Surveyor Robotics Journal

Surveyor Robotics Journal

	email: support@surveyor.com web: Surveyor Corporation rss: Subscribe Archives August 2010 July 2010 June 2010 May 2010 April 2010 March 2010 February 2010 January 2010 December 2009 November 2009 October 2009 September 2009 August 2009 July 2009 June 2009 May 2009 April 2009 March 2009 February 2009 January 2009 December 2008 November 2008 October 2008 September 2008 August 2008 September 2008 August 2008 July 2008 June 2008 May 2008 April 2008 March 2008 February 2008 January 2008 December 2007 November 2007 October 2007 September 2007 August 2007 July 2007 June 2007 May 2007 April 2007 March 2007 February 2007 January 2007 December 2006 November 2006 October 2006 September 2006 August 2006 July 2006 June 2006 May 2006 April 2006 March 2006 Februray 2006 January 2006	Mon, 13 Aug 2007 Managing technology transitions - the new Blackfin processor/camera We continue to make progress in bringing up the new Blackfin processor/camera board. There is still some tweaking required on the memory timing, and we need to make certain the I2C and SPI interfaces are functioning properly, but we will hopefully work through those tasks in relatively short order. So far, we haven't found anything that requires changes to the design, but we won't commit to building a production batch of boards until those tests are complete. Until we have signed off on the design and start building new boards, we won't be able to commit to delivery dates for the new hardware. In the mean time, we need to address a migration path for existing SRV-1 users who are interested in upgrading to the new processor and higher resolution camera, as well as potential new users who need to decide whether to acquire the existing version of the SRV-1 design, or wait for the new version without knowing exactly when it will be available. One strategy might be to say nothing until we know exactly when new hardware will be available. This allows us to give more precise answers on availability, but runs the risk of creating unhappy users who are blind-sided by the technology transition. Another strategy is to share our uncertainty, which minimizes surprises, but also complicates the purchasing decision process. Consistent with our tradition, we have opted for the "full disclosure" strategy. If our product testing doesn't hit any glitches and we don't have to go through another design cycle, that strategy will probably allow the smoothest transition. If we do run into problems, at least our users (existing and potential) are able to make informed decisions. With regard to mechanics of transition for existing SRV-1 users, the mechanical base of the SRV-1 (treads, hubs, motors, Li-ion battery) will remain unchanged. There will be a new controller board that hosts the Blackfin processor / camera, voltage regulator, IR or laser pointer interface, back emf circuit, motor controller, and radio module. We had originally thought to just support WiFi 802.11 on the new controllers, but are finding that a number of users want to see continued support of Zigbee for mesh and sensor network experiments. So we are now looking at the possibility of providing sockets for both Zigbee and WiFi radios on the new controller. We will offer controller upgrades to existing customers, so if they want to use Zigbee, they would just unplug the Zigbee module from their existing robot controller and plug it into the new controller. Alternatively, they might order a replacement controller that includes the WiFi module. At this point, the most likely WiFi module is Lantronix Matchport, though we still haven't ruled out the use of the Lantronix WiPort, which is physically smaller though somewhat more expensive. Longer term, we will be migrating to a lower-cost SPI-based WiFi module, but that could be 4-6 months out. Anyhow, that is our current thinking. We welcome comments and suggestions via email to support@surveyor.com Posted Mon, 13 Aug 2007 14:25 \| HTML Link \| see additional stories ...