AX-12 FAQs
There are many advantages; the two major advantages of the AX-12+ over RC servos are.
- User configurable auto shutdown.
- Real time position, load, speed, voltage, and temperature status feedback.
An AX-12 will shut shutdown in the event of overheating, over loading or out of range voltage levels. A standard off-the-shelf RC servo will simply fail or burn up which increases maintenance costs. Secondly, servo communication is unidirectional. Servos receive an analog PWM signal then move to the requested position. There is no way to determine if the servo actually completed the move.
Visit the Advantages page for more information.
Yes, the AX-12 can be programmed in C/C++ or any high level language. First, you need to understand what you're programming though.
Most developers are programming a PC to control an AX-12 network. The PC is connected to the middleware controller component that provides access to the AX-12 serial bus. Your code needs to open a connection then send and receive properly formatting Dynamixel AX-12 packets. USB2Dynamixel SDK located on the resource page includes source and example C/C++, Matlab, Labview, Visual Studio, VB.NET, C#, Java, and Python code. The SDK allows a developer to communicate with single or multiple AX-12s through the USB2Dynamixel or Propeller running DynaBus embedded. The SDK does NOT contain methods to control the robot arm in 3D space. You'll need to write you're own C\C++ application. The resource page does contains VB.NET and C# APIs, libraries, and programming demos for the AX-12 Smart Arm.
If you're an embedded programmer the only kit that can be programmed in C is the CM-5. The CM-5 contains an Atmel128 programmed for use with the Behavioral Programmer, Motion Editor, and Robot Terminal. Only seasoned programmers should extend the CM-5 embedded application.
Yes, the AX-12 controllers are compatible with Matlab, LabView, VB.NET, C#, Python, and Java. The resource page contains a link for the USB2Dynamixel SDK. The SDK contains Matlab, LabView, VB.NET, C#, Python, and Java coding examples for sending properly formatted Dynamixel AX-12 commands to a USB2Dynamixel or Propeller middleware controller. See FAQ "2. Can I program the AX-12 in C/C++?" for more information.
A 5A 9.6V power supply is ideal. The resource page contains several PDFs that address connecting to and powering the AX-12 serial bus.
See the accessories page for Ax-12 power supply and power harness options.
Not to worry; please ask your question on CrustCrawler's community forum. We'll be adding more FAQs soon.