Developments in the fields of meassurement and control

Developments in the fields of meassurement and control, hard and software from1996 - 2004

Recorder.exe: This software was initially developed under MS-DOS for controlling installations via the computer keyboard and record the sequence of keyboard strokes for storage and further use. Basically possible, but not very comfortable. A music keyboard, standard sequencer software and MIDI-to-voltage hardware is much better for this purpose. Therefore we developed the software in a way that the user can write very simple control scripts with a text editor and run them with recorder. The program controls relay cards via the printer ports or the f18-ctrl-board via rs232. Control scripts can be grouped in playlists and run in various modes (single,loop and random). This program was the backbone of our early installations T1, T2, DROP OUTS and the developing instrument for exoskeleton´s walking sequences.

Recorders Follow-ups: StageControl and Derivates: Delphi-Based Software with Project-specific GUI and logic makes it easy to handle even complex installations. Communication with external Hardware via MIDI and/or RS232 port PIC-Cards Small controller cards, equipped with a PIC microcontroller, four relays and buttons. They can store a sequence in a nonvolatile memory, the sequence starts automatically at power on. Flexible use for small objects, projectors etc. Video switch Similar to the PIC-Cards, but with a video multiplex chip instead of relays. It can store four different sequences and has four inputs for video sources and one video output. MIDI-Controlled 8 x 8 - Video-Crosspoint-Switch - 100 X 160 mm Euro-Size PCB - Cinch-Connectors for Video I/O - 75 Ohm I/O Impedance - Operable via onboard-buttons and/or MIDI-In - MIDI-out for daisy-chaining or other purposes - Switch State displayed on 8X8 LED-Matrix - Sequences can be stored and run in standalone mode - Connector for LC-Display - Power Supply 9-12 V DC

f18-Ctrl 1.0 -> Atmel 8515 based -> 20 MOSFET-outputs for relays, stepper motors, pneumatic valves, bulbs etc. -> 8 inputs for buttons, reed sensors etc. -> The cards can be daisy-chained to extend the number of inputs/outputs in 8/20 steps. The extension cards need only the I/0-parts, no microcontroller. - > RS232-Port-> Controller ports B,C,D and ISP-Port are accessible via connectors for external hardware like displays, keyboards and so on. -> Power supply for controller and output circuit separate or common, as needed. -> Size 80 X 100 mm We use this card with project-specific software in our works Exoskeleton, Motion Prosthesis, Ghost Keyboard , IKIT, MIDIshelf and some other custom projects. F18-Ctrl 2.0 -> Atmel 8535 based -> 20 MOSFET-outputs for relays, stepper motors, pneumatic valves, bulbs etc. -> 2 X 48V/3A H-Bridge outputs -> 8 inputs for buttons, reed sensors etc. -> The cards can be daisy-chained to extend the number of inputs/outputs in 8/20 steps. The extension cards need only the I/0-parts, no microcontroller. -> Ports : RS232/MIDI RS232/DMX MIDI/DMX Jumper-selectable -> Controller ports A,B,D and ISP-Port are accessible via connectors for external hardware e.g. displays a. keyboards -> Port A usable as 10 Bit ADC -> Power supply for controller and output circuits separate or common, as needed. -> Size 80 X 100 mm

MIDI-Dimmer1.0 This card in euro size (100 x 160 mm) controls 32 bulbs (230 V / 60 W) independently with 15 different levels of brightness. Input data format is standard MIDI, daisy chaining is possible. 16 of these cards control the 512-bulb display in our installation IKIT. MIDI-Dimmer2.0 Like Version 1.0, but also with DMX Port and protection circuits for switching (not dimming !! ) neons. Onboard power Supply for the logic part for easier handling and less external wiring.

Evaluation platform for robotics A circle shaped platform equipped with two dc motors, diameter 50 cm. It can drive in workshops, studios etc. as well as outside on not too rough surfaces. We use it for developing and testing sensors and software for use in robotic projects like IKIT. At the moment it is equipped with an ultrasonic ranging device, wheel revolution counters, an acceleration sensor and an air bumper. This is a bicycle tube around the platform´s circumference under medium air pressure. When the platform collides with an obstacle, the pressure rises quickly. This effect is monitored with a pressure sensor and used as collision detection. The construction is very simple and robust in comparison to mechanical micro-switch based bumpers. It also gives the platform a soft edge, important when operating in sensitive areas like museums. For communication with mobile units we use 433 MHz transceivers. The half-duplex protocol allows communication with several units from one base station on one frequency. The wireless data transfer is used for monitoring several values, parameter-upload and in specific situations also remote controlling, especially emergency off.