Hi,
I am studying electronic engineering and would like to do the following project:
1) make a computer aided design of a robotarm 2) build or buy the constructionparts that I have designed 3) buy about 5 small servomotors for it 4) buy some chips and stuff to get everything working 5) program the chips 6) writing some software so that I can control the arm from my laptop.But I have never done anything like this before. So this leaves me with a 1000nd questions. I went to the library checked the internet. But after days of searching I made little improvement. I hope some people in this discussion group can help me with some of my questions.
1) Can anybody tell me what my total balance of costs would be?2) Building the parts: Is it expensive to let some firm produce the parts I have designed? Or am I better of checking some catalog and using default parts. I thought about using LEGO, but my professors would be furious and annoyed if I did do that. Maybe making it in wood is a good idea? Any advice in this field would be welcome.
3) I have very little experience with these computer chips. The only thing I ever did that comes near to this is programming the EPF10K20R240 from Altera in Quartus 2. Are there standard predesigned cards for what I try to do? What do I want? What do I need?4) I saw there are some default modules available on the market that have functions like "Ethernet", "Light Sensors", "Camera", "Serial Port" etc... Is it hard to put several modules together into 1 system. How does one combine all these modules. Are there controller modules for that? Pfff, I know so little about it. For example, how to split the power of one adapter over the different modules that all require power ofcourse. Are there splitters for that? Probably a very stupid question but I'm overwhelmed by questions like that.
5) I noticed when I programmed the EPF10K20R240 microprocessor, it loses it's program when it loses power. Is there an explanation for that ? Is this common? Do I need to recompile and upload my code again every time?6) Is there anybody willing to give me regular feedback on msn messenger? My address is: snipped-for-privacy@hotmail.com
Thank you in advance for your patience to read my questions and for all help! BramGo