Re: Robot Info

[dalloff@freenet.columbus.oh.us (Dave Althoff)]

James Weber (munga@quicklink.com) wrote:
: I have a few Apple IIe`s and Apple II Plus`s. Would anyone have any
: info that would help me to use these as a base for a robot. Any info
: would be a big help.

Not a whole lot of advice, but my congratulations, as you've probably
picked the best possible platform for a real-world interfacing project. 
There is a reason why there have traditionally been so many Apple ]['s
floating around in science laboratories, and it has to do with the
extensive real-world interfacing abilities of the ][.

For starters, there is the extremely useful game I/O port, which has four
analog inputs (using variable resistances of 0-150k ohms), three digital
inputs, and...um...I think it's four digital outputs.  That's enough to do
some robotics, meaning action via the annunciators, with feedback through
the paddle inputs.

Then, there are the peripheral slots.  If you want to get into building a
serial device, you can hook up an SSC and program for that.  Or, you can
control the data bus directly through software, and construct your own
interface to the peripheral slots.  Somewhat beyond my skills, I'm afraid,
but there should be quite a bit of material out there.  The toughest part
might be finding a blank card to fit the Apple's slot, though.

Good luck.  And let us know how the project turns out!

--Dave Althoff, Jr.
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