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  • Author Author: dubbie
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ARBot #4 : Adding the Orientation Sensor to the VR Goggles

dubbie

Tragedy struck yesterday as I started on the design of the 3D parts for the ARBot, for some reason my 3D printer (an UP Mini 2) just decided it didn't want to talk to my laptop anymore. There doesn't seem to be any reason as far as I can tell, the laptop just doesn't have a driver for the USB connection anymore. I tried all the easy options: turn on/off, unplug/plug. load new device drivers (it wouldn't let me), delete the existing software, loaded a new version of the software(but it wouldn't let me), eventually I had to resort to contacting the manufacturer.

 

Anyway, this means no 3D printed parts for my ARBot. So no sleek, streamlined, well designed parts for everyone to ooh and aah over. I did think of just giving up - I'm retired, so I don't have to do anything now, but instead I just went into the garden for a bit - now I cannot find my secutars - what is happening to me! So this morning I just decided I would have to go the old fashioned way and knock things together out of bits of wood, plastic and glue, like I used to.

 

Without the 3D printed parts I will not be able to make a two-axis scanner in time before the deadline, so I have decided just to go with the one axis scan I already have. All I will have to do is to re-assemble the mobile robot and hope it still works. For the sensor I have just stuck everything together with BlueTac, some pillars and screws, and then fixed the whole lot to the VR Goggles top head strap with some plastic ties. It doesn't look good and I will not be able to move my head rapidly or it will fall off, but it does work.

 

image

 

 

I tried a selfie video of myself wearing the AR Goggles but failed as you really cannot see the outside world when wearing them, so I propped it up and moved it about manually, see the video below. There is still some problem with the calibration of the sensor - North seems to be gradually moving anti-clockwise.

 

 

It seems to be mostly working. The next step will be to remake the mobile robot carrying the PixyCam, build the Lego environment for it to move about it and see if I can get both bits to work together, all before Monday's deadline. As they used to say on ThunderBirds "Anything is possible in the next 24 hours".

 

Dubbie

  • in reply to balearicdynamics

    Enrico,

     

    I've had a look to see if there is some sort of external memory/card interface but I could not see anything. I'll have to have another look.

     

    I haven't been using the WiFi connection, just the wired USB, perhaps I'll have to try that.

     

    I just use the software supplied with the printer so I have not been actively involved with a slicer. It has always worked fine up until now.

     

    Once the Electronic Toys competition is finished I will have time to look into this again.

     

    Dubbie

  • in reply to genebren

    I did have a look to see if there was some sort of card reader, but it appears that there isn't, so still stuck at the moment. I expect I'll get it fixed eventually.

     

    Dubbie

  • But it works! Very good. Dubbie...

     

    About the 3D printer two stupid questions:

     

    1. Do you try to reset the WiFi connection?

    2. I saw that your model also works with USB stick, so if the problem is the communication just try with a memory stick USB.

     

    What is the 3D printing slicer program you are using? Maybe I can help you to generate the g-code for the printer.


    Enrico

  • Funny how we get to rely on a tool like a 3D printer.  I struggled when my hot end had issues.  I ended up upgrading to a cheaper printer  

     

    Sounds almost like like your problem is your laptop rather than your printer.  Seems odd that you can’t upgrade your drivers or software.

     

    Good luck finishing up with your workaround solution.

  • Dubbie,

     

    Sorry to hear about your laptop not working with your 3D printer.  I am not familiar with your particular 3D printer, but I have always used the SD card to transfer designs to my 3D printer.  Not sure if that will work for you, but it might be a way to get your printer running again.

     

    Nice progress on your project.

     

    Gene