper or
PeopleBot manual for details.
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.3
1.2
4.0
–
ADSEL
GRIPPERVAL
GRIPREQUEST
–
37 none Request one (1), a continuous stream (>1), or stop
(0) Gripper SIPs. See Pioneer 2 Gripper or
PeopleBot manual for details.
1.E
–
IOREQUEST
PTUPOS
40 none Request one (1), a continuous stream (>1), or stop
(0) IO SIPs
1.0
–
1.E
1.2
–
41
2
Msbyte is port number (1-4), lsbyte is pulse
4.5
bytes width in 100µsec units PSOS or 10µsec units
P2OS
TTY2
42 string Sends string argument to serial device connected
to AUX (AUX1 on H8S) port
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.4
1.5
4.2
–
GETAUX
BUMP_STALL
43
int
Request to retrieve 1-200 bytes from the AUX
(AUX1 on H8S) serial port; 0 flushes the buffer.
Stall robot if front (1), rear (2) or either (3) bumps
contacted. Off is 0. See BumpStall FLASH for
default.
44
int
–
TCM2
DOCK
45
46
int
int
TCM2 Module commands; see TCM2 Manual for
details.
Default is OFF; 1=enable docking signals;
2=enable docking signals and stop the robot when
docking power sensed.
Default is O=OFF; 1=allow joystick drive from
hardware port while also connected with a client
Change the sonar cycle time; arg in milliseconds
Reset the HOST serial port baud rate to 0=9600,
1=19200, 2=38400, 3=57600, or 4=115200
Resets the AUX1 serial port baud rate
Resets the AUX2 serial port baud rate
1.0
1.6
–
–
1.C
1.G
–
–
JOYDRIVE
47
int
1.0
SONAR_CYCLE
HOSTBAUD
48
50
int
int
1.8
1.8
–
–
–
–
AUX1BAUD
AUX2BAUD
E_STOP
51
52
int
int
1.8
1.8
1.0
–
–
1.8
–
–
–
55 none Emergency stop, overrides deceleration
M_STALL
LEDGE
56
57
int
int
1 (default)=Motors stop button causes stall; 0
(P2OS default)=off
0 if inactive; 1 if stop when near-IRs triggered; 2
if impose speed control only; 3 if both stop and
speed control
1.0
1.5
1.E
–
–
–
STEP
64 none Single-step mode (simulator only)
1.0
1.0
1.0
–
3.x
–
TTY3
66 string Sends string argument to serial device connected
16 No, this isn’t a misprint—the DIGOUT command was mistakenly omitted until version 1.7.
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to AUX2 H8S serial port
GETAUX2
67
int
Request to retrieve 1-200 bytes from the AUX2
H8S serial port; 0 flushes the buffer.
1.1
–
–
CHARGE
ARM
68
70
-
int
int
1 to deploy autocharging mechanism; 0 to retract
Arm-related commands; see manual for details
1.7
1.3
–
–
–
–
81
ROTKP
82
int
int
int
int
int
int
int
Change working rotation Proportional PID value
(not FLASH default)
Change working rotation Derivative PID value
(not FLASH default)
Change working rotation Integral PID value (not
FLASH default)
Change working translation Proportional PID
value (not FLASH default)
Change working translation Derivative PID value
(not FLASH default)
Change working translation Integral PID value
(not FLASH default)
Change working differential encoder count
(not FLASH default)
1.1
1.1
1.1
1.1
1.1
1.1
1.1
1.M
1.M
1.M
1.M
1.M
1.M
1.M
–
–
–
–
–
–
ROTKV
83
84
85
86
87
88
ROTKI
TRANSKP
TRANSKV
TRANSKI
REVCOUNT
PLAYLIST
91 none Request AmigoBot sounds playlist packet
1.0
1.0
1.6
1.E
–
–
–
–
SOUNDTOG
SHUTDOWN
92
int
int
0=mute or 1=enable buzzer
25
0
0=cancel shutdown; 1=simulate low-power
condition; 2=initiate computer shutdown
–
The number of client commands you may send per second depends on the HOSTserial
baud rate, average number of data bytes per command, synchronicity of the
communication link, and so on. AROS’ command processor runs on a one millisecond
interrupt cycle, but the server response speed depends on the command. Typically, limit
client commands to a maximum of one every 3-5 milliseconds or be prepared to recover
from lost commands.
THE CLIENT-SERVER CONNECTION
Before exerting any control, a client application must first establish a connection with the
robot server via a serial link through the robot controller’s HOST port. After establishing
the communication link, the client then sends commands to and receives operating
information from the server.
When first started or reset, AROS is in a special wait state, listening for communication
packets to establish a client-server connection.17 To establish a connection, the client
application must send a series of three synchronization packets containing the SYNC0,
SYNC1, and SYNC2 commands in succession, and retrieve the server responses.
Specifically, and as examples of the client command protocol, the synchronization
sequence of bytes is (in hexadecimal notation):
SYNC0: 0xFA, 0xFB, 0x03, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00
SYNC1: 0xFA, 0xFB, 0x03, 0x01, 0x00, 0x01
SYNC2: 0xFA, 0xFB, 0x03, 0x02, 0x00, 0x02
When in wait mode, AROS echoes the packets verbatim back to the client. The client
should listen for the returned packets and only issue the next synchronization packet after
it has received the appropriate echo.
17 There also is monitor mode for AROS downloads and parameter updates; see next chapter for details.
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Autoconfiguration (SYNC2)
AROS automatically sends robot configuration information back to the client following
the last synchronization packet (SYNC2). The configuration values are three NULL-
terminated strings that comprise the robot’s FLASH-stored name, class, and subclass.
You may uniquely name your ActivMedia robot with the FLASH configuration tool we
provide. The class and subclass are constants normally set at the factory and not
changed thereafter. (See next chapter for details.)
The classstring typically is Pioneer. The subclassdepends on your robot model; P2D8
or P2AT8, for example. Clients may use these identifying strings to self-configure their
own operating parameters. ARIA, for instance, loads and uses the robot’s related
parameters file found in the special Aria/paramsdirectory.
Opening the Servers—OPEN
Once you’ve established a connection with AROS, your client should send the OPEN
command #1 (no argument; 0xFA, 0xFB, 0x03, 0x01, 0x00, 0x01) to the server, which
causes the ActivMedia robot controller to perform a few housekeeping functions, start its
various servers, such as for the sonar and motor controllers, listen for client commands,
and begin transmitting server information to the client.
Note that once connected, your robot's motors are disabled, regardless of their state
when last connected. To enable the motors after starting a connection, you must either
do it manually (press the black MOTORS/TEST button) or have your client send an ENABLE
client command #4 with an integer argument of 1 (0xFA, 0xFB, 0x06, 0x04, 0x3B, 0x01,
0x00, 0x05, 0x3B).
Keeping the Beat—PULSE
A safety watchdog expects that, once connected, your robot’s controller receives at
least one communication packet from the client every watchdog seconds (default is
two). Otherwise, it assumes the client-server connection is broken and stops the robot.
Some clients—ARIA-based ones, for instance—use the good practice of sending a PULSE
command #0 (no argument; 0xFA, 0xFB, 0x03, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00) just after opening the
AROS servers. And if your client application will be otherwise distracted for some time,
periodically issue the PULSE command to let your robot server know that your client is
indeed alive and well. It has no other effect.
If the robot shuts down due to lack of communication with the client, it will revive upon
receipt of a client command and automatically accelerate to the last-specified speed
and heading setpoints.
Closing the Connection—CLOSE
To close the client-server connection, which automatically disables the motors and other
server functions like sonar, simply issue the client CLOSE command #2 (no argument;
0xFA, 0xFB, 0x03, 0x02, 0x00, 0x02).
Once connected, send the ENABLEcommand
or press the white MOTORSbutton on the User Control Panel
to enable your robot’s motors.
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With AROS versions 1.3 and later, many of the controller’s operating parameters return to
the FLASH default for the maximum velocity is 1000 millimeters per second, and your
client uses the SETV command #6 to reset the maximum velocity to 500 millimeters per
second, the maximum velocity automatically will revert back to 1000 after your client
disconnects and then reconnects for a subsequent session.
MOTION COMMANDS
The AROS motor-control servers accept several different client-motion commands of two
mutually exclusive types: either independent-wheel or platform translational/rotational
movements. The AROS servers automatically abandon any translational or rotational
setpoints and switch to independent wheel-velocity controls when your client issues the
independent-wheel VEL2command #32, and vice versa.
Note that once connected, ActivMedia robots’ motors are disabled, regardless of their
state when last connected. Accordingly, you must either enable the motors manually
(white MOTORS button on the User Control Panel) or send the motors ENABLE client
0 of the Flagsinteger in the standard SIP.
When in independent-wheel velocity mode (VEL2), the robot’s motion-control servers do
their best to maintain precise wheel velocities. In practice, wheel slippage and uneven
terrain will cause the robot to change heading, which your client must detect and
compensate.
When
in
translational/rotational
(TR) motion control
mode
(recommended), your robot’s servers work to maintain both platform speed and
heading.
Table 6. AROS motion commands
Rotation
HEAD (#12)
Turn to absolute heading at SETRV max velocity
DHEAD (#13),
DCHEAD (#22)
Turn to heading relative to control point at SETRV max velocity
ROTATE (#9)
Translation
VEL (#11)
Rotate at SETRV velocity
Translate forward/reverse at prescribed velocity (SETV maximum)
Translate distance at SETV max velocity
MOVE (#8)
Independent Wheel
VEL2 (#32)
Set velocity for each side of robot (SETV maximum)
18 With earlier versions, the changes persisted between sessions, and reverted to the FLASH defaults only after
the controller was reset.
19
Alternatively, disable the motors with the ENABLEcommand argument of zero.
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ActivMedia Robots in Motion
ActivMedia robots use position, as opposed to velocity, motion controls to translate the
platform a certain distance and turn it to a particular heading. To achieve constant
translational (VEL), rotational (ROTATE), or independent-wheel (VEL2) velocities, the
servers simply set the target position well ahead of the robot’s current position.
When the robot controller receives a motion command, it accelerates or decelerates
the robot at the translational SETA (#5)(TR and VEL2 modes) and rotational SETRA(#23;
TR mode only) rates until the platform either achieves its SETV(#6) maximum translational
and SETRV (#10) maximum rotational speeds, or nears its goal. Accordingly, rotational
headings and translational setpoints are achieved by a trapezoidal velocity function,
which AROS recomputes each time a new motion command is received.20
,
short move
max velocity
max velocity
not reached
velocity
accel
decel
time
start
position
position
achieved
position
achieved
Figure 17. ActivMedia robot’s trapezoidal velocity profile
AROS automatically limits VEL2-, VEL-, and RVEL-specified velocities to previously
imposed, client-modifiable SETVEL and SETRV maximums, and ultimately by absolute,
platform-dependent, FLASH-embedded constants. Similarly, the distinct acceleration
and deceleration parameters for both translation and rotation are limited by FLASH
constants. AROS initializes these values upon controller startup or reset from related
FLASH parameters. The speed limits, either from FLASH or when changed by SETV or
SETRV commands, take effect on subsequent commands, not previously established
velocity or heading setpoints. And the maximums persist across client-server connection
sessions until the controller is reset.
Note that the E_STOP command #55 or the STOP button that is found on some
ActivMedia robots override deceleration and immediately stop the robot in the shortest
distance and time possible. Accordingly, the robot brakes to zero translational and
rotational velocities with very high deceleration and remains stopped until it receives a
subsequent translational or rotational velocity command from the client or until the STOP
button is reset. (See E_STOP and E_STALL later in this chapter.)
Platform Dependent and Independent Variables
All client-side motion command arguments use robot-independent units of measure, in
millimeters or degrees.
AROS converts these command arguments into robot-
dependent, wheel encoder-related motion values using two, user-settable parameters:
ticksmm,for translation, and revcountfor rotation.
20 Note that acceleration and deceleration are distinct values, settable via SETA for translation and SETRA for
rotation.
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At the same time, AROS reports back to the client in the standard SIP the robot’s position
and speed. Not all robots convert these values into platform-independent units. ARIA
and Saphira clients rely on conversion factors found in your robot’s respective “.p”
parameter file to make the necessary conversion.
So when you tell the robot to movea certain number of millimeters forward, measure its
actual travel with a meter tape and adjust ticksmmaccordingly. Similarly, turn the robot
and adjust revcountto achieve the correct heading.
Then, when you are satisfied that the robot moves and turns precisely, adjust the various
parameter file-based conversion factors, such as DistConvFactor, so that the client
reports the robot’s position and speeds in platform-independent units.
Please see the next chapter for a detailed description of these platform-dependent
variables.
PID Controls
The AROS drive servers use a common Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) control
system to adjust the PWM pulse width at the motor drivers and subsequent power to the
motors. The motor-duty cycle is 200 microseconds; pulse-width is proportional 0-500 for 0-
100% of the duty cycle.
The AROS drive servers recalculate and adjust your robot’s trajectory and speed every
five milliseconds based on feedback from the wheel encoders.
The default PID values for translation and
rotation and maximum PWM are stored
as FLASH parameters in your robot’s H8S
0
microcontroller and may be changed.
+X
You also may temporarily update the PID
values with the AROS client commands
#84 through #87. On-the-fly changes
Front
persist until the controller is reset. The
translational PID values apply to
independent wheel-velocity mode.
+90 +Y
+270
The P term value Kp increases the overall
gain of the system by amplifying the
position error. Large gains will have a
tendency to overshoot the velocity goal;
small gains will limit the overshoot but
cause the system to become sluggish.
We’ve found that a fully loaded robot
works best with a Kp setting of around 15
to 20, whereas a lightly loaded robot may
work best with Kp in the range of 20 to 30.
+180
Figure 18. Internal coordinate system
The D term Kv provides a PID gain factor that is proportional to the output velocity. It has
the greatest effect on system damping and minimizing oscillations within the drive
system. The term usually is the first to be adjusted if you encounter unsatisfactory drive
response. Typically, we find Kv to work best in the range of 600 to 800 for lightly to heavily
loaded robots, respectively.
The I Term Ki moderates any steady state errors thereby limiting velocity fluctuations
during the course of a move. At rest, your robot will seek to “zero out” any command
position error. Too large of a Ki factor will cause an excessive windup of the motor when
the load changes, such as when climbing over a bump or accelerating to a new speed.
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Consequently, we typically use a minimum value for Ki in the range of 0 to 10 for lightly to
heavily loaded robots respectively.
Position Integration
ActivMedia robots, including Pioneer 2s and 3s, track their position and orientation based
on dead-reckoning from wheel motion derived from encoder readings. The robot
maintains its internal coordinate position in platform-dependent units, as reported in the
standard SIP (Xpos, Ypos, and Thpos).
Be aware that with the simulator as well as with real robots, registration between external
and internal coordinates deteriorates rapidly with movement, due to gearbox play,
wheel imbalance and slippage, and many other real-world factors. You can rely on the
dead-reckoning ability of the robot for just a short range—on the order of several meters
and one or two revolutions, depending on the surface. Carpets tend to be worse than
hard floors.
Also, moving either too fast or too slow tends to exacerbate the absolute position errors.
Accordingly, consider the robot’s dead-reckoning capability as a means of tying
together sensor readings taken over a short period of time, not as a method of keeping
the robot on course with respect to a global map.
The orientation commands HEAD and DHEAD turn the robot with respect to its internal
dead-reckoned angle. On start-up, the robot is at the origin (0,0), pointing toward the
positive X-axis at 0 degrees. Absolute angles vary between 0 and 359.
You may reset the internal coordinates to 0,0,0 with the SETOcommand #7.
SONAR
When connected with and opened by the client, AROS automatically begins firing your
robot’s sonar, one disc each simultaneously for each array, as initially sequenced and
enabled in your robot’s FLASH parameters. The sonar servers also begin sending the
sonar-ranging results to the client via the standard SIP.
Enable/Disabling Sonar
Use the SONAR client command #28 to enable or disable all or individual sonar arrays.
Set ("1") bit zero of the SONAR argument to enable or reset it ("0") to disable the sonar
pinging. Set argument bits two through four to an individual array number one through
four to enable or disable only that array. Array zero, the form of the P2OS command,
affects all the arrays at once.
For example, an argument value of one enables all the sonar arrays, whereas an
argument value of six silences array number three. Monitor the status of the sonar arrays
in the FLAGSinteger of the standard SIP.
Polling Sequence and Rate
Each array’s sonar fire at a rate and in the sequence defined in your robot’s FLASH
parameters. (Consult the next chapter on how to change the FLASH settings.) Use the
sonar POLLING command #3 to have your client change the firing sequence, and the
SONAR_CYCLEcommand #48 to change the rate. The changes persist until you reset the
controller or restart the client-server connection.
The POLLING command string argument consists of a sequence of sonar numbers one
through 32. Sonar numbers one through eight get added to the polling sequence for
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sonar array number one; numbers nine through 16 get added to the sequence for sonar
array number two; 17-24 specify the sequence for array three; and 25-32 are for array
four. You may include up to 16 sonar numbers in the sequence for any single array. Only
those arrays whose sonar numbers appear in the argument get re-sequenced. You may
repeat a sonar number two or more times in a sequence. If a sonar number does not
appear in an otherwise altered sequence, the disc will not fire.
Note that for compatibility with earlier ActivMedia robot operating systems, if the string is
empty, all the sonar get disabled, but their polling sequences remain unaltered, just as if
you had sent the SONARcommand with an argument value of zero.
In earlier versions of AROS and P2OS, the sonar polling rate is fixed: one sonar per array
gets polled every 40 milliseconds. That common cycle timing accommodates ranging
out to the maximum of the sonar of several meters for general applications, including
features recognition and localization. For other applications, such as close-in obstacle
avoidance, a shorter range but faster rate of update is better.
Hence, we introduce in AROS v1.8 the SonarCycleFLASH parameter which lets you set,
through AROScf, the default sonar cycle time, in milliseconds. Use the SONAR_CYCLE
client command #48 to change the cycle timing on the fly to the command integer's
argument value in milliseconds.
STALLS AND EMERGENCIES
With a robot equipped with forward and/or rear bumpers, by default AROS immediately
stops the robot and notifies the client of a stall if any one or more of the contact sensors
get triggered and the robot is going in the direction of the bump (forward/front or
backward/rear). Send the BUMPSTALLcommand #44 with an integer argument of zero
to disable that bump-stall behavior. Give the argument value of one to re-enable
BUMPSTALL only when a forward bump sensor gets triggered; two for rear-only
BUMPSTALLs; or three for both rear and forward bump contact-activated stalls.
Change AROS’ bump-stall behavior default with the BumpStallFLASH parameter.
In an emergency, your client may want the robot to stop quickly, not subject to normal
deceleration.
In that case, send the
E_STOPcommand (#55).
Table 7. The FLAGS bits in the standard SIP
Like BUMPSTALL, use AROS’ built-in E_STALL
BIT
CONDITION IF SET
feature to simulate a stall when someone
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Motors enabled
An
Sonar array #1 enabled
Sonar array #2 enabled
Sonar array #3 enabled
Sonar array #4 enabled
STOP button pressed
E_stall engaged
Far ledge detected (IR)
Near ledge detected (IR)
Joystick button 1 pressed
Recharging “power-good”
Reserved
integrated switch in the STOP button
toggles a dedicated digital I/O port (Port
A, bit 3) on the microcontroller thereby
notifying AROS of the condition. AROS
stops the robot’s motors, puts on the
brakes, and throws continuous stalls.
Unlike other stalls, E_STALL also disables the
motors. You must either re-enable the
motors manually (MOTORS button) or
programmatically (ENABLEcom-mand #4).
9
10
11-15
The E_STALL server notifies your client software through the stall bytes and in bit 5 of
the FLAGS byte in the standard so that your client may respond to a STOP E_STALL
differently than a regular stall.
21
Available only on some robots.
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Normally enabled (default was disabled in P2OS), change E_STALL by sending the
AROS command #56. With argument of zero, E_STALL gets disabled. An argument
value of one re-enables E_STALL.
ACCESSORY COMMANDS AND PACKETS
Several types of alternative server information packets (SIPs) come with AROS to better
support the ActivMedia Robotics community. On request from the client by a related
AROS command, the AROS server packages and sends one or a continuous stream of
information packets to the client over the HOST serial communication line. Extended
packets get sent immediately after the standard SIP that AROS sends to your client every
The standard SIP takes priority and gets sent as soon as the communication port is free
and the cycle timer expires. So you may have to adjust the communications baud rate
to accommodate all data packets in the allotted cycle time, or some packets may
never get sent.
Packet Processing
Identical with the standard SIP, all AROS server information packets get encapsulated
with a header (0xFA, 0xFB), byte count, packet type byte, and trailing checksum. It is up
to the client to parse the packets, sorted by type for content. Please consult the
respective client application programming manuals for details.
ARIA, for example, comes with a framework for packet parsing and has an internal
parser for the PSOS/P2OS/AROS packet type 0x3S (S=0-2; aka “standard” SIP), as well as
for some of the extended packets we describe in this section.
Table 8. CONFIGpac contents (AROS v1.5 and later)
LABEL
DATA
int
byte
byte
str
DESCRIPTION
HEADER
Common packet header = 0xfAFB
IDs ENCODERpac = 0x20
Number of following data bytes
Typically “Pioneer”
TYPE
BYTE COUNT
ROBOT TYPE
SUBTYPE
str
Identifies the ActivMedia robot model; e.g. “p3dx”,
str
Serial number for the robot.
SERIALNUM
4MOTS
byte Antiquated (=1 if AT with P2OS)
int
int
int
int
int
str
Maximum rotational velocity; deg/sec
Maximum translation speed; mm/sec
ROTVELTOP
TRANSVELTOP
ROTACCTOP
TRANSACCTOP
PWMMAX
Maximum rotation (de)acceleration; deg/sec2
Maximum translational (de)acceleration; mm/sec2
Maximum motor PWM (500=fully on).
Unique name given to your robot.
NAME
byte Server information packet cycle time
SIP
byte Baud rate for client-server HOST serial: 0=9.6k, 1=19.2k,
2=38.4k, 3=56.8k, 4=115.2k.
HOSTBAUD
byte Baud rate for AUX serial port 1; see HostBaud
AUXBAUD
int
int
0 if no Gripper; else 1
1 if robot has front sonar array enabled, else 0
GRIPPER
FRONT SONAR
REAR SONAR
LOWBATTERY
byte 1 if robot has rear sonar enabled, else 0
int
int
int
In 1/10 volts; alarm activated when battery charge falls
below this value.
Current number of differential encoder ticks for a 360
degree revolution of the robot.
REVCOUNT
WATCHDOG
Ms time before robot automatically stops if it has not
22 You may have to adjust the HOSTserial baud rate to accommodate the additional communications traffic.
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received a command from a client. Restarts on restoration
of connection.
byte 1 enables alternative SIP.
P2MPACS
int
int
Maximum PWM before stall. If > PwmMax, never.
Ms time after a stall for recovery. Motors not engaged
during this time.
STALLVAL
STALLCOUNT
int
int
int
int
int
int
int
Joystick translation velocity setting, mm/sec
JOYVEL
Joystick rotation velocity setting in deg/sec
Current max rotational speed; deg/sec.
Current max translational speed; mm/sec.
Current rotational acceleration; deg/sec2
Current rotational deceleration; deg/sec2
Current Proportional PID for rotation
JOYRVEL
ROTVELMAX
TRANSVELMAX
ROTACC
ROTDECEL
ROTKP
int
int
Current Derivative PID for rotation
Current Integral PID for rotation
ROTKV
ROTKI
int
int
int
int
int
Current translational acceleration; mm/sec2
Current translational deceleration; mm/sec2
Current Proportional PID for translation
Current Derivative PID for translation
Current Integral PID for translation
TRANSACC
TRANSDECEL
TRANSKP
TRANSKV
TRANSKI
ADDED IN AROS 1.6
byte Number of front bumper segments
byte Number of rear bumper segments
FRONTBUMPS
REARBUMPS
ADDED IN AROS 1.7
byte 1 if P3 or 2 if PowerBot automated charger mechanism and
circuitry installed in robot; otherwise 0
CHARGER
ADDED IN AROS 1.8
byte Sonar duty cycle time in milliseconds
byte 1 if can change baud rates; 2 if auto-baud implemented
byte 1 if has the gyro device; otherwise 0
SONARCYCLE
AUTOBAUD
HASGYRO
CONFIGpac and CONFIG Command
Send the CONFIG command #18 without an argument to have AROS send back a
CONFIGpac SIP packet type 32 (0x20) server information packet containing the robot's
operational parameters. Use the CONFIGpac to examine many of your robot’s default
FLASH_based settings or their working values, when appropriate, as changed by other
client commands, such as SETV and ROTKV. A table nearby gives details about the
configuration packet data.
SERIAL PORT COMMUNICATIONS
AROS provides two-way communications through the HOST client-server communication
port and to and through two auxillary serial ports on the microcontroller, AUX1 and AUX2.
Changing Baud Rates and Autobauding
The baud rates for the HOST, AUX1, and AUX2 ports initially are set from their respective
FLASH-based defaults and get reset to those values whenever the controller is reset or
upon client disconnection. For advanced serial port management from the client side, in
AROS 1.8 and later we provide three client commands which let your software reset the
HOST (HOSTBAUD#50), AUX1 (AUX1BAUD#51), and AUX2 (AUX2BAUD#52) serial port baud
rates, respectively. Use the integer command argument values: 0=9600, 1=19.2K, 2=38.8K,
3=57.6K or 4=115.2K baud.
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For auto-baud, the HOST serial port automatically reverts to its FLASH default baud rate if,
after being reset by the HOSTBAUD client command, it does not receive a subsequent
and valid client-command packet within 500 milliseconds.
HOST-to-AUX Serial Transfers
Use the client-side TTY2 command #42 with a string argument to have that string sent
out the AUX1 port to the attached serial device, such as a robotic camera. Similarly, use
the TTY3command #66 to send a string argument to the AUX2 port.
AROS also maintains two circular buffers for incoming serial data from the AUX1 and
AUX2 ports. On request, AROS sends successive portions of the buffers to your client via
the HOST port in the respective SERAUXpac (type = 176; 0xB0) and SERAUX2pac (type =
184; 0xB8) SIPs. Use the GETAUXcommand 43 for AUX1 or GETAUX2command number 67
for AUX2. Use the integer argument value of zero to flush the contents of the respective
buffer. Use an argument value of up to 253 bytes to have AROS wait to collect the
requested number of incoming AUX-port serial bytes and them send them in the
respective SERAUXpacor SERAUX2pacSIP.
ENCODER PACKETS
Issue the ENCODER command #19 with an argument of one for a single, or with an
argument value of two or more for a continuous stream of ENCODERpac(type 144; 0x90)
SIPs. Discontinue the packets with the ENCODER command #19 with an argument of
zero.
Table 9. ENCODERpac SIP contents
Header
Byte Count
Left Encoder
integer
byte
Exactly 0xFA, 0xFB
Number of data bytes + 2 (checksum)
integer
integer
integer
integer
integer
Least significant, most significant portion of the
current accumulated encoder counts from the left wheel
Least significant, most significant portion of the
current accumulated encoder counts from the left wheel
Checksum for packet integrity
Right Encoder
Checksum
Gripper packets
AROS controls the Gripper accessory for the Pioneer and Performance PeopleBot robots.
The client sends commands to the Gripper servers and gets Gripper status information
from the standard SIP. Please consult the respective manuals for details.
Table 10. GRIPPERpac packet contents
HEADER
int
Exactly 0xFA, 0xFB
BYTE COUNT
TYPE
byte
byte
byte
byte
byte
Number of data bytes + 2 (checksum)
Packet type = 0xE0
Gripper type: 0=none; 1=User; 2=PeopleBot
See nearby Table
HASGRIPPER
GRIP_STATE
GRASP_TIME
CHECKSUM
MS time controls grasping pressure
integer Computed checksum
AROS supports a GRIPPERpac (type=224; 0xE0) packet type and related GRIPREQUEST
P2OS command #37 to retrieve setup and status information from the servers.
Normally disabled, your client program may request one or a continuous stream
(command argument > one) of Gripper packets.
argument value zero to stop continuous packets.
Send GRIPREQUEST with the
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Table 11. GRIPPERpac state byte
BIT
0
1
FUNCTION
Grip limit
Lift limit
STATE
Paddles fully open when 0; otherwise between or closed
Lift fully up or down when 0; otherwise in between
2
3
Outer breakbeam Obstructed when 0; nothing in between when 1
Inner breakbeam Obstructed when 0; nothing in between when 1
4
5
6
7
Left paddle
Right paddle
Lift
Grasping when 0
Grasping when 0
Moving when 1
Moving when 1
Gripper
Note that the Gripper status information bits 0-5 also may be obtained from the
respective digin and digout values of the standard SIP as related to the User I/O port
states. See Appendix A for connection details.
Sounds
Unlike its ActivMedia robot cousins, the AmigoBot mobile robot has onboard sound
reproduction hardware and software that includes a playlist of contents. To support the
ActivMedia Robotics Interface for Applications (ARIA) that includes all ActivMedia’s
robots, we’ve included the PLAYLISTpac (type = 208; 0xD0) and PLAYLIST request
command 91 in AROS. We document the command and packet here for completeness,
but they have no effect on the operation or performance of your ActivMedia mobile
robot.
The AmigoBot sounds playlist consists of a series of one to 255 24-byte long sound
references, followed by individual sound data. Sound references may be NULL or
redundant.
Sound references consist of a 16-byte sound name followed by two long integers, which
specify the sound data position and length in the playlist. Upon receipt of the PLAYLIST
command 91 with any or no argument, AROS responds with a PLAYLISTpac SIP
containing 25 NULL bytes, telling the client that your AROS-based robot does not have
any onboard sounds.
Whereas the AmigoBot has a high-fidelity sound system, AROS- and P2OS-based robots
have a piezo buzzer that aurally notifies you of system conditions, such as low battery or
stalls. For stealthy operation, issue the SOUNTOG command number 92 with an
argument of zero to mute the controller’s buzzer; argument of one to re-enable it. (See
also the SOUNDTOG FLASH parameter in the next chapter to set its default state.)
The SAY command number 15 lets you play your own sounds through the buzzer. The
argument consists of a length-specified string of duration/frequency tone pair bytes. The
duration is measured in 20 millisecond increments. Frequencies are half-tones, limited by
the 8-bit timer. You’ll have to experiment with tones. Here is the sequence that
generates the AROS tone when the robot stalls (in octal):
\012\001\012\000\012\010\012\000\012\001
TCM2
The TCM2 accessory is an integrated inclinometer, magnetometer, thermometer, and
compass that attaches to one of the AUXserial ports of the AROS microcontroller. When
attached and enabled, special TCM2 compass servers read and report the heading as
the compassbyte in the standard SIP. Use the TCM2command 45 to request additional
information from the device in the form of the TCM2pac. See the TCM2 Manual and
supporting software that accompanies the device for details.
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Onboard PC
Communication between the onboard PC and the H8S microcontroller is RS232 serial
through the respective COM1 (Windows) or /dev/ttyS0 (Linux) and internal HOST ports.
Set the HostBaud FLASH communication rate to match the PC client-software’s serial
port rate.
Beginning with AROS version 1.6, the RIpin 9 on the HOST port initializes to low and goes
high when the batteries discharge to below 11 VDC. We use the genpowerd software
under Linux to detect that low-power signal and automatically shut down the PC.
Windows PCs are a bit more problematic.
The Windows genpowerd-like ups.exe program requires a dedicated serial port and
prefers to use the CTS line to indicate low power. Accordingly, we jumper the RI signal of
HOST COM1 to the CTS signal pin of the adjacent COM2 port of the onboard PC for the
feature. For convenience, the Versalogic VSBC8 PC found onboard most recent Pioneer
2s shares its 20-pin connector on the PC's motherboard with COM1 and COM2. So, to
implement Windows ups.exe-enabled low-power shutdown, we jumper pin 8 (COM1RI) to
pin 16 (COM2 CTS) on that VSBC8 serial connector. Use a similar strategy for other
implementations; the UPS configuration dialog lets you select COM1-4.
Once the port is wired, start up Windows and, as Administrator, go to the
Start:Settings:Control Panel:Power Optionsdialog and select the UPStab. Click
Select and in the UPS Selection dialog, select COM2 (or other) port, Generic
manufacturer, and Custommodel. Then click Next.
In the UPS Interface Configuration On: COM2 dialog, check the Power Fail/On
Batteryand its related Positionoptions. Uncheck to disable the Low Battery and UPS
Shutdown options. Then click Finish to save the settings and close the dialog. Click OK or
Apply to enable the UPS shutdown programs.
Change a registry value so that the PC shuts down one minute instead of two minutes
after low-power notification by the controller: Use regedit and navigate to
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\Services\UPS\Config. Change the
ShutdownOnBatteryWaitdword value to 1 (from 2).
Use the AROS client maintenance command #250 to test your genpowerd or ups.exe
setup. Send the COMshutdowncommand #250 with an integer argument of 1 to simulate
the low battery condition, in which AROS issues warnings first, then disconnects from the
client after about a minute and sets the PC-shutdown signal on RI. An argument of 2
forces the computer shutdown signal (RI high); 0 cancels the shutdown/test. Resetting
the controller cancels shutdown, too, unless battery power really is very low.
Put the controller into maintenance mode and fix your onboard PC settings if the
computer falsely engages genpowerd or ups.exe.
Heading Correction Gyro
With the new rate-gyro accessory, your client software may detect and compensate for
robot heading changes that aren't detected by the wheel encoders, such as from
slipping wheels. AROS version 1.8 and later supports the gyro via its attachment to the
AN6 and AN7 analog-to-digital input ports on the H8S microcontroller.
AROS collects 10-bit (0-1023) gyro rate and 8-bit (0-255) temperature data and will, upon
request, send the collected data to a connected client in a new GYROpac (type=0x98)
server information packet for processing. Analysis of the gyro data and subsequent
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modifications to the robot's heading are done on the client side, as supported in the
latest versions (1.3 and later) of ARIA.
To enable the gyro, you must set the HasGyro FLASH parameter to 1 using the AROScf
tool (see next chapter). Set it to 0 if the gyro isn't attached. Then to acquire gyro data,
send the GYROclient command #58 with integer argument of one; zero disables the gyro
SIP. The gyro SIP is stopped upon client disconnection or controller reset, too.
AROS collects the gyro rate and temperature readings at the maximum rate of once
every 25 milliseconds and reports each of these values to the client, when enabled, in
the GYROpac SIP that gets sent just before the standard Server Information Packet every
sInfoCycle, typically every 100ms. GYROpac consists of a count byte of the rate and
temperature data pairs accumulated since the last cycle (typically 4 for a 100ms cycle
time), followed by that number of rate/temperature integer/byte pairs.
Gyro rates are 10-bit integers of value 0-1023. When not moving, the rate is centered
around 512 or so, depending on the gyro's temperature and other calibration factors
which drift with use and should be corrected on the fly. Values below that center point
indicate counter-clockwise rotational rates; values above the resting center measure
clockwise rotational rates.
Table 12. GYROpac SIP contents
LABEL
BYTES
CURRENT VALUE
DESCRIPTION
HEADER
2
1
1
1
0xFA, 0xFB
Common header
Varies
Packet type
BYTE COUNT
TYPE
xx
0x98
x
N PAIRS
FOR N PAIRS
RATE
Number of gyro data pairs
2
1
2
varies 0-1023 Gyro rate
varies 0-255
varies
TEMPERATURE
CHECKSUM
Gyro temperature
Computed checksum
INPUT OUTPUT (I/O)
Your AROS-based robot comes with a number of I/O ports that you may use for sensor
and other custom accessories and attachments. See Appendix A for port locations and
specifications. Some I/O states and readings appear in the standard SIP and may be
manipulated with AROS client commands. There also is an IOpac SIP for convenient
access to all of your robot’s I/O.
User I/O
The User I/O connector on the H8S controller contains eight digital input and eight digital
sixteen digital ports and analog port automatically and continuously appear in the
standard SIP, in their respective DIGIN, DIGOUT, ANALOG bytes. When not physically
connected, the digital input and A/D port values may vary and change without warning.
Use the AROS client command number 30 to set one or more of the eight DIGOUTports
on the AROS controller. Electrically, the ports are digital high (1) at ~5 VDC (Vcc) and low
(0) at ~0 VDC (GND). DIGOUTuses a two-byte (unsigned integer) argument. The first byte
is a mask whose bit pattern selects (1) or ignores (0) the state of the corresponding bit in
the second byte to set (1) or unset (0) the digital output port.
23 Many of these ports are used by the Gripper accessory. Alternative I/O also is available.
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For example, here’s the AROS client command to set digital output ports one and three
(OD1and OD3), reset port four (OD4), and leave all the rest alone (hexadecimal notation):
0xFA, 0xFB, 0x06, 0x1E, 0x1B, 0x19, 0x09, 0x37, 0x24
Bumper and IR I/O
Two 10-position latching IDC connectors on the H8S controller provide 16 digital input
ports, normally used for the bumper accessory, but also available for your own
attachments. See Appendix A for connector details.
Similarly, the Motor-Power connector on the H8S controller contains eight digital inputs
that we normally use for IR sensors on the Performance PeopleBot and PowerBot, and
whose states are digitally mapped. See Appendix B for connector details.
Normally pulled high (digital 1), all the bumper and IR bit-mapped switches go low
(digital 0) when the respective port gets triggered. Bumper inputs also appear with the
stall bits in the standard SIP, but unlike in the IOpac, are modified by the InvertBumps
mask. All the bumper and IR data bits appear in the IOpacpacket.
IO packets
Table 13. IOpac packet contents
LABEL
BYTES
2
1
CURRENT VALUE
0xFA, 0xFB
22
DESCRIPTION
HEADER
BYTE COUNT
TYPE
Common header
Number of data bytes + 2
Packet type
1
0xF0
N DIGIN
DIGIN
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
4
Number of digital input bytes
ID0-8 bits mapped
Front bumper bits mapped
Rear bumper bits mapped
IR inputs
Number of digital output bytes
Digital output byte(s)
Number of A/D values
A/D ports 1-5 input values at 12-
varies 0-255
varies 0-255
varies 0-255
varies 0-255
1
varies 0-255
5
5 integers
FRONTBUMP*
REARBUMP*
IR
N DIGOUT
DIGOUT
AN
A/D
10
varying 0-2047 bit resolution = 0-5 VDC
CHECKSUM
2
varies Computed checksum
Not all analog and digital I/O appears in the standard SIP. Accordingly, your client
software may request the IOpac SIP (type = 240; 0xF0), which contains all common I/O
associated with the H8S controller and which appear on the various connectors,
including User IO, General IO, Bumpers, and IRs.
Use the AROS client IOREQUEST command number 40 with an argument value of zero,
one, or two. The argument value one requests a single packet to be sent by the next
client-server communications cycle. The request argument value of two tells AROS to
send IOpac packets continuously, at approximately one per cycle depending on serial
port speed and other pending SIPs. Use the IOREQUEST argument value zero to stop
continuous IOpacpackets.
* Actual bits, not affected by InvertBumps since bumper bits may be used for other
digital input besides bumpers.
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Expansion I/O
Four alternative A/D ports appear at the 40-position Expansion I/O connector of the H8S
have the A/D value from one of the alternative ports AN2-5appear in the standard SIP.
The default port is AN0(ADSEL argument value of zero), the A/D port also on the User I/O
connector.
DOCKING/CHARGING SYSTEM I/O
The docking/charging system’s mechanism and associated charge-management
circuitry on the robot may be controlled from the robot's H8-microcontroller and AROS
servers.
Digital Port Controls
When set digital high (1), the "inhibit" port OD4 on pin 10 of the User I/O connector (see
Appendix A) causes the charging mechanism to disengage and retract from the
charging platform and inhibits its future deployment. The "deploy" port OD5 pin 12, when
set high with port OD4 low, deploys the charging mechanism with full force to seat it onto
the charging platform.25
At the fully deployed position, the mechanism is mechanically stabilized and requires
much less force to maintain contact. If in positive contact with the charger base, the
robot's onboard circuitry activates and thereafter maintains the actuated mechanism at
that lower force as long as it receives power. To minimize heat and eventual damage to
the actuator, the deploy line should be activated for only short periods; maximally for 10
seconds at a time.
Your client software may run the charging mechanism by individually activating/
deactivating the digital output ports, such as with the AROS COMdigout (#30)
command. However, for best results, we recommend using the automated charging
control commands and systems we provide with the latest AROS.
Docking/Charging Servers
To use AROS’ docking/charging system servers (version 1.7 or later), you must first enable
the H8-microcontroller's automated charger servers through your robot's FLASH
parameters. Use the AROScf configuration tool and set the Charger parameter value to
1 (0 to disable) and save the value.
Thereafter, for autonomous operation of the robot with the charging platform, establish a
client-server connection between an ARIA- or similar client-enabled PC and the robot's
controller. Use the AROS CHARGEcommand #68 with an integer argument of 1 to
automatically halt robot motion and deploy the docking mechanism. The docking
mechanism automatically retracts after five seconds if the robot does not engage with
the docking platform, during which time the robot's drive system is unresponsive. So your
client should wait at least that long before attempting to resume activity.
Although disengaged while recharging, AROS remembers if your robot's motors were
engaged just before deploying the docking mechanism. This way, your robot may
discontinue charging, retract the robot's charging mechanism, and go on its merry way
automatically by having the client send any motion command that normally would
cause the robot to drive away from its current position. However, if you purposely
24 Many other ports also appear at that connector, but are not yet supported in AROS.
25 These output ports and the charge-sensing User I/O-based digital input ports (see below) do not interfere with
the Pioneer/PeopleBot Gripper.
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disengage the motors while charging, such as by disconnecting, you will have to re-
engage them from the client or by manually pressing the MOTORS button on the
controller. Re-engaging the motors automatically retracts the charging mechanism.
While the motors are engaged, the charging mechanism cannot be deployed, except
by the CHARGE command. For best control and safety, consider also using the AROS
CHARGE command number 68 with integer argument 0 to gracefully cancel charging,
retract the charging mechanism, and restore motor state.
In addition to the client-mediated commands, you also may cancel recharging and
retract the charging mechanism manually with the Charge Deploy button, as described
in the earlier sections. Do note that client-mediated docking/charging behaviors may
act to reverse your actions.
For example, the client may, upon untimely loss of recharging power resulting from
someone pressing the Charge Deploy button, may re-engage the motors and have the
robot automatically attempt to re-dock with the charging platform and restart charging.
Your client software may disengage and re-engage the client-server connection without
disrupting recharging, as long as the robot remains positively engaged with the charging
platform and you don't do anything else to otherwise disrupt recharging. Once
disengaged from the client, the rules for engaging and disengaging the recharge
mechanism and power manually apply.
Monitoring the Recharge Cycle
Three digital signals indicate battery recharging states of the docking/recharging system.
All appear in the standard SIP.
Table 14. Recharging cycle states
Charge State
Overcharge
(ID7)
~Volts
Charge current
Bulk
1
0
1
discharge-~14V
~14-14.7
6A
6A
Overcharge
Float
~13.5
< 1A
The "power-good" signal appears as both User I/O DIGINbit 6 and as bit 10 of the FLAGS
integer in the standard SIP, but their states are inversely related: DIGIN bit 6, normally
high (1) when not charging or when the charging system is not installed, goes low (0)
when the recharge system is engaged on the charge platform. Conversely, the power-
good bit 10 in FLAGS normally is low and goes high when the robot is docked and
charging. For compatibility with future docking systems, we recommend that your client
monitor the power-good FLAGS bit and not the DIGIN line to determine if the robot is
getting power from the charging platform.
The DIGINand DIGOUTbytes of the Standard SIP also reflect the states of the associated
charging digital input and output bits. DIGOUT bits 4 and 5 are the inhibit and deploy
output ports described earlier. DIGIN bit 7, corresponding to the User I/O connector
digital input port ID7, pin 15, reflects the battery recharge cycle and, with the Battery
Voltage SIP value, helps the autonomous robot client determine immediate battery life
and operation times.
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The "overcharge" bit ID7 is set (1) when the batteries are well below full charge and the
charger is at full charging current. During this bulk-charging period, the battery voltage
rises to around 13.8-14V. The overcharge bit ID7 then drops to low (0) while the batteries
charge from approximately 80% to 90% of full charge: from ~13.8 to 14.7V. The charger
then reverts to "float mode", maintaining full charge at much lower current and charger
voltage (~13.5V).
In float mode, the overcharge bit ID7 is set.
Accordingly, by monitoring the power-good and overcharge bits, as well as the battery
voltage, your client may make recharging strategy decisions. The thing to remember is
that lead-acid batteries last longest when routinely charged into float mode, typically
once per day.
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Chapter 7 Updating & Reconfiguring AROS
The AROS software and a set of operating parameters for your ActivMedia robot get
stored in the H8S microcontroller's FLASH ROM. With special upload and configuration
software tools, you change and update the FLASH memory image. No hardware
modification is required.
WHERE TO GET AROS SOFTWARE
Your ActivMedia robot comes preinstalled with the latest version of AROS. And the
various AROS configuration and update tools come with the robot on CD-ROM.
Thereafter, stay tuned to the pioneer-usersnewsgroup or periodically visit our support
website to obtain the latest AROS software and related documentation:
AROS tools come in two flavors: One (dl_AROSV_v) simply updates the AROS servers in
FLASH. The other utility, AROScf, is a multi-functional application for both uploading new
AROS versions as well as modifying your robot’s onboard FLASH-based parameters.
AROS MAINTENANCE MODE
To connect with and update your robot’s AROS servers and its FLASH-based operating
parameters, you need to first connect a serial port on the PC from which you will run the
AROS tool(s) to the HOST port of your robot’s microcontroller:
ꢀ
If you are running from an onboard PC, the computer-to-HOST connection already
is made.
ꢀ
If you have an onboard PC, but prefer to use an external computer for
maintenance, simply power down the onboard computer.
If you use radio or Ethernet wireless, switch RADIOpower OFF.
When connecting from an external PC, directly tether (no radios) its serial port to
the 9-pin DSUB serial connector on the User Control Panel.
ꢀ
ꢀ
Now start up your robot and put its controller into the special Maintenance Mode:
1. Press and hold the white MOTORSbutton on the User Control Panel
2. Press and release the adjacent red RESETbutton
3. Release the MOTORSbutton.
The STATUSLED on the User Control Panel should flash twice the rate than when in server
(“wait”) mode and the BATTERYLED should shine bright red.
SIMPLE AROS UPDATES
The simple AROS update application is just that: a standalone program that, when run,
updates the AROS servers to the indicated version V_v(1_0, for example) in your robot’s
microcontroller. Although it may add parameters to your current FLASH values, the
dl_AROSV_vapplication never changes your current parameters.
To use this convenient utility, simply download the “dl_”-prefixed executable for your PC’s
operating system (“.lin” filename suffix for Linux or “.exe” for Windows). Connect the
PC to your robot’s HOST serial port and put its controller into Maintenance Mode (see
section above). Then run the dl_…program.
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Text prompts will help you get connected with your ActivMedia robot’s H8S-based
controller and update its AROS servers. No fuss. No muss.
AROSCF
The AROS update and configuration program, AROScf, is part of a collection of utilities
and files for comprehensive management of your ActivMedia robot’s onboard servers
and FLASH-based operating parameters. The distribution archive for the software is
simply named AROSV_v(V and vare the version major and minor numbers, such as 1_0),
with a “.tgz” suffix for Linux-based PCs or “.exe” for Windows computers.
Install the utilities and files on the PC you plan to use for maintaining your robot’s
operating system and parameters by double-clicking the distribution software’s onscreen
icon or otherwise executing the self-extracting, self-installing package. For Linux,
uncompressand untarthe files:
% tar –zxvf AROS1_0.tgz
The expanded archive creates an AROS/ directory in the selected Windows or current
Linux path and stores the AROS software within.
STARTING AROSCF
AROScfis a text-based console application, as opposed to a graphical-user one. It runs
in two stages: Startup Mode followed by Interactive Mode. When invoked, you may
start AROScf with various command-line options. With an X-terminal under Linux, for
example, navigate to the AROS directory and invoke the program:
% cd /usr/local/AROS
% ./AROScf <options>
With Windows PCs, you may double-click the AROScf icon to automatically open a
console window and start the program without any options. To start up with command-
line options, Run the program from the Start menu, or run Command from the Start
menu, then navigate to the AROS directory and start AROScfwith options.
For example (after invoking the MSDOS-like command window):
C:\> cd AROS
C:AROS\> AROScf <options>
Normally (without any command-line arguments), AROScf starts up expecting to
connect your PC’s COM1or /dev/ttyS0serial port with your robot’s microcontroller which
you’ve put into Maintenance Mode.
If successfully connected, the program
automatically retrieves your robot’s FLASH-stored operating parameters and enters
interactive mode.
If the initial connection fails, AROScf still starts up into its Interactive Mode, but with
empty, and thereby useless parameter values. You may still operate many of AROScf’s
interactive features without a connection, such as maintain disk-based copies of your
robot’s operating parameters. And there is an interactive connect command that lets
you establish a maintenance connection with your robot. See the next section for
AROScf commands and operating features.
Include each of the selected AROScf’s startup-mode options as a key letter with a dash
(“-“) prefix, followed by any required arguments, separated by spaces. For example, to
start up AROScf and make a connection with a serial port other than the default COM1or
ttyS0:
C:\AROS> AROScf –p COM3
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Similarly, this Linux xterm command uploads a fresh copy of AROS to your robot’s H8S-
based microcontroller and then exits, much like the simple dl_AROS1_0program:
% ./AROScf –d AROS1_0.hex –n -b
Table 15. AROScf startup options
KEY
ARGUMENT
DESCRIPTION
-b command
arguments
-d hexfile
Batch mode executes list of AROScf
Interactive mode commands with arguments
Automatically upload AROS hex image file
after connecting with the controller
Print help message and exit
-h none
-l paramsfile
Load the disk-stored parameter file instead
of the robot’s copy
-n none
-p serial-
device
Don’t automatically connect with controller
Uses specified serial port for connection
On exit from AROScf, automatically save the
current parameter values to the named
paramsfile
-s paramsfile
CONFIGURING AROS OPERATING PARAMETERS
Your ActivMedia robot has several parameters stored in FLASH that AROS uses to
configure its servers and auxiliary attachments and to uniquely identify your robot. For
instance, the default maximum translational velocity is stored in the TransVelMax
parameter. Its value takes effect when starting your robot or after resetting the
microcontroller, and may be changed temporarily by a client command. Use AROScf’s
interactive mode to modify these operating parameters, and hence your robot’s default
operating characteristics.
Start up AROScf as described in the previous section. As discussed earlier, AROScf
normally downloads the set of operating parameters from your robot’s FLASH for your
review and modification. Or you may load a disk-stored version of those parameters.
Some of the parameters, "Constants", should not to be changed. The others, "Variables",
are the identifying and operating parameters that you may edit.
Interactive Commands
To operate AROScf in interactive mode, simply type a keyword at the command line.
Some keywords affect the operation of AROScf, the status of the parameters file as a
whole, or the connection between AROScf and your robot’s microcontroller. For
instance, to review the list of current AROS constants or variables, type 'c' or 'v',
respectively, followed by a return (Enter). Similarly, type '?' or 'help' to see a list of
AROScf interactive commands.
Changing Parameters
Other keywords refer to the operating parameters themselves. Alone, a parameter’s
keyword simply asks AROScf to display the parameter’s value. Provide an argument with
the parameter keyword separated by a space to change its value. That value may be a
string (no quotes or spaces) or a decimal or hexadecimal ("0xN") number. For example,
to change the watchdogtimeout to four seconds, type:
> watchdog 4000
or
> watchdog 0xfa0
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See the respective control command and parameter Tables nearby for a full description
of AROScf operation.
Table 16. AROScf control commands
COMMAND
DESCRIPTION
KEYWORD <value>
Alone, a keyword displays current, edited
value. Add argument to change current value.
c or constants
Display all constant parameters. You cannot
edit these.
v or variables
Display all variable parameter values which you
may edit and eventually save to your robot’s
FLASH.
r
or
restore
Restores variables to values currently stored
in FLASH or from a paramsfile on disk
<paramsfile>
save <paramsfile>
Saves current edited values to FLASH or saves
current edited values to pathname on disk for
later reference.
q or quit
Exits AROScf.
connect <portname>
Connects AROScf with microcontroller through
serial port (COM1 or /dev/ttyS0 default)
disconnect
Disconnects
AROScf
from
your
robot’s
microcontroller
? or help
Displays these commands and descriptions.
SAVE YOUR WORK
While changing parameter values in AROScf Interactive Mode, you are editing a
temporary copy; your changes are not put into effect in your robot’s FLASH until you
explicitly "save" them to the microcontroller.
Also use the AROScf savecommand to save a copy of the parameters to a disk file for
later upload. We strongly recommend that you save each version of your robot’s
parameter values to disk for later retrieval should your microcontroller get damaged or its
FLASH inadvertently erased. Default parameter files come with each AROS distribution,
but it is tedious to reconstruct an individual robot’s unique configuration.
PID PARAMETERS
The AROS configuration parameters include settings for the PID motors controls for
translation and rotation of the robot.
The translation values also are used for
independent-wheel mode. The default values are for a moderately loaded robot.
Experiment with different values to improve the performance of your robot in its current
environment.
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Table 17. AROS FLASH configuration parameters with values for Pioneer 3–DX
Type
Default Description
Should not be changed
Pioneer Identifies the robot type.
P3DX Identifies the ActivMedia robot model.
factory Serial number for the robot.
KEYWORD
CONSTANTS
PTYPE
str
str
str
str
int
int
int
int
int
PSTYPE
SERNUM
VERNO
1.x AROS version number
360 Maximum rotational velocity; deg/sec
2200 Maximum translation speed; mm/sec
600 Maximum rotation (de)acceleration; deg/sec2
4000 Maximum translational (de)acceleration; mm/sec2
132 Encoder ticks/mm: (ticks per rev x gear-ratio)
(wheel_diameter x PI)
TOPRV
TOPTV
TOPRA
TOPTA
TICKSMM
byte
0 0 if a 12V system; 1 if 24V
BATTCONV
Parameters that you may change
VARIABLES
str
not_set Unique name for your robot.
Maximum of 20 characters, no spaces.
100 Server information packet cycle time in 1 ms
increments. Default is classic 100 ms.
400 Maximum motor PWM (500=fully on).
NAME
byte
SIP
int
PWMMAX
byte
0 Baud rate for client-server HOST serial:
0=9.6k, 1=19.2k, 2=38.4k, 3=56.8k, 4=115.2k.
0 Baud rate for AUX serial port 1; see HostBaud
0 Baud rate for AUX serial port 2; see HostBaud
40 Sonar cycle time in milliseconds
HOSTBAUD
byte
byte
byte
str
AUXBAUD1
AUXBAUD2
SONARCYCLE
SONAR1
12345678 Ping sequence for sonar array #1. Up to 16
number characters 1-8; 0 to disable the array
0 Ping sequence for array #2. See sonar1 above
str
str
str
int
SONAR2
SONAR3
SONAR4
LOWBATTERY
0 Ping sequence for array #3. See sonar1 above
0 Ping sequence for array #4. See sonar1 above
110 In 1/10 volts; microcontroller alarm activated
when battery charge falls below this value.
2000 Ms time before robot automatically stops if it
has not received a command from a client.
Restarts on restoration of connection.
int
int
WATCHDOG
REVCOUNT
36300 The number of differential encoder ticks for a
360 degree revolution of the robot.
byte
byte
int
1 0 disables the buzzer
0 1 enables alternative SIP.
200 Maximum PWM before stall. If > PwmMax, never.
SOUNDTOG
P2MPACS
STALLVAL
int
100 Ms time after a stall for recovery. Motors not
engaged during this time.
STALLCOUNT
byte
byte
0 Set to 1 if you have the gyro accessory
HASGYRO
CHARGER
0 Set to 1 if P3 or 2 if PowerBot autocharger
mechanism and circuitry installed; otherwise 0
0 Set to 1 if P2/P3 Gripper; 2 if Gripper on
Performance PeopleBot
byte
GRIPPER
byte
byte
0 TCM2 module connected to 1=AUX1 or 2=AUX2
0 0=none; 1=stop on detect; 2=limit speed; 3=stop
and limit speed
TCM2
LEDGESENSE
byte
byte
3 0=disable bump stall; 1=enable rear; 2=enable
front; 3=enable both front and rear bump stalls
0 0=none; 1=front; 2=rear; or 3=invert both front
and rear bumper signals
BUMPSTALL
INVERTBUMP
byte
byte
int
int
int
0 Number of front bumper segments
FRONTBUMPS
REARBUMPS
ROTVELMAX
TRANSVELMAX
ROTACC
0 Number of rear bumper segments
200 Max rotational speed; deg/sec.
2000 Max translational speed; mm/sec.
100 Rotational acceleration; deg/sec2
100 Rotational deceleration; deg/sec2
int
ROTDECEL
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int
int
int
int
int
int
int
int
int
int
30 Proportional PID for rotation
200 Differential PID for rotation
0 Integral PID for rotation
300 Translational acceleration; mm/sec2
300 Translational deceleration; mm/sec2
15 Proportional PID for translation
450 Differential PID for translation
4 Integral PID for translation
ROTKP
ROTKV
ROTKI
TRANSACC
TRANSDECEL
TRANSKP
TRANSKV
TRANSKI
JOYVELMAX
JOYRVELMAX
1000 Joydrive maximum translation velocity
50 Joydrive maximum rotational velocity
The Proportional PID (Kp) values control the responsiveness of your robot. Lower values
make for a slower system; higher values make the robot "zippier", but can lead to
overshoot and oscillation.
The Derivative PID (Kv) dampens oscillation and overshoot. Increasing values gives
better control of oscillation and overshoot, but they also make the robot’s movements
more sluggish.
The Integral PID (Ki) adjusts residual error in turning and velocity. Higher values make the
robot correct increasingly smaller errors between its desired and actual angular position
and speed.
TICKSMM AND REVCOUNT
AROS uses the ticksmm and revcount parameters to convert your platform-
independent speed and rotation commands—typically expressed in millimeters or
degrees, respectively—into platform-dependent units.
The ticksmm value is the number of encoder pulses (“ticks”) per millimeter of wheel
rotation. The value is, of course, dependent upon the wheel encoder’s resolution, the
motor-to-wheel gear ratio, and the wheel’s diameter. These don’t normally change, and
so are considered constants and not editable for your robot.
The revcountvalue is the number of encoder ticks for one full revolution of the robot. It
depends on a number of factors, principally the length of the wheel base, which may
change due to payload, tire wear, operating surface, and so on.
Table 18. Some platform-dependent robot parameter values
Model
PARAMETER
DX
DXE
CE
PB V1
P3DX,
PerfPB,
DX8,
DX8 and
PerfPB
Plus
AT,
AT8
P3AT
&
AT8
Plus
ENCODER TICKS/REV
GEAR RATIO
500
19.7
165
500
19.7
191
500
19.7
165
500
38.3
500
38.3
100
85.5
220
100
57.5
WHEEL DIAM (MM)
ENCODER TICKS/MM
DISTCONVFACTOR
DIFFCONVFACTOR
165
191
220
76
66
76
148
132
49
138
0.840
0.969
0.826
0.413
0.0056
0.424
0.0060
1.32
0.0034
0.465
0.0060
0.0056 0.0057 0.0056
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Ticksmmand revcountaffect only the conversion of your motion command arguments
into platform-dependent values.
Your client must independently convert values
reported back from the server, such as X-Posand Th, into platform-independent values.
ARIA clients use the conversion factors found in your robot’s respective ARIA\paramsfile
(p3dx.p, for example).
To adjust both the server and client parameter values for your robot, first connect the
robot with a client and have the robot move a certain distance, preferably one to three
or more meters. Measure the actual distance moved, not the client-reported value and
adjust ticksmmaccordingly.
Similarly, rotate your robot from the client and measure the actual achieved heading.
Adjust revcount (the measure of differential encoder ticks to achieve 360-degrees
rotation) accordingly.
When you are satisfied that the robot moves and rotates the proper distances and
headings, adjust the related client-side parameters in your robot’s params .pfile, so that
your client responds accurately.
STALLVAL AND STALLCOUNT
An AROS stall monitor maintains a running average of PWM values for each wheel over a
500 millisecond integration period. PWM values get added to the sum if the wheel speed
is below 100 mm/sec. The average is then compared with the stallvalFLASH value. If
it exceeds that value, in other words the motors are being given lots of power but are
barely moving if at all, a stall occurs. Once stalled, power is removed and the motors
relax for the stallwaitperiod, after which power gets reapplied.
BUMPERS
Introduced in AROS version 1.6, use the BumpStall FLASH parameter to set the default
for the robots behavior when its front and/or rear bumper gets triggered. Normally,
BumpStallis engaged for both front and rear (default value of 0) bumpers. Reset it to 3
to disengage bump stalls altogether; 1 to trigger stalls only when the rear bumpers
engage; or 2 for front bumps only.
You may over-ride the BumpStall FLASH default with the bump_stall client command
number 44, although the command arguments are the reverse: enabling versus disabling
the various bumper-stall combinations.
Your robot’s BumpStall behavior reverts to the FLASH default on reset and up
disconnection from the client.
Next-generation client-side software will need to know if you have bumpers or not and
how they are configured. And new bumper hardware inverts the Pioneer 2’s bumper
signal bits which confuses the client-server software. Moreover, different AROS-enabled
robots have different numbers of bumper segments, front and rear. Accordingly, the
new AROS v1.6 implements three new FLASH parameters that specify states (invert or not)
and numbers of front and rear bumper segments. Unfortunately, we have no way of
knowing automatically what bumpers your robot may have, if any, so we are forced to
assume you DON'T have bumpers or that you have the old-style (non-inverting) bumpers.
Use AROScf to indicate the type and number of bumper segments. Set the new
InvertBump FLASH parameter's value to 1 if you have new bumpers in front, which
signals need to be inverted; 2 if in the rear; or 3 if both front and rear bumper signals
need inverting. Set to the default 0 if your robot has no bumpers or has the original style
(non-inverting) bumpers.
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Updating and Reconfiguring AROS
Set the FrontBumpand RearBumpparameters to the number of bumper segments for the
front and rear bumpers, repectively; or to 0 if you don't have a particular bumper. For
pre-AROS 1.6 robots, you don't need to set these values to have them work with AROS
1.6. The number of segments is used to isolate the bumper bits, if any, and to apply
InvertBumpas needed, so that a triggered bumper is reported as digital 1 regardless of
the hardware, and is reported as such in the standard SIP. IOpac, on the other hand,
simply reports the bit-mapped states of the input bytes associated with the bumpers,
regardless of hardware.
The FrontBump and RearBump byte values also are reported near the end of the
CONFIGpac.
If for any reason you remove a new-style bumper from your robot, you MUST reset the
InvertBumpFLASH value or disable BumpStallfor that bumper. Otherwise, the robot will
stall incessantly.
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Chapter 8 Maintenance & Repair
Your ActivMedia robot is built to last a lifetime and requires little maintenance.
TIRE INFLATION
Maintain even tire inflation for proper navigation of your Pioneer 3 or 2 robot. We ship
with each pneumatic tire inflated to 23 psi. If you change the inflation, remember to
adjust the ticksmmand revcountFLASH values.
DRIVE LUBRICATION
Pioneer 3 and 2 drive motors and gearboxes are sealed and self-lubricating, so you need
not fuss with grease or oil.
An occasional drop or two of oil on the axle bushings
between the wheels and the case won’t hurt. And keep the axles clear of carpet or
other strings that may wrap around and bind up your robot’s drive.
BATTERIES
Lead-acid batteries like those in your ActivMedia robot last longest when kept fully
charged. In fact, severe discharge is harmful to the battery, so be careful not to operate
the robot if the battery voltage falls below 11 VDC.
Changing Batteries
CAREFUL!
The Batteries slide in
TERMINALS LAST!
Except for those equipped with the automated docking/charging system, your Pioneer
robot has a special battery harness and latched doors for easy access to the onboard
batteries. Simply unlatch the rear door, swing it open and locate the one to three
onboard batteries inside.
To remove a battery, simply grasp it and pull out. We provide a suction-cup tool to help.
Spring-loaded contacts eliminate the need to detach any connecting wires.
Similarly, insert batteries by simply sliding each one into a battery box compartment.
Load the batteries so that their weight gets distributed evenly across the platform:
Center a single battery and place two batteries one on each side.
Hot-Swapping the Batteries
You may change the batteries on some of your ActivMedia robots without disrupting
operation of the onboard systems (except the motors, of course): Either connect the
charger, which powers the robot's systems while you change the battery or batteries. Or,
if you have two or three batteries, swap each with a freshly charged one individually, so
that at least one battery is in place and providing the necessary power.
Charging the Batteries
If you have the standard charger accessory, insert it into a standard 110 or 220
(Europe/South America/Asia) VAC wall power receptacle. (Some users may require a
special power adapter.) Locate the round plug at the end of the cable that is attached
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Maintenance and Repair
to the charger and insert it into the charge socket that is just below your robot’s Main
Power switch. The LEDs on the charger indicate charge status, as marked on its case.
It takes fewer than 12 hours—often just a few hours, depending on the level of
discharge—to fully charge a battery using the accompanying charger (roughly, three
hours per volt per battery). Although you may operate the robot while recharging, it
restricts the robot’s mobility.
Automated Docking/Charging System
The automated docking/charging system accessory optimally conditions power to
charge the three 21-Ahr, 12 VDC lead-acid batteries (6 A charging current max) and
provides sufficient power (up to 5A) for operation of all onboard systems.
The charging mechanism and onboard power conditioning circuitry can be retrofitted to
all Pioneer 3 and some Pioneer 2 and PeopleBot robots. All require return to the factory.
Alternative Battery Chargers
The center post of the charger socket is the positive (+) side of the battery; the case is the
negative (-) side. A diode protects against the wrong charger polarity. Nonetheless, if
you choose to use an alternative battery charger, be sure to connect positive to positive
and negative to negative from charger to robot.
An alternative AC to DC
converter/battery charger should
sustain at least 0.75A at 13.75 to
14 VDC per battery, and not more
than 2-2.5 amperes per battery.
The
High-Speed
Charger
accessory, for example, is a four
ampere charger and should be
used with at least two of the
standard batteries.
An alternative charger also should
be voltage-and current-limited so
that it cannot overcharge the
batteries.
Figure 19. Loosen the AT drive belt retainer
screws first.
TIGHTENING THE AT DRIVE BELT
Occasionally, particularly after
heavy use, the Pioneer 3- or 2-
AT drive belts that mechanically
link the front and rear motors on
each side will loosen and slip,
resulting in a load popping
noise. To start, use a 3mm hex
key to loosen, but not remove,
the three screws on the side of
the robot near the front wheel.
One screw is partly behind the
wheel, so with our parts kit, we
included a 3mm hex key with a
shortened “L” section to fit
behind the wheel.
Figure 20. Locations of Pioneer 2- and 3-AT's belt-
tensioning bolts
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Remove the small plastic plug which is near the hinge on the top plate and near the
edge by the wheel. Under it, you will see the head of a large hex bolt. This bolt tightens
(clockwise) or loosens (counter-clockwise) the drive belt for that side of the robot. Turn it
using a 5mm hex key probably not more than 1 full rotation. Avoid over tightening.
Test to make sure that it is tight enough by holding the wheel while running the self test.
When adjusted satisfactorily, re-tighten the screws on the side and replace the plug.
GETTING INSIDE
We normally discourage you from opening up your robot. However, on occasion, you
may need to get inside, for instance to access the user power connections on the Motor-
Power board and attach your custom electronics. Or you may need to get to your
onboard computer and its accessories.
Open the robot AT YOUR OWN RISK,
unless explicitly authorized by the factory.
REMOVE THE BATTERIES FIRST!
We describe here how to remove your robot’s nose to get at the onboard computer.
And we describe how to access the contents of the body of your Pioneer 3 and 2 DX or
AT robot.
Removing the Nose
The Pioneer 3- and 2-DX and –AT
onboard computer sits just behind the
robot’s nose. And you may have to
remove the nose to access the front
sonar array’s gain adjustment pot. Two
screws hold the nose to the front sonar
(or blank) array. The AT also has a screw
at the bottom of the nose that attaches
to the body; the DX’s nose is hinged at
Figure 21. Remove indicated screws to
access front plate of Pioneer 2- and 3-DX
and -AT robots.
the bottom.
Remove all nose retaining screws with the 3mm hex wrench supplied with your robot.
Unlike earlier Pioneer 2 models, you do not have to remove the Gripper or the front Bump
Ring accessories.
Once loosened, the DX nose pivots down on a hinge. For the AT model, four pins along
the nose’s back edges guide it onto the front of the robot. Simply pry the nose out and
away from the body.
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Figure 22. Remove indicated screws from Pioneer 2- or 3-DX or -AT rear deck to open plate.
Careful: The computer’s hard-drive, fan, and speaker have attached wire harnesses that
you need to relieve before completely detaching the nose from the body. We
recommend unplugging the speaker wire and simply rotating the nose out of the way to
access the onboard computer.
Opening the Deck
All the H8S-based Pioneer robots have a center hinge in the deck which let you easily
open and access internal components without completely removing the top plate.
Simply remove the indicated 3mm screws shown in the Figures nearby from the section of
the deck that you want to access. You may need to first remove any accessories that
are bolted to the top plate through the indicated holes.
Remove the batteries BEFORE opening the robot.
FACTORY REPAIRS
If, after reading this manual, you’re having hardware problems with your ActivMedia
robot and you’re satisfied that it needs repair, contact us:
(603) 881-3818 (fax)
Tell us your robot’s SERIAL NUMBER
In the body of your email or fax message, describe the problem in as much detail as
possible. Also include your robot’s serial number (IMPORTANT!) as well as name, email
and mail addresses, along with phone and fax numbers. Tell us when and how we can
best contact you (we will assume email is the best manner, unless otherwise notified).
We will try to resolve the problem through communication. If the robot must be returned
to the factory for repair, obtain a shipping and repair authorization code and shipping
details from us first.
We are not responsible for shipping damage or loss.
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Appendix A
H8S PORTS & CONNECTIONS
This Appendix contains pinout and electrical
specifications for the external and internal ports and
connectors on the H8S microcontroller, motor-power
interface, and User Control boards.
Figure 23. Mini- and
micro-fit style connector
numbering
Note that layered connectors are numbered
differently, depending on the socket type. IDC ones
are odd and even layers; mini- and micro-fit
connectors use successive-position numbering.
See the Figures nearby for examples.
Figure 24. IDC-type connector
H8S MICROCONTROLLER
Figure 25. ActivMedia’s H8S-based microcontroller
Power Connector
The power connector is a 3-pin microfit socket that delivers 12VDC (battery) to the
microcontroller circuitry and separate, conditioned 5 VDC to the sonar, including power
grounds.
Table 19. H8S Controller Power Connector
PIN
1
2
DESCRIPTION
12 VDC battery
GND
3
Sonar 5VDC
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Appendix A: Ports and Connections
Serial Ports
Two DSUB-9 and two 5-pin microfit sockets provide the HOST and AUX1/AUX2 auxiliary
serial ports for the H8S controller. All are RS-232 compatible. The HOST port is shared on
both the User Control Panel as well as on the H8S controller board and is for AROS client-
signal lines for detecting an attached device (DTR pin 4) and for notifying the attached
PC of low-power condition (HRNG pin 9). The HOST serial connectors are wired DCE for
direct connection (straight-through cable, not NULL-modem) to a standard PC serial port
or to a radio modem set to DTE mode. See the nearby Tables for details.
The AUX1 and AUX2 serial ports are for RS232-compatible serial device connections, such
as for the TCM2 Modules or any of several pan-tilt-zoom robotic systems.
AROS operates the serial ports at any of the common data rates: 9,600, 19,200, 38,400,
57,800, or 115,200 bits per second; and at eight data bits, one stop bit, no parity or
hardware handshaking.
Table 20. HOST serial ports on H8S board and on User Control (*) (DSUB-9 socket)
PIN
1
3
SIGNAL DESCRIPTION
PIN
2
4
SIGNAL
*TXD
DTR
DESCRIPTION
nc
output
*RCV
Input
Input detects attached device and
switches TxD and RxD into the uC
Output when controller powered
Jumper to pin 7 for radio modem
handshaking
5
7
*GND Common
6
8
*DSR
nc
nc
May be jumpered to pin 8
9
†RI
Output lowered to signal
PC shutdown
†
Shared on Motors interface
Table 21. AUX1 and AUX2 serial ports (5-pos microfit sockets)
PIN
1
3
SIGNAL DESCRIPTION
PIN
2
4
SIGNAL DESCRIPTION
DTR
RCV
GND
Input
Input
common
TXD
DSR
output
output
5
User I/O, Gripper, Docking/Charging Port
A 20-pin latching IDC socket on the H8S microcontroller provides the digital, analog, and
power ports for user connections and for the Gripper and automated docking/charging
accessories, if installed. Indicated ports (*) are shared on other connectors. Digital inputs
are buffered and pulled high (digital 1); outputs are buffered and normally low (digital 0).
Table 22. User I/O – Gripper (20-pos latching IDC)
PIN SIGNAL
DESCRIPTION
DIGOUT bit 0;
Gripper enable
DIGOUT bit 1;
Gripper direction
DIGOUT bit 2;
Lift enable
PIN SIGNAL
DESCRIPTION
DIGIN bit 0;
Paddles open limit
1
3
5
7
2
4
6
8
OD0
OD1
OD2
OD3
ID0
ID1
ID2
ID3
DIGIN bit 1;
Lift limit
DIGIN bit 2;
Outer breakbeam IR
DIGOUT bit 3;
DIGIN bit 3;
26 Unlike with earlier P2 controllers, HOST does not interfere with the User Control Panel serial connections if its
attached device—PC or radio modem—is OFF.
66
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Inner breakbeam IR
DIGOUT bit 4;
Automated
docking/charging
“inhibit”
DIGOUT bit 5;
Automated
docking/charging
“deploy”
DIGOUT bit 6;
User only
Lift direction
DIGIN bit 4;
Left paddle contact
9
10
12
14
16
ID4
ID5
ID6
ID7
OD4
OD5
OD6
OD7
11
13
15
DIGIN bit 5;
Right paddle
contact
DIGIN bit 6;
Automated
docking/charging
”power good”
DIGIN bit 7;
Automated
DIGOUT bit 7;
User only
docking/charging
”overcharge”
A/D port 0
(default)
(0-5VDC = 0-255)
17
19
18
20
*AN0
Vpp
Vcc
Gnd
5VDC < 1A
Battery 12VDC < 1A
Signal/power common
The Expansion I/O Bus
ꢀ
A 40-pin high-density IDC socket on the H8S microcontroller provides a general-
purpose connector for future I/O expansion. Digital lines, including 8-bit bus
address, data, read/write, and other general-purpose ones, are buffered with inputs
pulled high. Indicated ports (*) appear on other connectors.
Table 23. General-purpose I/O and data bus (40-pos high-density IDC)
PIN SIGNAL DESCRIPTION
PIN SIGNAL DESCRIPTION
1
3
5
7
9
11
13
15
17
2
4
6
AD0 Address bit 0
AD1 Address bit 1
AD2 Address bit 2
AD3 Address bit 3
AD4 Address bit 4
AD5 Address bit 5
ID6 Address bit 6
ID7 Address bit 7
AN6 A/D port 6;
gyro temp
D7 Data bit 7
D6 Data bit 6
D5 Data bit 5
D4 Data bit 4
D3 Data bit 3
D2 Data bit 2
D1 Data bit 1
D0 Data bit 0
CS4 Chip select 4
8
10
12
14
16
18
19
21
23
20
22
24
AN5 A/D port 5;
gyro rate
*AN4 A/D port 4;
Joystick Y
*AN3 A/D port 3;
Joystick X
CS3 Chip select 3
CS2 Chip select 2
WR Data write
25
27
29
31
33
35
37
39
26
28
30
32
34
36
38
40
AN2 A/D port 2
AN1 A/D port 1
*AN0 A/D port 0
GND Signal common
GND Signal common
GND Signal common
GND Signal common
GND Signal common
RD Data read
CS6 Chip select 6 or digital I/O
CS7 Chip select 6 or digital I/O
RST Controller reset
P1.1 Digital I/O
Vcc Controller 5VDC (<200ma)
Vcc Controller 5VDC (<200ma)
Vpp Battery 12VDC (<0.5A)
67
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Appendix A: Ports and Connections
Table 24. Bumper ports (10-pos latching IDC)
PIN SIGNAL
DESCRIPTION
Bumper bit 0
Bumper bit 2
Bumper bit 4
Bumper bit 6
Common
PIN SIGNAL
DESCRIPTION
Bumper bit 1
Bumper bit 3
Bumper bit 5
Bumper bit 7
Common
1
3
5
7
9
2
4
BP0
BP2
BP4
BP6
Gnd
BP1
BP3
BP5
BP7
Gnd
6
8
10
Bumper Ports
Two 10-position latching IDC connectors provide general-purpose digital inputs, typically
used for the robot’s bumpers. All inputs are buffered and pulled high (digital 1).
Motors, Encoders, and IR Sensors
A 26-position latching IDC connector on the H8S microcontroller provides interface
through an intermediate board to the Motor-Power Board (Appendix B).
descriptions also can be found in the following Motor-Power Interface section.
Line
Table 25. Motors, encoders, and IRs interface (26-pos latching IDC)
PIN
1
3
5
7
SIGNAL
LPWM
RPWM
MEN
DESCRIPTION
PIN SIGNAL
DESCRIPTION
2
4
6
Left motors PWM
Right motors PWM
Motors enable
LDIR
RDIR
LEA
Left motors direction
Right motors direction
Left encoder channel A
Right encoder channel A
Right encoder channel B
Left encoder channel B
IR input bit 6
8
E-STOP E-Stop detect input
REA
9
10
12
14
16
18
20
22
24
26
RPWR
APWR
CHRG
IR7
IR5
IR3
IR1
Gnd
Gnd
Radio power enable
Aux power enable
Charge port detect
IR input bit 7
IR input bit 5
IR input bit 3
IR input bit 1
Signal common
REB
LEB
IR6
IR4
IR2
IR0
VBAT
AN1*
AN2*
11
13
15
17
19
21
23
25
IR input bit 4
IR input bit 2
IR input bit 0
Battery voltage detect
Analog input
Signal common
Analog input
* Board versions C and earlier pin 24 HOST RI and pin 26 ground.
User Control Interface
A 16-position latching IDC connector provides interface with the User Control Panel
board and functions. See description in a following section.
Table 26. User Control Panel interface
PIN
1
3
5
7
SIGNAL
Vcc
RST
RPWR
CHRG
PLED
Vpp
DESCRIPTION
5 VDC power
RESET button
PIN SIGNAL
DESCRIPTION
5 VDC power
MOTORS button
Aux power switch
Buzzer PWM
2
4
Vcc
MOT
6
8
Radio power switch
Charging indicator
Main power
Battery 12 VDC
Signal/power common
APWR
BZR
9
10
12
14
16
SLED
Gnd
HTXD
HRCV
Status
11
13
15
Signal/power common
HOST serial transmit
HOST serial receive
Gnd
HDSR HOST serial enabled
68
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Joystick Port
An 8-position microfit socket provides signal lines for connection to an analog joystick.
Indicated lines (*) are shared on other connectors.
Table 27. Joystick connector (8-pos microfit)
PIN SIGNAL DESCRIPTION
PIN
2
4
SIGNAL DESCRIPTION
1
3
Vcc
5 VDC
A/D port 4;
Y-axis
FB0
Gnd
Fire button 0
Signal common
*AN4
5
7
*AN3
A/D port 3;
X-axis
nc
6
8
FB1
Fire button 1
nc
69
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Appendix B: Motor-Power Board Connectors
Appendix B
Power Distribution
ActivMedia Robotics’ original H8S-based Pioneer 2 robots have two separate boards
which interface with the H8S microcontroller and provide power for the motors as well as
conditioned power and signal paths for the standard and accessory onboard
electronics. The new Plus-series Pioneer 2 robots and the Pioneer 3s have just a single
Motor-Power Board. Consult Appendix A for H8S-controller and User Control Panel
interface details.
PIONEER 3 AND 2-PLUS MOTOR-POWER BOARD
The new Motor-Power Board for the Pioneer 2-AT8 Plus, –DX8 Plus, and all Pioneer 3 robots
contains all the features of the two-board legacy system and lots more.
Figure 26. New Pioneer Motor-Power Board
Configuration for Current and Temperature Sensing
The motor drivers are configured to limit 10A per motor, and to share the drivers with both
motors on each side of the AT. Accordingly, there are two additional motor-current
sense resistors added to the AT versus DX board: R3 and R26, as well as R1 and R2.
The new Motor-Power board also has a set of 0-ohm resistor pads that may be
configured to engage the analog-to-digital input ports AN1 and AN2. By adding jumpers
to R60 and R62, for example, the board is configured to sense motor current draw on
AN1 and AN2, respectively.
Instead, by jumpering R77 and R78 and by attaching temperature sensors to two motors
via the Motor Temperature Sensors connector, the AN1 and AN2 ports respectively may
be used to protect against motor overheating. This configuration is currently enabled in
the new ATs, but not yet supported in AROS.
70
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Table 28. Motor Temperature Sensors Connector (4-pos microfit)
PIN
SIGNAL DESCRIPTION
1
2
3
4
Vcc
T2
T1
5 VDC
To AN2-based temp sensor circuit
To AN1-based temp sensor circuit
Signal/power common
GND
Otherwise, a jumper across R76 connects the AN1 port to the Fan Sensor system that is
attached to the FET heat sink. Note, too, that with or without attachment of AN1 via R76,
but with the heat sensor in place, a fan may be attached and activated whenever the
motor-driver FETs get overheated, as implemented in all new AT systems.
Controller Power and Interface
Individual 26-pos IDC connectors and cables provide signal for the new H8S-based
microcontroller or the legacy C166-based microcontrollers. A separate cable and
connector provides for the H8S microcontroller and sonar power. Power and signal are
shared on the C166 controller connector.
Table 29. H8S Power connector (5-pos microfit)
PIN
SIGNAL DESCRIPTION
1
2
3
4
5
Vbat
Gnd
Vcc
Vcc
nc
Battery power
Power common
5 VDC for sonar
5 VDC for sonar
No connection
Radio, Auxiliary, and User Power Connectors
Various connectors provide conditioned 5 VDC @ 1.5A total and unconditioned battery
power for the variety of accessories and custom user attachments. Some are AUX and
RADIO power switched from the User Control Panel. And some are for Use the 12-position
latchlock connector for legacy installations. Otherwise, screw-down auxiliary user-power
connectors make custom attachments easy. Four-position microfit connectors also
provide AUX power for standard accessories.
Table 30. User Control Panel-switched radio power connector (3-pos microfit)
PIN
SIGNAL DESCRIPTION
1
2
3
Vpp
Gnd
Vcc
Radio switched battery 12 VDC
Power common
Radio switched 5 VDC
Table 31. User Control Panel-switched and unswitched Aux power connectors (4-pos
microfits and screw-down terminal blocks)
PIN
SIGNAL DESCRIPTION
1
2
3
4
Vpp
Vcc
Gnd
Gnd
Aux switched battery 12 VDC
Aux switched 5 VDC
Power common
Power common
71
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Appendix B: Motor-Power Board Connectors
Table 32. User Power connector (12-pos latchlock; unswitched)
PIN
1
CONNECTION
Vcc
PIN
7
CONNECTION
Vcc
2
Gnd
8
Gnd
3
Vpp
9
Vpp
4
5
6
Vcc
Gnd
Vpp
10
11
12
Vcc
Gnd
Vpp
IR Signal and Power
Originally available on the Motor-Power Interface Board and now integrated on the new
Motor-Power board, four connectors provide power and signal for fixed-range IR sensors.
A separate connector provides signal path for an additional four IR sensors.
Table 33. IR power and signal connectors (3-pos microfits)
PIN
SIGNAL DESCRIPTION
1
2
3
Vpp
IRn
Gnd
Battery 12 VDC
Switching signal
Power/signal ground
Table 34. Additional IR connector (8-pos latchlock 0.1 header)
PIN
SIGNAL DESCRIPTION
1-4 IR4-7
IR signals
5-8 GND
Signal common
LEGACY MOTOR-POWER
The legacy Motor-Power
system is a two-board set that
connects the H8S controller’s
control signals to the original
P2 Motor-Power board, and
provides
connections
for
switched radio and auxiliary
power, power and digital
inputs
detection
for
IRs,
port,
charge-
and
emergency stop detector.
See the H8S-controller board
in Appendix A for interface
connection specifications.
Figure 27. The Original P2 Motor-Power Board
Figure 28. Motor-Power interface board
72
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ActivMedia Robotics
Appendix C
RADIO MODEM SETTINGS
The radio modem-based wireless serial accessory comes pre-configured for use with your
ActivMedia robot for client-server connections. One modem comes installed in the
robot (robot’s HOST serial port pins 7 and 8 jumpered; powered 5 VDC from RADIO
switch). All you need to do is attach the other radio modem to a free serial port on your
PC and provide power—no other setup is required.
You may examine and alter your radio modem settings, such as to match a new baud
rate. Use Hyperterminal, minicom, or other simple terminal program. Default settings are
DCE for the host and DTE for the H8S-based Pioneers, and 9,600 baud, 8 bits data, 1 stop
bit, no parity. Once connected, all modem control commands begin with "WM". For
example, "WMS2" at the host connects the host modem to the robot’s modem.
Command
WMBx
Description
Set up the default baud rate. x=1 : 115200 , 2 : 57600 ,
3 : 38400 , 4 : 19200 , 5 : 9600.
WMD
WMEx
WMFxxxx
Disconnect the radio link established previously.
Set up echo and response function. x= ’A’ ~ ‘P’.
Set up the maximum frame length. xxxx must be at most a
4-digit decimal number and ranging from 1 to 1024.
Set up the group identification code. xxxxxx must be
exactly a 6-digit hexadecimal number. The group ID is
used to ensure that each connection within the group can
be created successfully only if the group ID is the same.
Change the identification name to xxx…. The length of
xxx… cannot exceed 32 letters.
WMIxxxxxx
WMJxxx…
WML
WMMxxx
List current setting. The format is as follows:
Set up my address. xxx must be at most a 3-digit decimal
number and ranging from 1 to 255.
WMN
From command mode return to data mode.
WMOxxx…
WMPxxx…
Set up the partner PN code. See WMP.
Older units have to set up your own PN codes. xxx... must
be exactly a 32-digit hexadecimal number.
Newer units xxx is a number 1-23; match with pair modem.
WMQx
WMRx
Query remote setting.
Set up the remote output destination. x=P : printer port,
x=R : RS-232 port.
WMSxxx
Create a radio link with the partner addressed by xxx.
Xxx must be at most a 3-digit decimal number and ranging
from 1 to 255. After establishing the link, the async.
interface will enter data transmission mode until
receiving ESCAPE sequence. The ESCAPE sequence consists
of three contiguous ‘|’ characters and a <CR>. After the
reception of ESCAPE sequence, the async. interface will
re-enter into command mode. Note that robot’s modem xxx
is 2.
| | |
From data mode escape to command mode. A delay of 100 ms
followed by is needed between the return and any following data
<CR> key
input.
73
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Appendix D: Serial Ethernet Settings
Appendix D
SERIAL ETHERNET SETTINGS
The Ethernet-to-Serial device settings are made at the factory and stored in FLASH.
Pressing and holding the testbutton for more than five seconds restores those settings.
Server name: AMR-EW-1
Wireless
SSID: WaveLAN Network
Mode: Infrastructure
Speed: 1 Mbps
TCP/IP
Address: 192.168.1.11 (.12, .13, … for successive units on a single order)
Gateway: 192.168.1.1
Subnet mask: 255.255.255.0
Boot protocol: static
Serial Port (S1)
Disable console mode
Disable flow control
Serial port service (AMR-EW-1_S1)
Disable queuing
TCP port 8101
Disable NetWare
Misc Network
Disable AppleTalk
Disable POP3
Disable SMTP
LAN IP SETTINGS
You need to modify your Ethernet-to-Serial device network setting in order to use it with
your own LAN and Access Point. You have two ways to change those settings: From a
serial console or from the device’s support webpage:
Console mode:
1. Power off
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2. Attach a cross-over serial cable between your PC and the serial port on th e device
3. Start minicom (Linux), HyperTerminal (Windows) or comparable serial console on your
PC
4. Serial settings are 115,200 baud, 8 bits, one stop, no parity and hardware
handshaking.
5. Hold in the test button and power the device
6. Press the Return key to get the Local> prompt
7. Type:
8. set ip address aa.bb.cc.dd
9. set ip router aa.bb.cc.dd
10. set ip subnet aa.bb.cc.dd
11. save
12. init
13. exit
14. Restart the device
Webpage
2. The default password is access
3. Select Configure TCP/IP
4. Change the fields for the IP address, subnet mask, and gateway
5. Click submit
6. Restart the device
Peer-to-Peer Networking
If you don’t have an established LAN or access to the wireless network, you may operate
your robot wirelessly directly from a PC that contains wireless Ethernet in what is known as
peer-to-peer mode.
1. From console mode (see above), at the Local> prompt
2. Type:
3. set enet mode adhoc
4. save
5. init
6. exit
7. Restart the device
1. Or from the webpage (access as above)
2. Select Configure WiFi
3. Choose Ad-hoc from the Mode menu
4. Submit
5. Restart the device
75
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Appendix D: Serial Ethernet Settings
Appendix E
SPECIFICATIONS
DXe
DX8/P3DX
AT/AT8
Perf PB
PB V1
CE
Physical Characteristics
Length (cm)
44.5
44.5
40
50
49
24
5.5
14
40
47
38
47
38
44
33
22
5.1
9
Width (cm)
40
Height (cm)
Clearance (cm)
Weight (kg)
Payload (kg)
24.5
6.5
9
24.5
6.5
9
124
3.5
21
104
3.5
19
23
25
11
13
20
Power
Batteries 12VDC
lead-acid
3
3
3
3
3
1
Charge (watt-
hrs)
252
252
252
252
252
84
Run time (hrs)
with PC (hrs)
8–10
3-4
8–10
3-4
4-6
2-3
8-10
3-4
8-10
3-4
8-10
na
Recharge time
hr/battery
6
6
6
6
6
6
std charger
High-Speed
(3 batteries)
2.4
2.4
2.4
2.4
2.4
na
Mobility
2
2
4
2
2 solid
rubber
2 solid
rubber
Wheels
pneumatic
pneumatic
pneumatic
pneumatic
diam (mm)
191
191
220
75
191
50
165
37
165
width (mm)
Caster (mm)
Steering
50
50
37
75
Differential
19.7:1
32
75
Differential
38.3:1
32
na
75
75
75
Differential
19.7:1
32
Skid
85.2:1
40
Differential Differential
Gear ratio
Swing (cm)
Turn (cm)
38.3:1
33
38.3:1
32
0
0
0
0
0
0
Translate speed
max (mm/sec)
1,800
360
20
1,400
300
20
700
140
89
900
150
15
800
130
15
1,600
300
20
Rotate speed
max (deg/sec)
Traversable step
max (mm)
Traversable gap
max (mm)
89
89
127
40%
50
50
89
Traversable slope
max (grade)
25%
25%
11%
11%
25%
Wheel-
chair
accessible
Wheel-
chair
accessible
Wheel-
chair
accessible
Wheel-
chair
accessible
Wheel-
chair
accessible
Traversable
terrains
Unconsolidated
No carpets!
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ActivMedia Robotics
CE
DXE
DX8/P3DX
AT/AT8
Perf PB
PB V1
Sensors
Sonar Front Array
(one each side,
six forward @ 20°
intervals)
8
8
8
8
8
8
Rear Sonar Array
(one each side,
six rear @ 20°
intervals)
8
8
8
8
8
na
Top Deck Sonar
(one each side,
six forward @
20° intervals)
na
na
na
8
8
na
Encoders (2 ea)
counts/rev
39,400
76,600
34,000
76,600
76,600
39,400
counts/mm
66
128
49
128
148
76
counts/rotation
18,400
33,500
22,500
33,500
39,000
18,400
Controls and Ports
Main Power
ꢀ
ꢀ
ꢀ
ꢀ
ꢀ
ꢀ
ꢀ
ꢀ
ꢀ
ꢀ
ꢀ
ꢀ
Charge Port
Joydrive
Optional
Optional
Standard
Standard
Optional
Optional
77
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Warranty & Liabilities
Your ActivMedia robot is fully warranted against defective parts or assembly for one year
after it is shipped to you from the factory. Accessories are warranted for 90 days. This
warranty explicitly does not include damage from shipping or from abuse or
inappropriate operation, such as if the robot is allowed to tumble or fall off a ledge, or if it
is overloaded with heavy objects.
The developers, marketers, and manufacturers of ActivMedia Robotics products shall
bear no liabilities for operation and use of the robot or any accompanying software
except that covered by the warranty and period. The developers, marketers, or
manufacturers shall not be held responsible for any injury to persons or property involving
ActivMedia Robotics products in any way. They shall bear no responsibilities or liabilities
for any operation or application of the robot, or for support of any of those activities.
And under no circumstances will the developers, marketers, or manufacturers of
ActivMedia Robotics product take responsibility for support of any special or custom
modification to ActivMedia robots or their software.
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19 Columbia Drive
Amherst, NH 03031
(603) 881-7960
(603) 881-3818 fax
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|