All the updates about this project will be posted here. The development process is slow as only 1 developer is working on both the projects. The initial goal of this project is complete and so this project is on ice for some time. It is not abandoned though, just working on another project to add cool features and updates to this one!
SCARA Version 2
Since we have built a foundation and done a lot of hard work to set up a good base for the project, version 2 aims for a more ambitious goals. We are aware that these goals might take a while to achieve, specially when this project is on ice for a while. We believe that this can be a product where cheap small robots are required. Keeping that in mind, it will take several years of development to achieve that goal. Please do not expect to see quick progress on this project as it will start for at least 1.5 more years.
13th August 2020
Plans for version 2
So the first lacking factor holding us back from adding more more and more features is the PCB. Sierra v0.2 was designed in a bit of hurry and so it has all large THT parts and several PCBs mounted on top of it and empty space. But make no mistake, all those decisions were made in a hurry to manufacture a prototype in 2 weeks. Since there is not deadline now, we will take our time to develop Sierra v0.3 very well with more features and almost all SMD parts! Here is a peek of what is planned:
A total overhaul of the PCB
Yes we are adding
- Ethernet driver for a RJ45 10/100 Ethernet connection.
- I/O expansion ports to free up I/O's on the main MCU and protect it as well as have I/O that operate at a higher voltage.
- We already have a SD Card reader but now it is integrated on to the board and not an add-on.
- The IIoT controller (Arduino 33) is also integrated on the board, this will save a lot of space and make it cheaper.
- Add one more to the list of integrated! The STM32 with the ST-Link debugger is also integrated on board. We can boost the clock frequency by hardware without soldering another crystal.
- The quadrature decoder will help us read feedback from the motors and implement a closed loop controller.
- A USB Hub is not really needed. But Flash storage is. Named it wrong. Adding flash storage is expensive. But it is necessary so we are adding it. The amount hasn't been decided on.
Some of the schematics are designed already but midway, the development had to be stopped due another job and a month later, beginning of project Infinity NorthStar. Prototyping a PCB will be another expense and due this reason this project is put on hold.
But software features are panned for all the hardware additions. Also expect project infinity NorthStar integration! Exciting :) But time, unfortunately time consuming. This blog will be updated if there are any updates on either planning or development of this project.
SACRA Version 1
The First version of this project is complete. Check out the description of the project for development details.