ServoMaster: Observations on USB PhidgetAdvancedServo
Summary
This is the most advanced servo controller I was able to get a hold of so far.
| Removable Device |
| Individual Servo min/max preset |
| Silent Operation |
| Hardware controlled constant velocity transition, per servo |
| Hardware controlled constant acceleration transition, per servo |
Release Notes
The driver for this device is available since release 0.4p2.
This driver will not support the serial interface: it is too slow, and the serial port estate is really expensive. The user is encouraged to use the USB connection instead.
Good Things
- The number of servos supported now is 8;
- Servo velocity can be controlled;
- Servo acceleration can be controlled;
- Servo position feedback is available from the controller;
- Communication interface has changed from control_msg to bulk write - less overhead;
- The device is now bootable - if there's a problem with the firmware, you don't have to order a new one, just get the fresh firmware and reboot it;
- Dual (USB/Serial) interface.
Bad Things
None left.
Conclusion
It was worth the wait.
Aftermath
Apparently, this prototype never made it to production. Too bad, because I'm yet to see another controller that sports functionality and stability this prototype has.
Even though this controller can't be bought, I know that there's a number of people that have the prototype, so the driver will stay published.