Gear
Gear

Electronics

XIPMods Electronic Controls

XIPMods

GEARS-EDS has partnered with Machine Science, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to supporting hands-on engineering programs for young people, to develop a suite of electronic controls - XIPMods - designed specifically for the Heavy Metal Chassis, Surface Mobility Platform, and other GEARS robotics systems.

XIPMods are easy-to-use electronic controllers for robotics and electronics projects. They offer seamless networking and amazing power and versatility. All modules share a common footprint so they can be neatly stacked on top of one another. Best of all, the expansion modules are all Arduino compatible. If you already have an Arduino, you don't need a Master Module.

See a video describing GEARS HMC-Lite with XIPMods & MATLAB.

Master Module

Master Modules The Master Module is the command center for the XIPMods system. It features 18 analog and digital ports, as well as a unique network connection for controlling device-driver modules. Powered by the ATMega168 microcontroller, the Master Module features a built-in programming connection, six digital input ports, six analog input ports, six output ports, and a network connection for interfacing with other device-driver modules. The Master Module makes a terrific standalone controller for servo robots, and it is needed for all projects involving the XIPMod expansion modules.

The Master Module supplies power to the expansion modules through the RJ-25 connector cables. The Master Module may be powered by four AA alkaline batteries, four AA rechargeable batteries, or by a five-cell rechargeable battery pack. Please specify either a battery holder (for your own alkaline or rechargeable AA batteries) or the five-cell rechargeable battery pack and charger when ordering.

Parts Included:

  • Master module board
  • Protective cover
  • Nylon standoffs (4)
  • Nylon nuts (4)
  • Nylon bolts (4)
  • USB cable
  • Battery holder or battery pack & charger

Master Module with two Analog Distance Sensors and two Infrared Reflectance Sensors

High-Current Motor Module

High Current ModuleThis dual 30-amp motor driver offers full linear speed control, R/C input, and current sensing capability for powerful DC motor robots. It adds high-current DC motor and solenoid control to projects built with the XIPMods system. The HCM Module can control up to two DC motors and up to two solenoids at a time. The unit's motor driver circuits are rated for up to 10 amps of continuous current and 30 amps peak current. The solenoid drivers are rated for 500 milliamps continuous current.

The HCM Module offers two modes of operation: radio control (R/C) and autonomous. In R/C mode, the HCM Module can be directly controlled using a standard hobby R/C transmitter and receiver. A Master Module is not needed for R/C operation. In autonomous mode, you program the Master Module to send commands to the HCM Module. In this way, the motors and solenoids can respond autonomously to inputs such as distance sensor values.

Parts Included:

  • DC motor module board
  • External cooling fan
  • Fan mounting hardware
  • Protective cover
  • Nylon standoffs (4)
  • Nylon nuts (4)
  • Nylon bolts (4)
  • RJ-25 connector cable
  • RC cables (4)
  • Solenoid cables (2)

Wireless Module

Wireless Module Add wireless capability to any project with this XBee wireless communication module.This module adds radio frequency communication capability to any project built with the Modular Development System. Transmission distances of 300 feet or more are possible, using the XBee Series 1 transceiver, which is included in the purchase price. NOTE: Two Wireless Modules and two Master Modules, or a Wireless Module, a Master Module, and a Wireless Dongle are required to achieve radio communication.

Parts Included:

  • Wireless module board
  • XBee Series 1 wireless transceiver
  • Protective cover
  • Nylon standoffs (4)
  • Nylon nuts (4)
  • Nylon bolts (4)
  • RJ-25 connector cable
A Master Module, or another controller (such as an Arduino), is needed to operate the Wireless Module.

Arduino Adapter Cable

Arduino Adapter This inexpensive cable links the power, ground, and input/output pins on an Arduino to the RJ-25 network connector found on the XIPMods. With this cable and an Arduino, you don't need a Master Module! Using this device, Arduino users can set themselves up to access the expandability of the XIPMods in just seconds.

The Arduino shown in the product image is not included with the adapter cable.

Get Control of Your Robots

XIPMods

XIPMods control this Heavy Metal-Lite Robot.

Input/Output Module

Input Modules With an LCD, LEDs, piezo speaker, button switches, an infrared receiver, and a real-time clock, this module instantly adds a user interface to any project built with the XIPMods. The unit features four light emitting diodes (LEDs), four button switches, a piezo-electric speaker, a liquid crystal display (LCD), an infrared receiver, and a real-time clock. With the I/O Module, you can display text messages, generate musical melodies and audible signals, prompt users for button input, get signals from an infrared remote control, and track and display time and date information. The I/O Module is great for debugging robotics projects, and it opens up a range of stand-alone applications as well. Code for several demonstration projects, including an alarm clock, a stopwatch, a musical pitchpipe, and an electronic game is included in a web tutorial at the Machine Science Website.

Parts Included:

  • I/O Module Board
  • Protective cover
  • Nylon standoffs (4)
  • Nylon nuts (4)
  • Nylon bolts (4)
  • RJ-25 connector cable (1)
A Master Module, or another controller (such as an Arduino), is required to control the I/O Module.

Sensor Module

GPS Module Featuring built-in temperature, light, sound, and acceleration sensors, plus optional GPS and compass, the Sensor Module is perfect for data gathering and advanced robotic applications. The Sensor Module provides a range of sensors for data gathering, environmental monitoring, and advanced robotic applications. Temperature, light, sound, and acceleration sensors are built into the module, and the unit can be upgraded with an optional GPS and compass. Build your own GPS receiver, sense the angle of an incline, guide your robot to a specific latitude and longitude, make it avoid light, or respond to sounds. (NOTE: The compass is a surface-mount component; this upgrade must be selected at the time of purchase. The GPS may be purchased for later upgrade.)

Parts Included:

  • Sensor module board
  • Protective cover
  • Nylon standoffs (4)
  • Nylon nuts (4)
  • Nylon bolts (4)
  • RJ-25 connector cable

Sensor module with GPS and the compass can be added for additional cost.

A Master Module, or another controller (such as an Arduino), is required to control the Sensor/GPS Module. The Compass and GPS receiver are OPTIONAL components.

Wireless Dongle

Wireless DongleThe Wireless Dongle instantly links an XBee transceiver to a terminal window on your computer. With the Wireless Dongle, you can connect an XBee Series 1 transceiver (included) to a terminal window on your computer. Send and receive data to another Dongle or to a Wireless Module connected to a Master Module. The Wireless Dongle is indispensable equipment for designing, testing, and debugging wireless applications.

Parts Included:

  • Wireless dongle board
  • XBee Series 1 wireless transceiver
  • Protective cover
  • Nylon standoffs (4)
  • Nylon nuts (4)
  • Nylon bolts (4)