Programming with GenLogic GLG Toolbox YouTube Channel

Hi David,

Just came across the GLG Toolkit and your videos.  How are you making out with your project(s)?

I'm just getting started with it - the goal is to develop an HMI with process simulation - utilizing an Arduino to exchange analog and digital signals with a vintage process control computer.

Thoughts / ideas / suggestions?

Jason

Hi Jason - thanks for the comments.  Projects are running slow - as usual.  I picked up a new project recently - an autopilot for a 23.5' cuddy cabin.  I am on a short development time for this project.  Back in July, the USCG sank my 50' sailboat.  You can see the details on my other YouTube Channel "Sailing Solo at 70", Episode 26.  The sailboat, Dragon Fire sank so 20 miles off Virginia Beach, Va.  I intend to raise it and restore it, so I purchased the 23.5 cuddy cabin and a high-end side scan sonar.  Turns out the side scan sonar will make a mosaic overlay that can be stored on SD cards and studied at leisure.  To maintain a constant course for the mosaic, I am adding the autopilot to allow me to hands off create the mosaic.  With winter coming in, I will be heading out at the first weather window I get.  I plan on staying out for 2 or 3 days at a go.  So this project is a priority now.  Most of the software is written, I just need to add a PWM for motor control.  The problem is that a change in hardware/software on RPi 5, no one has been able to get the PWM to run.  So I am going to use a voltage controlled PWM chip.  The submersible ROV was coming along nicely.   I hoped to have it ready when I find Dragon Fire so I could take a look at it before I dive on it.

If you can have an ethernet connection between the Arduino and the vintage process control computer, the UDP would be a way to go.  Short of that, RS-232 would be the only other suggestion I have.

Kind regards,

David

Hi David, had a look at Episode 26 video - that was rough - it was just one problem after another!  I wish you well with the sonar search.  Bayliners are nice.

The Raspberry Pi used to work just dandy with the PWM modules - my daughter had used one for a remote control robot project years ago.

I've got an IMSAI that I take to retro computer shows.  It seems most people don't know what what it is and just walk by.  Seems I need something to catch their attention.  The goal is to install a Cromemco D+7A board, connect those analog & digital I/O to the Arduino and interface that with a PC running GLG Toolkit doing process simulation with virtual controls, indication / graphics.  Alternatively, a hardware panel will also be available.

Here's what the initial I/O checkout screen is looking like so far.  Your videos are really helping with the steep learning curve - thank you!

Jason

Thanks for the encouragement.  IMSAI was one of those dream computers in my life.  I ended up building the COSMAC ELF from Popular Electronics 1976, as my first computer.  That led to big changes in my life and job later on.  From there I got a TRS80 Model I.  Then I moved on to CPM at home and the first PC the company I worked for - a design by Steve Ciarica of Byte Magazine.  

I would still suggest RS-232 between the IMSAI and the PC - should be relatively easy to come up with that interface for the IMSAI.  I have quite a few interface chips from that era, (8080 world) if they would help.

Your GLG layout looks great.  I can't tell you how long I struggled trying to figure out the GLG Toolbox.  My only saving grace was when I posted a question of their forum, and one of the techs took it off forum and started a one on one email conversation with me.  She helped me figure out 99% of what I know about the toolkit.  And I am still learning - haven't asked her a question since, lets see, oh yeah Sunday!  I am glad the videos helped out.  The GLG Toolkit is really a nice package.

Take care,

Davd

Ah yes, PE Aug '76 - I still have that issue!  That was when I was just starting to develop an interest in micros.

I appreciate your suggestions about implementing the RS-232 interface, but in the end, once the hardwired switch / knob / indicator panel is added, I'll be able to interchange between that and the PC/HMI/Arduino.  The goal is to present and demonstrate the 'stone knives and bearskins' / 'old school' approach to automation & process control.  Not as far back as relays and pneumatics, but the next generation right after that.

Jason

sounds good,

Here's a shot of the autopilot I am working on.  There will be a second screen to adjust the Kp, Ki and Kd for the tuning the PID.  Those values will be stored in a file every time they are adjusted and read on start up.

The name of my sailboat is Dragon Fire.  Thus the name of the 23.5' cuddy cabin I am using to find Dragon Fire is named Dragon Seeker.  I love naming boats!  My last sailboat was "Night's Beautiful Daughter", which is the moon.

Looks great!

It was always great fun ;-) tuning pneumatic PID controllers ...

Looks great!

It was always great fun ;-) tuning pneumatic PID controllers ...