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Please note:
This product has been discontinued by the maker. We're looking into a
replacement. If you'd like to be notified if we find one, please click
on the "e-mail me when back in stock" link and we'll let you know
if/when we find a substitute.
The MakeController Kit is an open source hardware platform for projects requiring high performance control/feedback, connectivity, and ease of use. It can be programmed and run autonomously or used as a peripheral to desktop/laptop applications via the popular OSC protocol.
The MakeController is supported by great open source software tools. mcbuilder is a simple development environment that contains everything needed to write programs for the MakeController, all in a single convenient package. mchelper is a configuration program that makes it easy to get up and running with the MakeController.
Check out this in depth review by Thomas Edwards, founder of Dorkbot DC.
Please visit the MAKEController Page for full technical specs and additional information.
Technical Details [All schematics freely available]
General Architecture/Processing Power
- Atmel SAM7X processor, ARM7, 32-bit, 256K Flash, 64K SRAM, up to 55MHz and 48 MIPS - 10x performance increase over most competitors
- Two-board layout - general Controller board plugs into specific Application board. Controller board makes almost all signals from the chip available.
- 256K EEPROM for additional onboard storage (logging, etc.) + Ethernet PHY for easy connection to Ethernet jack + CAN Transceiver for board-to-board communication o Application board has application specific hardware (motor control, networking (Ethernet/USB/CAN/Serial/SPI), circuit protection.
If a project does not require all the features of the Application board, users can buy just the Controller board, and design their own Application board, including only the features they need. Otherwise, the MAKE Application board allows users to interface directly to relevant devices (sensors, high current outputs for motors, etc.) and not worry that they're going to break the delicate Controller board.
Software Environment/Programmability
- Cross Platform - Windows, Mac, Linux. All source provided. Works as an interface to the PC when connected by Ethernet or USB o Software to use the board as an I/O interface directly from .Net, Processing & Java, Max & Pd, Flash, C/C++.
- Can be programmed to run standalone programs
- Simplified API available to program the board in C
- Uses operating system (freeRTOS) so that most difficult aspects of microcontroller programming (interrupts, etc.) are taken care of for less experienced users. Otherwise, full access to the chip is available for experienced coders.
- Easily download finished programs developed and shared by others onto your board, no coding required.
- Eventually provide further simplified programming environment similar to Wiring/Arduino.
- TAG connector for fast code download and debug.
- Several boards can be networked together (CAN) to create more complex devices with more I/O.
I/O/Protection/Power supply
- Polarity protection on power supply circuit
- 8 10-bit analog inputs with op amp unity gain buffer protection.
- 8 digital outputs through 2 Half H drivers�high current (1A per coil).
- Drive 2 unipolar stepper motors, 4 DC motors, or 8 individual outputs (solenoids).
- Output protection circuit to prevent power spikes from noisy output devices affecting the processor.
- Driver chips are socketed for easy replacement in case they burn, and replacement chips are cheap ($1 each).
- 4 standard servo connectors
- 4 LEDs for program feedback
- 8 position DIP switch for easy configuration
- Trimpot for easy parameter modification
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Features
- 8 analog inputs - 10-bit inputs read voltages from 0-3.3V while protecting the controller from higher voltages.
- 8 high current digital outputs - can be configured to drive 8 individual outputs, 4 DC motors, 2 stepper motors, or any combination.
- 4 standard servo controllers - easily provide external power for driving large loads.
- 8 position DIP switch - for manual configuration.
- USB and Ethernet interfaces - can be used simultaneously.
- JTAG port - for on-chip debugging.
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