Programming your Roomba with C# or VB.Net

For those of you that would like to take your Roomba to the next level,
I have Developed some code in C# & VB.Net to control your iRobot Roomba
vacuum from your computer.

The core of the code is a C# class that implements the iRobot Software
Command Interface.  (C# RoombaSCI) I also have 2 projects that use this
C# interface, called Roomba-Term, and Roomba Monitor.  Roomba Term is
intended to be a diagnostic program that visually implements Roomba's
SCI interface for purposes of education, & testing your roomba.
Hopefully my code will kickstart you forward in developing your own
Roomba  programs.

Here is a link to irobot documentation
http://www.irobot.com/images/consumer/hacker/Roomba_SCI_Spec_Manual.pdf


I have a C# project located here:
https://sourceforge.net/projects/roomba-term/

and a VB.Net project that focuses on Sensor stability (talks to the C#
class) here:
https://sourceforge.net/projects/roomba-monitor/

Next, you probably need some hardware to connect your computer to the
Roomba:

you can either buy an RS232, USB or wireless interface:
http://www.roombadevtools.com/

or create your own cable:
http://flickr.com/photos/todbot/sets/72057594051313379/

or buy Roomba Add-ons:
http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/product_info.php?products_idh5


of special interest as well:
http://todbot.com/blog/category/roomba/



As far as practical use: I suggest using Roomba as a platform to build
a robotic arm or something else upon, using:
http://mindstorms.lego.com/

Kevin Gabbert