SSC-32 Sequencer
Table of Contents
Highlights
- Free interface for SSC-32 Servo Controller
- Easily control up to 32 servos
- Create, record and playback sequences
- Explore the full functionality of the SSC-32
- The default baud rate for the SSC-32U is 9600, not 115200
Description
The SSC-32 Servo Sequencer Utility makes it easy to control the Lynxmotion SSC-32 Servo Controller and experiment with servo-based robotics and animatronics. It also enables you to move standard R/C servo motors individually, calibrates their position, store and playback motion sequences, upgrade the SSC-32 firmware and more.
The main screen shows 32 sliders: one for each servo output. Users can manually adjust the sliders left and right to change each servo’s position (which corresponds to the output PWM signal between 500us and 2500us pulses). Each slider also has “Min” and “Max” position adjustments that allow you to limit the range of the PWM output to match any physical limitations imposed on the servo. In addition to being able to type an angle (in the form of a pulse) or use the up/down arrows for minor changes, there are shortcut buttons to reset one or all servos back to their neutral (1500us) position.
Based on which outputs are being used, the user can label each servo and disable any servos not in use. Users can also group servos so that moving one slider moves all the servos which are in the same group at once and multiple groups are possible. The user can then save all the project’s information to a file for future use.
A very powerful feature of this utility is the new pattern sequencer component that is included in all the Lynxmotion demo projects found in FlowBotics Studio. This pattern sequencer gives the user the ability to create sequences of movements by adjusting the sliders and recording their current positions into keyframes. The size and order of the keyframes can be adjusted and modified to generate very smooth transitions from one position to another. For example, easily create a sequence which has your Lynxmotion Al5D robotic arm pick up an object and place it in a different location (and repeat).
Once a pattern is built, it can be added as a block in another pattern. This gives users the ability to create some basic patterns and then combine them to build much more complicated sequences. For example, for your rover, you can make a Move Forward, Move Backwards, Turn Left, and Turn Right pattern, and then combine them to build a more complicated sequence where the rover patrols a room by turning left and right between furniture.
The utility is also great for accessing some of the lower level features of the SSC-32 board, such as changing its internal calibration settings using on-screen knobs and adjusting specific configuration registers through the utility's command line console.
The SSC-32 Servo Sequencer Utility is an example of the type of program which can be built with FlowBotics Studio . Additionally, this utility is included as an open source project within FlowBotics Studio so you can see how it is made and modify it to suit your specific needs.