Computer Controlled
 

As a midnight project, I am computerizing my cars. Full blown control, with complete scripts to execute commands in order. The goal will be to control all six MHz channels at once through one interface.

I have seen two or three different implementations, but not to the extent that I am looking for. (Atari joystick, qbasic parallel, etc)

The GUI will run on a PC or a handheld (iPAQ). It will also contain a database to callup different cars owners have (carmfg, carmake, carmodel, carmotor, cargear, cartires, carbattery, carmods, etc)

The first round of hardware will be a single MHz channel connection to the parallel port. Then adding the computerized 6 MHz channels. Then look into serial/usb interface. All on a clones. Then I'll crack open my bitcharg. If all goes well, I could productized it. (will need testers).


:cool: Nox

Sounds cool. So You would be able to control the car from a handheld and it would controll multiple freqs. I'ld be willing to test.

Sounds good noxorc, definitely keep us up to date on how things go!

I've got a Vox (Audiovox Maestro) and I'm definitely interested in a PocketPC control option!

Thanks.

Done with preliminary hardware
 

Done with my breadboard layout, sorry I don't have my digital camera with me, pictures later.

Since I'm running Win XP, I came across an issue I didn't know about, and that is MS's NT kernel protects against users accessing the IO ports. Thanks to some shareware out there, I've gotten pass the problem (win95, 98, ME, don't have the problem).

Got some of the database and GUI going also...looks like a Microsizers remote control.


UPS just dropped off my new HI HUMMER MYSTERY (BLACK). I thought I ordered the 49MHz, but go the 27MHz....hmmmm

-nox

Pictures of Software
 

First picture, the remote is fully functional, click on a button and the car goes.

Database page
 

Database page, you can enter whatever you want and/or also click on the pictures for ease. Database is endless, attached to MS Access.

Automatic Driving
 

This is the coolest part. Just for testing, I added 12 different timeslots to program, each with their own time delay. The most awesome thing to see, once you programmed in a sequence.
so far I have not found a need for more than 12.

Hardware Picture
 

Hardware picture

last one - hardware
 

hardware with remote

If you need an extra tester for the software, let me know!

Also, can we get a diagram for how you wire up the remote to the port controller? (serial plug?)

The only useful part of the software without the hardware would be the database. One could keep track of their cars and mods.

The hardware taps into the controllers switches. Each MFG I've come across makes them a little different. Either a pull-up to +5 or a drain to gnd.

Off you go...

I figured the user would have to know their way around a multimeter to set up the controller.

That just looks so incredibly awesome!!

What would I have to do to be deemed worthy to get a copy of it when it's ready?

Update
 

As time moves on, I don't see myself implementing a multi-MHz box. I invision creating single (different MHz) boxes, one for each available signal and running them on different computers. The way I see it, two or more (up to six) friends, each having a laptop connected to their car. Then, each individual can control and drive their car around the track.

-Nox

parts.
 

empty box and board