Initial testing shows promise for Hybrid encoder concept

This past weekend (6/22/2024 and 6/23/2024) I was able to work in the development  and testing of the new Hybrid concept of combined ABSolute encoder markings and the ABSolute motor encoders we have been using.   The photo below shows Test Track Z with some of the modifications.  

There is still a lot more work to do to get this refined though.  I still don't think I will achieve 1mm resolution, but it is very close most of the time!!!!

While going through this process, I thought of an idea for a story showing my method of development and testing that I use (especially in my older years).  I think this may be of value to you so hopefully I have time to get that produced for you.

Cheers!
Chris

035 Time To Reevaluate ZoomTown and the Current Approach

Based on practical testing many problems have revealed themselves.  As with anything, as new information becomes available (learned), you asses the situation and makes changes as needed.  This video covers that many problems that currently exist with the current methodology and what is planned to deal with it.

Cheers

Chris

Using the TCRT5000 for Line Following and More

The TCRT5000 photo reflective sensor is great for line following, but based on this test, it could be much more useful in helping with localization too.  In this experiment I will use the sensor to also detect a specific point along the line.

NOTE!  After filming this story, many problems came up with the original concept of localization for ZoomTown and the importance of this concept rose dramatically. In the next episode, this will be explained in much more detail.  But as of the release date of this video, this concept may very well save the ZoomTown experiment!!.

Cheers!
Chris

033 DON'T LET MICROPYTHON'S GARBAGE COLLECTOR RUIN YOUR PROGRAM

Like most high-level languages, there needs to be a feature to clean up the mess programmers leave.  In low level languages the program is required to clear up unused variables, pointers etc.  Micropython's device to automatically do this is called the Garbage Collector.  It works great, BUT, it takes time to execute and it can cause intermittent pauses in your program.  In this video, we cover this problem in detail with a very real and practical problem and solution.

Cheers!
Chris

032 Using a Hall Effect Sensor and a Magnet as Stop Sign to Control Your Robot

 How to use an inexpensive hall effect sensor and magnets to add another means of control to your robotic car.  Magnets, embedded in the floor were one the first means of guiding robotic vehicles in industrial applications.  In this video we explore using a hall effect sensor and a magnet as a stop sign.

Cheers!

Chris