tricks for using the SCI cable

[pomonabill221]

Thanks VIc!

[mfortuna]

It is a little bigger but you could remove the case and wire a BAM (intended for the create) similarly to how Ed did it with the Bluesmirf. The BAM saves you $15 or so but would need to be tied in to 5V on the robot or you would have to use a 7805.

This thread shows how I connected a BAM into a dirt dog:

viewtopic.php?f=4&t=10709

[bhylak]

About the control software, I found Roborealm to be the best right now and you can expand on it. (Sorry if it sounds like I'm endorsing them. I'm not, personal opinion)

[pomonabill221]

Yes I took a look at robarealm, and will give it a try. Thanks for the tip!

[vic7767]

Here's another option, I'm thinking about getting the full kit. http://www.ez-robot.com/Robots/iRobot-Roomba-Hack

[pomonabill221]

WOW, Vic... that's some kit! And the price for all that isn't too bad either!
Something to think about (when I get a job)!

[mfortuna]

That is a lot of money. I did all that except the sonar(which I am using on a different project) for about half the price.

As Ben mentioned, roborealm is a pretty cool program. I think you need to pay to get more than as trial version though.

[bhylak]

Slightly overpriced, but you are getting the EZ Robot software too. I think it would be worth it. I'm spending birthday money this year so I can get an EZ kit. I'm not much of a programmer so I think it may be fun to mess around with.

[RobotMan_24]

Hey Pomonabill221:

I would recommend the rootooth, but obviously I'm a bit biased, because that's the only one I've used! It works well, and is nice because it gets its power from on-board the roomba. Besides that - there are a few others out there. I'm not too sure how much room you will have to "stuff" anything into the robot.

One note on stuffing anything into the roomba - it might continue to drain power from the battery when not in use. As far as the rootooth goes, the only way I'm familiar with turning it off, is by removing the dongle from the system.

You could integrate glue a reed switch on the inside of the casing and use a magnet to turn on or off the power maybe, but - just something to keep in mind.

[pomonabill221]

Hey thanks robotman for the ideas! I will take a look at the rootooth as well.
I thought of using some kind of switch to turn it on, I like your idea of a reed switch... fancy!
I might try and find a switched 12 or 5 volts internally also, as there is a switching supply for the 5 volts... just need to find out if it is switched or not.
Even though, the bluetooth doesn't draw very much current, and the trickle charge current (indicated by the SCI monitoring) is about 45 ma, which might be enough to power the bluetooth while it is in standby (not transmitting).
The bot draws current even while it is off, so this might be an issue.... we'll see.
There is a little room where the front wheel and bumper sensors are so it might fit there.
I really didn't want to mount it outside the bot because of what it runs into while it is cleaning... might crunch the bluetooth.
Of course, I need to get the bluetooth FIRST, then decide where I want to put it.

[vic7767]

Although the URL I'm going to post here is for a 700 model Roomba it could also be applied to a 500 model. It shows how to install a BlueSM1rf directly to the 7 pin mini din and uses a 7805 5 volt regulator.

viewtopic.php?f=4&t=15359

[pomonabill221]

Hello Vic.
Thanks for the link... I did look at this earlier and will use it to help me install the bluesm into my bot.
Thanks!

[mfortuna]

The BAM I have draws a bit of power (10ma) but the roomba trickle charge is enough to overcome that. If you leave the robot on the dock you should be OK.

[pomonabill221]

Mike;
The BAM draws 10ma even when it is idle?(not transmitting)
Yes the trickle charge current should be enough, even at 10ma.
IF I wanted to shut it off (whether a BAM or SM1rf or rootooth), I could glue a magnet to the dock and use a reed switch to shut off the bluetooth in the bot. There are some strong magnets around, and my sonicare toothbrush uses some strong ones (in the brush head), and they are small.
I think there might be enough range to operate the reed switch.
Will have to give it a try!