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This page presents the CrcConnect module that allows controlling a CrcDuino board using a remote controller. |
Introduction
The CrcConnect is a device that allows to send commands to a CrcDuino using a remote controller. The CrcConnect serves as a data relay; it takes information from a controller (using a wire), and sends this information to a CrcDuino wirelessly using a pair of Xbee Modules.
Compatible remote controller
The beauty behind CrcConnect is that it allows a robot to be controlled using off-the-shelf, popular gaming console remote controller. This way, each team can use whatever controller it’s the most comfortable with.
Compatible remote controllers:
PlayStation 3 wireless (Sony Official)
PlayStation 4
Logitech F130
Wired Xbox 360
Havit HV-G69 wired PS3 knockoff **
Un-compatible remote controllers
Wireless Xbox 360
Xbox One
Most knockoff brand Wireless PlayStation 3
When using a wireless controller, it must be connected to the CrcConnect using:
A USB-A to Mini-B wire (for PlayStation 3 controllers), like this one.
A USB-A to Micro-B wire (for PlayStation 4 controllers), like this one.
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** When using a Havit Controller, make sure to press the “ANALOG” button on the remote controller to light up the red LED between the joysticks. Else, the value of the joystick can only be {-128, 0, 127}, instead of [-128, 127]. ** |
Storage Mode
Like almost every electronic gadget, there is a very small current that leaks from the battery of the CrcConnect when it’s not in use, even when powered off using the power button. This undesired battery drainage can be avoided by putting the CrcConnect in Storage Mode. We recommend to put the CrcConnect in Storage Mode when you know it won’t be used for 2+ weeks. This will extend the CrcConnect battery life! Storage mode physically disconnects the battery from the control board, effectively cutting any possible leakage current.
Storage mode is enabled when the jumper is removed from the board, or when it is plugged into the left and center pins.
Jumper removed; CrcConnect won’t work
Jumper in storage mode; CrcConnect won’t work
Storage mode is disabled when the jumper is plugged into the center and right pins.
Jumper OK; CrcConnect will work
Pairing with a CrcDuino board
Pairing a CrcDuino with a CrcConnect is as easy as 1-2-3! Each CrcConnect is identified with a number and comes with a dedicated Xbee Module that is identified with the same number.
Simply plug the Xbee module into the CrcDuino, then power up the CrcConnect and CrcDuino.
A characteristic victory sound will be heard from the CrcDuino when a successful connection as been established with a CrcConnect. If the connection is lost, the CrcDuino sights in despair 😞 …
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A compatible remote controller must be plugged into the CrcConnect for it to communicate succesfully with a CrcDuino. |
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The CrcDuino must run using CrcLib Release 1.1 and up to be able to connect with the CrcConnect. |
Ports
Buttons
Status LEDs& buttons
The CrcConnect has 2 ports a one button on its side. From left to right:
A Micro-USB port to charge the CrcConnect internal battery;
A power button;
A USB-A port in which the cable coming from the remote controller is plugged into.
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Do not press and hold the Power button for more than 10 seconds. This puts the CrcConnect in a limbo state that allows CRC Robotics to configure the CrConnect, and disables the communication function with the CrcDuino. |
Status LEDs
The CrcConnect has 4 LEDs that allows to learn about the state of the CrcConnect and the CrcDuino:
Robot LED
Indicates the voltage of the power supplied to the CrcDuino to which the CrcConnect is connected to. This therefore feedbacks the charge level of the 12V battery on the robot.
Robot LED Color | We good? | Recommendation | Power Supply voltage |
|---|---|---|---|
Solid Green |
| Great power management, keep up the good work! | >= 12.5V |
Solid Orange | 👋 | Maybe charge the battery? | [12V ; 12.5V[ |
Solid Red |
| Yeah, you should charge the battery NOW! | [11V ; 12V[ |
Blinking Red | ❌ | Were you even paying attention? Go on and you might affect your robot batteries ability to hold up charge 🤷♂️ | < 11V |
CrcConnect LED
Indicates the voltage of the internal CrcConnect battery. This therefore feedbacks the charge level of the 5V battery inside of it.
CrcConnect LED Color | We good? | Recommendation | Internal battery voltage |
|---|---|---|---|
Solid Green |
| Great power management, keep up the good work! | >= 3.8V |
Solid Orange | 👋 | Maybe charge the battery? | [3.7V ; 3.8V[ |
Solid Red |
| Yeah, you should charge the battery NOW! | [3.6V ; 3.7V[ |
Blinking Red | ❌ | Were you even paying attention? Go on and you might affect your CrcConnect battery ability to hold up charge 🤷♂️ | [3.5V ; 3.6V[ |
Shutoff | ☠ | The CrcConnect will automatically shutdown to prevent battery damages. | < 3.5V |
Power management
The CrcConnect module can be recharged throught the Micro-USB port. It can even be recharged when in use!
No need to worry about recharging the remote controller itself. The remote controller, when connected to a CrcConnect module, is powered by the CrcConnect internal battery pack.
Auto-shutdown function
Button and joystick mapping
The remote controller buttons and joysticks state can be retrieved using CrcLib::ReadDigitalChannel() and CrcLib::ReadAnalogChannel() using the appropriate nomenclature.
The following pictures show the physical mapping of the different members of the enum classes.
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