GPIO boards, Robotics

RaspiRobotBoard expansion board available for #RaspberryPi

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board on a piThe RaspiRobotBoard is an expansion board for the Raspberry Pi that helps you to turn the Raspberry Pi into a robot controller.

The board is now available from SparkFun for just under $30.

The board features the following:

  • Dual Bi-directional Motor Control
  • Voltage Regulator powers Raspberry Pi from Batteries (7-12V)
  • 2 x Open collector outputs (25mA)
  • 2 x LEDs
  • 2 x Switch inputs
  • 5V Serial connector (for RangeFinder
  • 3.3V I2C connector
  • Simple to use Python library module

The board looks very promising and is certainly packed with features. I just hope someone in the UK decides to import it!

Magazines

Linux User & Developer issue 123 – #RaspberryPi Birthday special

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Linux User & Developer Issue 123 - Great Digital Mags

To celebrate the Raspberry Pi’s 1st birthday, UK-based magazine Linux User and Developer is stuffed full of RPi stuff this month. Included in the magazine are:

  • An exclusive interview with Eben Upton
  • 10 amazing projects
  • Turn the RPi into a CPN

You can buy and download it electronically from various places – this page has links to where you can get it.

I did notice that on Amazon.com it’s currently free although it’s not available for the UK. For UK readers, it’s available in most good-sized newsagents such as WHSmith.

LU&D is a fantastic magazine and often covers the Raspberry Pi in it’s pages. Strongly recommended!

Geeky Techiness, GPIO boards, Robotics

Network Enabled ShapeOko CNC Uses #RaspberryPi and Alamode

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MAKE | Network Enabled ShapeOko CNC Uses Raspberry Pi and Alamode

“Anyone familiar with CNC routers knows they generate a lot of dust. Most machines also require a dedicated computer to run them, which usually gets filled with that dust. Kevin Osborn from Wyolum got tired of this never ending cycle and used a Raspberry Pi and AlaMode shield (available in the Maker Shed) to network enable his ShapeOko CNC machine. This way he can box up the electronics, send G-Code wirelessly over his network. The Raspberry Pi then controls the machine leaving his good computer clean and available for other tasks.”

MAKE | Network Enabled ShapeOko CNC Uses Raspberry Pi and Alamode.

Opinion

#RaspberryPi Model A dimensions/layout different?

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Over on the MK Raspberry Jam Forum, there’s been a report that there are subtle millimetre-sized differences between the basic layout of the Model B and Model A. Apparently the USB port on the Model A sticks out about 1mm more than the Model B’s two ports. Has anyone got the patience with a ruler to confirm this, and perhaps make sure that there aren’t any more differences?

Update
Apparently the difference is that the USB port extends 8mm on the A and 7mm on the B. This does not seem to have any effect on cases for the Pi (as no case thus far encloses the port completely). Of course, if someone has a case that does not fit, please comment below!