Thread: VSA (Visual Studio) and Pololu

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I wanted to know what the script size was for VSA. I was looking at getting the Pololu Micro Maestro but the small version only has 1k of memory. I was wanting to do something like what socalhalloween has done. I didn't know if there was enough room on the chip? or if the program runs on the computer and this is just a buffer for the program?

I'm not sure I can give you the answer you're looking for , but I'll try. VSA used to offer a demo version for free to try out. It will give you an example of what it is capable of. There are also 2 members on this forum that have products that work with and enhance the operation of VSA, Hooked On Scares and Monkey Basic, both great help. As far as I know the only way to avoid using the computer is to use a Prop-1 or 2 or use RAPU, most of the servo control boards I have seen run off the VSA program from the computer. I really hope I haven't confused you !! LOL!!

From the way pololu described their stuff you up load the script to the board like arduino. I wasn't sure if the 1k memory onboard was just a buffer and the computer runs the script or if it plays from the 1k memory on board.

If you have to upload to the board is 1k memory enough for vsa? I didn't know what size a typical 2 min script would be? 500bites? 1k? 2? 10k?

From looking at the info they have on their website,it looks like you can create scripts like the arduino and store them on the board and have it run by itself. However, I don't think the scripting language is compatible with VSA and I doubt a VSA "show" of any length would fit into that controller anyway. Here is some info on the scripting language.
However if you are just planning on doing some simple movements I think it would work, and it looks like the scripting language allows you to start a sequence with some kind of trigger input. If you pursue this please let us know how it goes - I am sure there are many of us interested in the capabilities of that board.

The running debate for me is which board to get either pololu or lynxmotion. I am leaning towards lynxmotion. I like the looks of vsa and will make it much easier to sync movements to audio which is what I am after. I am looking to do this on the cheap till I get the hang of things then upgrade later or do more. Under $40 for a controller isn't bad.

Distorted,

I agree with what both azdude and bfjou812 have said. I read through the manual of the pololu board a little, and it looks like a) you wouldn't be able to hold too many moves in the onboard memory, b) it's not at all compatible with a VSA file, c) it'd take a lot longer to program any routine using the scripting than it'd take with VSA. The Pololu board does look interesting, though, for possibilities of interactive routines, since you can create subroutines, and conditionally branch to them.

AFAIK, the only way to run a VSA show without a computer is to use a RAPU. But a RAPU is also similar in price to a cheap computer.

- Hook

Originally Posted by Hooked_on_Scares

Distorted,

I agree with what both azdude and bfjou812 have said. I read through the manual of the pololu board a little, and it looks like a) you wouldn't be able to hold too many moves in the onboard memory, b) it's not at all compatible with a VSA file, c) it'd take a lot longer to program any routine using the scripting than it'd take with VSA. The Pololu board does look interesting, though, for possibilities of interactive routines, since you can create subroutines, and conditionally branch to them.

AFAIK, the only way to run a VSA show without a computer is to use a RAPU. But a RAPU is also similar in price to a cheap computer.

- Hook

Pololu is compatible with VSA it says so on VSA's website. That is how I found it. I am sure it just has to run off the computer. I saw something about them having to be restarted all the time though. I think i am going to go with lynxmotion.

Good choice. The Lynxmotion board will also give you the ability to run many more servos. If you are like many others here on the forums, your likely to add more stuff every year. I just wish they had a USB version or that VSA would run more than one Lynxmotion board.

I wasn't crazy about having usb because serial can go much further than usb. My computer was going to be 25ft away. I wasn't sure about everything it could do. The way they talked it sounded like it could act like it had multiple processors.... or something.

I picked up a device for "extending" serial over Cat5 cable. With this device, you can really "go long", up to 1000'. It is totally plug and play, no configuration hurdles.
Amazon.com: Gefen EXT-RS232 RS232 Extender: Electronics