Radio Shack Mobile Robot - Manual (Page 45)

Coprocessor Network Expansion
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The complete application note for coprocessor expansion can be found on our website at:
www.robotics.com/arobot/projects.html
A coprocessor is one of the most powerful expansions that can be added to ARobot. A coprocessor
can remove time consuming tasks from the master processor, leaving it for higher level routines. The
coprocessor could be used to add a ring of sonar range finders, read a time consuming compass, proc-
ess video images, control motors, etc. Any microprocessor, embedded PC, or computer can be used as
a coprocessor. A Basic Stamp II is an excellent choice because it doesn’t need any external circuitry to
communicate with ARobot’s controller. The Basic Stamp II can also be programmed by plugging it
into ARobot’s controller which eliminates the need for a programmer.
Communications
ARobot’s controller can communicate in a serial fashion with the coprocessor using the dedicated co-
processor network pin (P8 on the Basic Stamp) or by using any other unused pin(s). A program on the
coprocessor will receive commands from the master (ARobot’s controller) and respond accordingly.
Review the coprocessor command summary to see how commands must be constructed to prevent
communication conflicts.
Basic Stamp II Coprocessor
Multiple Basic Stamp II Coprocessors