Windows Miniboard Hexmon Controller.
This program drives Fred Martins MiniBoard running the Hexmon program.
Briefly. The miniboard is a 68HC11 microcontroller module with: 4 PWM H bridge
drivers, for control of DC motors. 8 Digital Inputs. 8 Analog Inputs (8 bit)
0-5v. Accessable timer. Possible access to Port A (maybe output).
NOTE: The MiniBoardserial RS232 interface has to be replaced with a MAX 232
or equivalent for this program to work!
The original RS232 interface on the MiniBoard has a hard wired echo, this will
corrupt the data coming back to the PC!
The Remote Control Windows Program.
The menu bar gives acces to the communication port settings, this overview,
and an exit command.
Open Button.
Opens the com port, and should be set to 9600,N,8,1
Note. Any function pressed on the program that talks to the MiniBoard will open
the com port automatically.
Reset Button.
Sends a series of 's's to the MiniBoard which on receiving 'sssCRLF" will reset
the board.
Note. When the windows program receives a > from the MiniBoard it displays 'MiniBoard
Ready' next to the Reset Button.
Poll Button.
Requests the miniboard for an update of the digital and analog sensors, the
rate of which can be determined by the ms edit box next to the Poll Button.
Note. If you poll too fast you will be unable to effectivly communicate with
the MiniBoard.
Joystick On/Off Button.
Activates the joystick function. (this is not entirly finished yet, I am still
deciding how to use the joystick functions.
Left Panel.
Displays the various analog and digital sensor results.
Centre Left Panel.
This is set up for control of two motors arranged as left and right, as in a
tracked vehicle.
Centre Right Panel.
This is set up for the individual control of two auxillary motors.
Stop Button.
Stops all motors.
Right Panel.
A temporary joystick diagnostic dislpay area.
Serial Command Structure.
Command,D3,D2,D1,D0,A3,A2,A1,A0
Read Byte r
Read Word q
Write Byte w
Writre Word z
reset s s s
Enable Direction Motors 4,3,2,1, 4,3,2,1
Bit 7,6,5,4, 3,2,1,0
A to D 1 $0054 5 $0058 2 $0055 6 $0059 3 $0056 7 $005A 4 $0056 8 $005B
Digital Inputs $1003
A search on the web will give you more details on the MiniBoard module.
Delphi Code snippet to convert the ASCII hex value to a integer.
var;
number: integer;
begin
case editselect.text[2] of
'0': number := 0;
'1': number := 1;
'2': number := 2;
'3': number := 3;
'4': number := 4;
'5': number := 5;
'6': number := 6;
'7': number := 7;
'8': number := 8;
'9': number := 9;
'A': number := 10;
'B': number := 11;
'C': number := 12;
'D': number := 13;
'E': number := 14;
'F': number := 15;
end;
Case editselect.text[1] of
'0': number := number + 0;
'1': number := number + 16;
'2': number := number + 32;
'3': number := number + 48;
'4': number := number + 64;
'5': number := number + 80;
'6': number := number + 96;
'7': number := number + 112;
'8': number := number + 128;
'9': number := number + 144;
'A': number := number + 160;
'B': Number := number + 176;
'C': Number := number + 192;
'D': Number := number + 208;
'E': Number := number + 224;
'F': Number := number + 240;
end;
end;
You can download the program here "Remote Controller"
,but remember you do so at your own risk. I am not resposible if it crashes
or destroys your PC or your miniboard!
I have produced my own FTP program to enable me to upload to my site. When I am happy with the reliability I may include it here as a download.
Image shows screen capture while online (I have removed my address and logon!)
