Robotics Connection RangeWizard

Let the RangeWizard™ query your sonar and infrared distance sensors for you, and get your CPU and interrupts back!

The RangeWizard has the ability to query up to 10 sonar sensors, and 6 analog senors. The sonar modules can be the single control line type like the Parallax Ping, or the trigger/echo type like the Max Sonar EZ line.

The RangeWizard takes care of all of the timing, and can report the readings in microseconds, inches, or centimeters.

The analog lines can be used for any 5V analog senor like the Sharp line of infrared sensors.

Operational Modes:

The RangeWizard™ has both Serial and I2C interfaces, which can be easily leveraged by your microcontroller/PC/PDA.

When utilizing the I2C interface the Sonar ranges are all returned at the same time. The analog readings can be returned at the same time as the sonar, or by themselves via a simple configuration command.

When utilizing serial interface (using a daughtercard), the board can be queried for individual sonar and analog values, or set in "Streaming" mode where the sensor values are constantly sent out as fast as possible.

Multiple communication options:

The RangeWizard™ can be controlled using the I2C bus or by using any of the standard RangeWizard type Daughtercards (RS-232, USB, Bluetooth, and XBee).

Each serial interface module quickly plugs into the base RangeWizard™ board, and communication w/ the board can be established in less than a minute.

Having pluggable serial modules means you'll be able to swap the modules in/out, and you won't be stuck with a single interface. This is a great feature, especially if you plan on using the RangeWizard to control various projects in the future. NOTE: Only one serial interface can be used at a time with the RangeWizard™.

The Bluetooth and XBee/XBee Pro serial interfaces provide Wireless connectivity, making it extremely easy to communicate with the RangeWizard (and thus your robot) up to a distance of 50 feet (line of sight situations will yield longer distances, where communicating through dense/metal walls will yield shorter distances). Range does vary between Bluetooth, XBee, and XBee Pro technologies.

The Bluetooth module has a UFL antenna connector, to allow customers to connect a 1/4 Wave UFL Antenna for increased signal strength. Our UFL antenna also works on the XBee/XBee Pro modules with a UFL connector.

Power Supply Requirements:

When using the I2C port the RangeWizard gets its 5V supply via the I2C port. There is also a 5V regulator on board so that it can be powered directly from a 7.2-12V battery.

Dimensions:

The Board is 2.2 X 2.75 x 0.5 inches (55mm x 70mm x 13mm )in size.

Simple Serial Protocol:

The RangeWizard utilizes a very simple control protocol to communicate serially to host devices. Any computer can communicate using this protocol (see UserGuide for more information).