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Pan & tilt webcam - USB or Parallel port interfacing?

C

Clayton

Hi,

I need some help for my last year project which is a pan and tilt
webcam controlled over internet using client/server application
(csharp). Can someone tell me what do I need to interface 2 stepper
motors with the PC using a USB port? I searched on the internet and I
found that I will require a microcontroller, right? Which model is the
best for my needs? I've already managed to control the motors through
the parallel port, but since the parallel port is out of fashion I
thought it might be more interesting using a USB connection. Any help
is appreciated.

Thanks,
claytonc
 
M

martin griffith

Hi,

I need some help for my last year project which is a pan and tilt
webcam controlled over internet using client/server application
(csharp). Can someone tell me what do I need to interface 2 stepper
motors with the PC using a USB port? I searched on the internet and I
found that I will require a microcontroller, right? Which model is the
best for my needs? I've already managed to control the motors through
the parallel port, but since the parallel port is out of fashion I
thought it might be more interesting using a USB connection. Any help
is appreciated.

Thanks,
claytonc
Click to expand...
look at FTDI usb interfaces, these will convert the usb from the PC to
logic levels that a micro can understand, through its uart

As for the micro, there are 3 main breeds, all flash based
8051, old, still reasonably good, simplish
Atmel AVR, good,
TI MSP430, low power, good, trying to find the correct version can be
problematic

PIC, Bletch

GCC do C compilers, or get a demo from Keil,
Amrai/raisonance,imagecraft

If you are goinig to use the same usb port for the video, and power,
it might take a bit more time.....


martin
 
D

default

Hi,

I need some help for my last year project which is a pan and tilt
webcam controlled over internet using client/server application
(csharp). Can someone tell me what do I need to interface 2 stepper
motors with the PC using a USB port? I searched on the internet and I
found that I will require a microcontroller, right? Which model is the
best for my needs? I've already managed to control the motors through
the parallel port, but since the parallel port is out of fashion I
thought it might be more interesting using a USB connection. Any help
is appreciated.

Thanks,
claytonc
Click to expand...

Some interesting pan and tilt mechanisms make use of radio control
servos. It has been awhile, but I think they work on pulse position.
Search for RC servo testers.

I built something back in 2000 to remote pan/tilt my security cameras
and only needed three op amps from a 4 amp integrated circuit. Strong
little suckers, inexpensive, and decoding logic built in. I paid
something like $6 each for them. (~$10 today)
 
H

Huey

Hi,

I need some help for my last year project which is a pan and tilt
webcam controlled over internet using client/server application
(csharp). Can someone tell me what do I need to interface 2 stepper
motors with the PC using a USB port? I searched on the internet and I
found that I will require a microcontroller, right? Which model is the
best for my needs? I've already managed to control the motors through
the parallel port, but since the parallel port is out of fashion I
thought it might be more interesting using a USB connection. Any help
is appreciated.

Thanks,
claytonc
Click to expand...

The U4x1 from www.usbmicro.com might be a good start for you. If you add
the driver circuit that you used for your parallel port interface, you
likely have a finished solution.

-Rob
 
C

Clayton

OK, thanks alot! I think I'll switch to USB, its better! Thanks again,

Clayton
 
T

The Real Andy

Hi,

I need some help for my last year project which is a pan and tilt
webcam controlled over internet using client/server application
(csharp). Can someone tell me what do I need to interface 2 stepper
motors with the PC using a USB port? I searched on the internet and I
found that I will require a microcontroller, right? Which model is the
best for my needs? I've already managed to control the motors through
the parallel port, but since the parallel port is out of fashion I
thought it might be more interesting using a USB connection. Any help
is appreciated.

Thanks,
claytonc
Click to expand...

WE use a little webcam off the shelf at work for ID photo cards. ITs
made by creative or dlink or one of those big name computer
manufacturers. It pans and tilts, and the software even tracks your
face, or multiple faces. Its not fail proof, but its pretty good. I
will try to remember to get the manufacturer on monday when i go back
to work.
 
J

jasen

look at FTDI usb interfaces, these will convert the usb from the PC to
logic levels that a micro can understand, through its uart
Click to expand...
As for the micro, there are 3 main breeds, all flash based
8051, old, still reasonably good, simplish
Atmel AVR, good,
TI MSP430, low power, good, trying to find the correct version can be
problematic

PIC, Bletch
Click to expand...

In defense of the PIC they do have some with built-in USB2.0
pic assembler is pretty yucky though, I guess that's why most
people use C or basic to program them.

AVRs on the other hand have only software USB, (or the external FTDI)

still that's probably fast enough for this task.
The smallest capable AVR is the ATTiny2031

AIUI atmel do an 8051-oid with built-in USB too.
GCC do C compilers, or get a demo from Keil,
Amrai/raisonance,imagecraft

If you are goinig to use the same usb port for the video, and power,
it might take a bit more time.....
Click to expand...

Oh yeah! much easier to use a hub and run the motion control
separate from the video.

Bye.
Jasen
 
B

Brendan Gillatt

Hi,

I need some help for my last year project which is a pan and tilt
webcam controlled over internet using client/server application
(csharp). Can someone tell me what do I need to interface 2 stepper
motors with the PC using a USB port? I searched on the internet and I
found that I will require a microcontroller, right? Which model is the
best for my needs? I've already managed to control the motors through
the parallel port, but since the parallel port is out of fashion I
thought it might be more interesting using a USB connection. Any help
is appreciated.

Thanks,
claytonc
Click to expand...

There are many USB development boards around. One I found on google:
http://www.futurlec.com/USBDevBoard.shtml should do almost everything
you need and includes the microcontroller. It's just $32.
 
J

Jan Panteltje

There are many USB development boards around. One I found on google:
http://www.futurlec.com/USBDevBoard.shtml should do almost everything
you need and includes the microcontroller. It's just $32.
Click to expand...

And (I do not see the original posting) there is my RS232 open source PIC
controller, pan, tilt, focus, zoom, PWM light control, and move to x,y on
interrupt.
http://panteltje.com/panteltje/pic/camc_pic/index.html
and USB to RS232 converters exist.
It only wants ASCII.
Fully programmable, has auto pan, several motion programs.
 
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