Continue with the reusable Spark-fx Maestro and Scene responder boards' evolution (items are tracked on the collective's Google Drive) to achieve a more flexible and maintainable remote control solution for stage use.
Drive a motor bi-directionally from a Spark-fx Scene responder under Spark-fx Maestro control.
This is best exercised using the Maestro in standalone mode as we haven't ever really taken advantage of the joystick for its intended usage.
The Scene Remote responder could be used. Though there are 4 MOSFET power transistors onboard, they're all N-channel MOSFETS. (It would have been nice to have two N-channel and two P-channel MOSFETs. C'est la vie.) We can actually run a single motor bi-directionally by using two of the MOSFETs (or one MOSFET and one of the digital outputs) plus a double pole double throw (DPDT) relay. Direction is controlled from the relay via the digital output, while speed is controlled via one of the N-channel MOSFETs.
A small 5Vdc-controlled relay should be mountable on the Scene Remote PCB prototyping area and should be sufficient for most uses.
Since we've never really exercised the joystick for purpose, the project will likely involve some small changes to the Arduino code for the Maestro and/or Scene Remote. Currently, when the joystick is in the neutral (centre) position, both the x-axis and y-axis SparkNet channels output data values of 128 (maybe 127)--where the value range is 0 - 255; we want zero--same as if we were to lose wireless connectivity.
Convert a homemade Segway into a remote controlled stage truck (with dead-man switch).
This will involve removing the handlebar, reducing the profile down to just the drive and controller portion.
Luckly, onboard 12 and 24 volt power is already available onboard, and a robust H-bridge already drives the two wheels.
The existing Arduino needs to be replaced with a Spark-fx Scene Remote.
It will need some 3.3V - 5V logic level converters to interface with the H-bridge. A quick-and-dirty level converter should be adequate: These have been done before using a small-signal N-channel MOSFET and a couple of resistors--easy peasy.Â
[TBD]