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Hi, Rainer - I too disagree with some points you mention:
In lugnet.robotics.vc, Rainer Balzerowski writes:
> Hi Eric,
>
> I disagree in some points.
>
> In lugnet.robotics, Eric Sophie writes:
> > Ok, VC has Motor control, Simply choose a Vision Template and build your
> > command stack using the RCX Motor control.
> Please notice, that you can build your own vision templates.
> http://www.plazaearth.com/usr/gasperi/viscommand.htm
I am aware of this but it has no bearing on the subject, pretty cool though...
but it's not out of the box and I'm a purist.
> > The RCX cannot run normal RCX
> > code while VC makes use of the RCX,
> That's not true ! The VC software downloads a little program (myprog.txt) to
> your RCX. This little program reacts to (8) IR messages send from your IR tower
> to your RCX in that way you decided in the VC software (e.g. brake, play tone,
> ...)
> You can download a NQC program to any slot you want except of slot 5, which the
> VC software uses. If you edit the myprog.txt, you can switch to one of the left
> 4 slots and automatically execute the NQC program located there.
> This was discused here before and Michael Gasperi puts this hack on his hombrew
> sensor site. Have a look there, it's described in detail.
> http://www.plazaearth.com/usr/gasperi/viscommand.htm
That's interesting but I won't entertain NQC because it's not out of the
box, I'm a purist. Also, are you saying that while VC operates slot 5, it
can activate (let's say) slot 4 and run the two programs simultaneously?
Again this is skirting around the usability and haking more than was intended.
Don't get me wrong it's totally interesting, I just think people have a
tendency to pick things apart before they completely outgrow what RCX code
and what it can do.
Look at me, I made a fully articulated Robot armature. It contains nearly 30
motors. I personnaly have the desire to create witin the system. That's the
challenge. Makes me wonder if anyone has made a super-robot and then decided
to modify it's controll language because they simply outgrew it. I have not
seen this, so I'm left with the opinion that folks have just got the inkling
to take apart the RCX and it's control language to extend it, either for
more usability or to produce effects not seen within the original RCX code.
Please forgive me for what I'm about to type, I never wanted to make my
opinions public about this subject, but, I belive that one should completely
master Robot building and RCX code before decideing that the original
programming is not enough. While I'm not knocking the ability or designs of
anyone, you oughta at least give it a shot, some people say that RCX code is
not versetile enough or that it's to hard to use, I agree it has
limitations, and it's kinda tough at first, but so is Lego as a whole, it's
the Challange of building the approximation of a given device of design,
hardly anybody likes or approves of "Spuds" or "POOPs" , and they don't want
to see to many single purpose pre-made pcs. because the fun of building one
from scratch is what it's all about.
Alternate control program writing is a fine thing, it's just not for me, I
think it's a past time all to it'self, and not necc. a by-product of the
shortcommings of RCX code, let's face it somebody figures out how the
internals of the RCX code works, and they recognize common software
pricipals, and decide - Hey I can alter this and make more of it. That's
cool, but my focus is Lego and not re-writing what came out of the Box. I
think one should reach a platuea in building, because that's the nitty
gritty of the creation, not haking into the software and writing another
version. The Harshest thing I say to those who did, what did you build? did
you stick wheels on an RCX and then out grow it's cababilities? Make a Human
size Robot and mayby I'll think different.
I know this makes me sound like a big head, It's just that I'm a purist all
the way......
NO cut or modified Pcs.
NO Glue or Lubricants.
Nothing other than what Lego produces.
This comes from the Heart and from years of doing exhibits and diplays,
Folks always ask: Do you use glue? Have you tried to use stronger non lego
motors?
I'm on a mission to make any design completely within the system without
frankly, "Cheating"............too each his own. In the end we only should
judge oursevles. I guess if it's okay for you, then go for it. I like trying
to figure out a way that stays in the system.
Same goes for Homebrew sensors! Very cool, but I would'nt use them, they
ain't made by Lego!
Sorry to open this up on a reply, I just feel strongly about these things,
but then again it's all good because it embodies creativity and finding a
way to make things happen. I just don't want a hodge podge of home made
sensors and alternate program writing to be included in my Robot. Part of
the joy is having people know that they to could just go to the store (alot
of times) and make one just like it! 100% off the shelf!
> > nor can the RCX pass sensor readings to
> > VC. VC does not down load the command stack program to the RCX. Instead VC
> > makes use of the IR Tower and sends the commands real time. So you need
> > "line of sight" when using the RCX to control motors with VC. You can
> > "Interlace" other RCX Sensors to the motion controlled by VC.
> >
> > Example.
> >
> > I have 1 RCX controlling the up/down motion of the head of my Robot - Motor
> > port A, this receives it's instructions from VC via the IR tower. RCX 2 has
> > a Rotation Sensor conected to the aforementioned drive system. When RCX 2
> > detects Rotational values, RCX 2 triggers one of it's Motor ports causing
> > the Head to turn Left/Right.
> >
> > Also, I have used VC and one RCX in the following Manner.
> >
> > I stand in front of the Robot. I extend my arm outwards, and move my arm to
> > the left, the Robot "sees" this and directs motor control to move it's Left
> > arm in the same manner. When I moved my arm to the Right, the Robot Moves
> > it's Arm to the right in the same way.
> >
> > Limitations:
> >
> > Real time, Line of Sight required between the RCX and Vision Command/ IR • Tower.
> > No sensor inputs from the RCX to VC. unless you direct a motor port to turn
> > on a Light and set one of the vision fields to watch for light. - or rig a
> > motor to diplay color or cause motion.
> > Only the Three (3) Motors ports can be controlled from the RCX by VC.
> > RCX can only "Run" the current VC program in Real time, no programming or
> > use of the 5 program slots is supported.
>
> See above and Michael Gasperis homepage !
> http://www.plazaearth.com/usr/gasperi/viscommand.htm
> >
> > Some of these things you may or may not know about VC, I would say that it's
> > a trully great inovation! One that has brought more life into My latest
> > Robot than I ever imagined! BUY ONE !!!!!
> >
> > Please feel free to ask if you still have questions, but please be specific
> > because I'm not sure if you know some of these things or not. I rather be
> > helpful than be redundant.....
> >
> > Good luck!!!
> >
> >
> > VC and RCX in New Robot:
> > http://brickshelf.com/cgi-bin/gallery.cgi?i=39692
>
>
> Regards
>
> Rainer
>
> P.S.: I had a look at your robots, incredible !! Do you earn money with this ?
Finally, thank you, I worked very hard to produce this Robot , I'm glad you
like it. I have only done a couple of shows with this one because it's so
new, I do sell pix of my Robots from time to time, so I make money like that
as an Art form. Also I used to work at the local Science center as a
resident Artist, so I made money that way doing lectures and exhibits, I
have also recently been offered consultant work for a $100 a day to show
kids in schools the principals of mechanical design, kinda an extention of
the Dacta curriculum. Thanks.......... Eric Sophie
Any bees nests that I have stirred up, well, I'm waiting for you in
.off-topic debate....... chow
Barring the alternate solutions you had mentioned, and solely comming from
"out of the Box" would you say I was on the mark as far as functionality?
C-ya
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Message is in Reply To:
 | | Re: was (RCX+PC=Rubik's Cube Solver) RCX & VC
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| Hi Eric, I disagree in some points. (...) Please notice, that you can build your own vision templates. (URL)The RCX cannot run normal RCX (...) That's not true ! The VC software downloads a little program (myprog.txt) to your RCX. This little (...) (24 years ago, 20-Apr-01, to lugnet.robotics.vc)
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