Driving roomba using an Android phone

[mfortuna]

Like I mentioned, I could sort of drive my create since the BAM was previously set to the correct baud rate. No problems pairing for me. I have the original Motorola Droid. I'd be happy to test the app for you on my create and dirt dog.

[franky1664]

I have posted v2 of the app on Market, with some sensor values displayed. I have added a setting for setting the Create baudrate (let me know if it works for driving - it probably won't work for sensors as the group I use does not exist on the Create).

[arkadiy]

Just received rootooth from sparkfun.
Android 2.2.1 on ViewSonic VewPad-7.
Roomba 536.
Works great!
Let me know if you need any further testing on my environment.
Thank you!

[irobotmop]

Wow...that program is great...

I own one of this roomba..

where can i got the software?

[mfortuna]

It will be in the Android market, Look for roomba-touch-drive.

[gulizseray]

Is there a link to the source code?

[vic7767]

You will not be able to obtain the source code since it is an app on the android market website.

[yhmmc]

Will this work with an Android tablet. One that has a net connection, but not the phone part?

What are the details involved in doing this.

Thanks,

[yhmmc]

Can it be used with wi-fi? I do not have a bluetooth connection. But, my android tablet gets wi-fi just fine.

Thanks,

[vic7767]

The app is designed to utilize a bluetooth for both ends of the communication path and WiFi is not supported.

[SE_machine]

Cool. Finally have a good reason to get a Rootooth. Downloaded the app to Samsung Captivate running Android 2.1. The app opens and appears to work, but won't be sure until I get a Rootooth.

[John Lee]

MAKE ONE FOR THE IPHONE PLEASE !!!! For the iRobot create though !!

[mfortuna]

There is an app for the iphone/ipod touch but it required a mac with bluetooth to act as a wifi to bluetooth gateway. If you search the hacking forum you should be able to find it. Maybe the author has updated it to support Bluetooth directly.

[SE_machine]

I wonder if there's a way to overlay the controls on a video stream from a wifi camera on-board the Roomba. That way you can be in another room and drive the Roomba. Of course, this is still limited by the bluetooth range. Maybe splice the Rootooth's cord to power the camera if the voltage is right.

[mfortuna]

Sort of:

viewtopic.php?f=4&t=10709

[mfortuna]

One other thing are wifi cameras seem to be either 5V or 12V. Using the roomba battery voltage (15V nominal) directly could damage the camera.

[bhylak]

Jameco/Meanwell has some nice 12v regulators though which can convert just about any voltage to 12v. http://www.trcelectronics.com/Meanwell/sd-15a-12.shtml That would work if the current doesn't exceed 1.25amps.

[binaryhellstorm]

Or you could use a linear voltage regulator like this with a couple of capacitors to drop the 14 volts down to 12, or any other voltage using a different regulator.
http://search.digikey.com/us/en/products/LM340T-12%2FNOPB/LM340T-12-ND/6233

[bhylak]

The problem is that the battery is going to be 16v-13v from start to finish.

[rwb214]

I'm working on building one of these: http://hackingroomba.com/projects/build-a-roomba-bluetooth-adapter/

I have all the parts except for the Bluesmirf module (DIYbin.com hasn't shipped yet despite being ordered over a week ago) and it should all fit into a mini-altoids tin. I'm using an old PS/2 mouse connector with the plastic tab removed to connect to the roomba SCI. On the other side of the bluetooth connection will be my android phone with the roomba touch-drive app.

What do you all think?

Edit- Also the parts are so small that I'm pretty sure you could fit it under the hood (on a 400 series roomba at least). You would just need to tap into the RX and TX wires in the SCI, in addition to GND. Then you would need to find +5V somewhere on the board or use a 7805 voltage regulator like the DIY rootooth has.