The Parallax
Servo Controller (PSC) controls up to 16 servos, and may be networked
together so that two PSC's can control 32 servos using a single I/O line.
Luckily for you and your Parallax microcontroller, the PSC manages all of
the servo pulses which enables your BASIC Stamp or Javelin Stamp to take
care of more important aspects of the application. You will appreciate the
value of this device and be able to enjoy several advanced features.
What kind of features are we excited to use in our own servo projects?
Runtime
Selectable Baud rate. A serial message switches the baud rate
from: 2400 to 38k4
16
Servos. All servos driven simultaneously all of the time. 180
degrees of resolution.
Servo
Ramping. 63 ramp rates (0-60seconds) allows the user to set the
speed of each servo on a per-move basis. Choose one of 15 ramp rates
for each servo
Position
Reporting. User may request position of an individual servo at any
time
Network
Ready. Two modules may be linked together to drive 32 servos at
the same time
Enhanced
Resolution. Use of 16-bit PWM timers enables 0 - 180 degree servo
rotation at 2 microseconds per step.
The PSC
documentation shows you how to use all of the features and provides sample
BASIC Stamp Code. Below is a brief overview of the key features listed
above.
Ramping
The ramping function allows you to individually set the speed of each
servo. With ramping, you can tell the servo where to go, and just how fast
to get there. The result is true, "set-it and forget-it"
functionality.
Serial Command Format
The PSC supports several commands that are sent to it via RS-232 serial
protocol. The voltage swing of this serial line is 0-5 VDC (TTL level).
Each serial command must be preceded with an exclamation point,
"!", and the pair of letters, "SC". This allows
different types of AppMods to use the same serial line as the PSC.
RP Command
This command allows you to request the position of a servo channel, be it
stationary or on the move.
Networking 2 PSC's Together
It is possible to network 2 Parallax Servo Controllers together to control
up to 32 servos. Simply use a second 3-Conductor cable to daisy chain two
PSCs together as shown in the documentation. The presence of a shunt
differentiates between Unit 0 (channels 0-15) and Unit 1 (channels
16-31).
The Parallax Servo Controller ships with the following to make your set
up as easy as possible: Shunt-Jumper, 3-Conductor Cable, Printed
Documentation. The PSC is mounted using 4-40 screws (or equivalent, not
included)
Stock#: 28023
Category: Stamp Accessories and Motor Control
