tiny RC receiver for bristlebot?

Question

I made a small bristlebot. my version can turn left and right using two vibrators and is controlled by an ATTiny uC. I would like to add remote control functionality so i'm asking what's the simplest and smallest component(s) I can add to my bristlebot to make it remote controllable? (the size of the actual remote control device doesn't matter, just the components on the bristlebot). i want to use radio control, not IR. I have to say, comming from the digital side, I have no experience with analog circuits and RC sender/receivers so far.

thanks for the hints

Wouter van Ooijen · Answer 1 · 2013-02-17T15:58:13.623

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I recently finished my library for the RFM70 radio module, check http://www.voti.nl/rfm70 I have tested it (ao.) with an arduino. That module is cheap, and has a digital interface. Negative points might be short range, and 3V3 operation.

But why do you rule out IR? You could use a existing TV remote, saves you half the effort.

edited Feb 17 '13 at 15:58

answered Jan 11 '12 at 18:32

Wouter van Ooijen

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Oli Glaser · Accepted Answer · 2012-01-11T23:27:45.563

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Something along the lines of a couple of Alpha-TRX433S would probably do.

Alpha-TRX433S

They are simple transceivers with an SPI interface. If you want cheaper eBay is your friend - this RF-2400P looks to do the same thing as the above, but won't come with a nicely written datasheet.

EDIT - It turns out this one does have one - User834 has kindly provided a link to the R4-2400P Datasheet.
Anyway, the reason for the initial assumption was that often the minor electronic products sold on eBay don't come with anything much in the way of documentation, which is something to weigh up when choosing where to buy from (plus waiting times, customer support, etc)
EDIT 2 - Along with the datasheet, on their site they have some other RF-2400P documents/code examples (see pages 2 and 3) which may be of interest.

You haven't mentioned exactly how the bot is controlled at the moment though. I am assumimg you can interface with the ATtiny's SPI.
If not let us know what you have available on the bot to interface with.

edited Jan 11 '12 at 23:27

answered Jan 11 '12 at 18:37

Oli Glaser

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currently i just use the two PWM outputs of the attiny to drive the two motors (it doesn't do much at the current state, just drives random right and left curves). hmmm - will i need 6 pins to interface such a transceiver? the attiny has only 6 pins... – Mat Jan 11 '12 at 22:48
Mat - You don't have to use all the pins on the module. Ignoring Vcc/Gnd, you should be able to get away with using just 2 pins (SCK and MOSI) if you're only sending data in one direction (i.e. to the bot) or 3 (SCK, MOSI, MISO) if you want to send data both ways. CE and CS can be tied low (sometimes you need to use CS though) and IRQ ignored. – Oli Glaser Jan 11 '12 at 23:25
@Mat - If you need to use less pins maybe a wireless UART module like the [RF-2410M](http://www.inhaos.com/uploadfile/otherpic/DS-RF2410M-V10-EN.pdf) would be better. Minus the power pins it can be just 2 pins (or 1 for one way) – Oli Glaser Jan 11 '12 at 23:34

score 0 · Answer 3 · answered Mar 22 '12 at 19:28

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Smallest & simplest would be infrared, not RF. Look at Vishay's range of IR receivers

answered Mar 22 '12 at 19:28

mikeselectricstuff

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tiny RC receiver for bristlebot?

3 Answers3