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Since iRobot hasn't provided linux users with a way to use the command module, I had to figure it out myself.
Don't be intimidated, its not hard at all, really. All you need to do is run a couple of scripts.
Lets get started, shall we?
Don't be intimidated, its not hard at all, really. All you need to do is run a couple of scripts.
Lets get started, shall we?
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For this tutorial, I'm assuming you have an apt-based package manager. (i.e. you use a Debian derivative, or an Ubuntu derivative) Simply because apt = good.
If you don't, I assume that there are the same packages for yum, but I can't test that. (Fedora doesn't like me)
Now, you must run a long and complicated thingymabober:
And yes, removing that package is safe. (Tip from here) If it gives you an error saying its not installed, you're good, don't worry.
If you don't, I assume that there are the same packages for yum, but I can't test that. (Fedora doesn't like me)
Now, you must run a long and complicated thingymabober:
sudo apt-get install avrdude avr-libc gcc-avrsudo apt-get remove brltty
And yes, removing that package is safe. (Tip from here) If it gives you an error saying its not installed, you're good, don't worry.
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For anyone who doesn't want to bother with yum/apt/rpm/whatever, this is probably a good place to go. That said, the debian packages may be patched up or may just work differently due to version differences. I don't know.
I've gone through a full from-source avr-libc / avr-gcc / avrdude install before, and it's not too hard.
Yes, you can communicate directly with the create using the cable that comes with it that is pictured in the first picture in the "trunk" so to speak & not plugged in. Its a serial-to-proprietary connection; if you don't have the serial, you can use any serial-to-usb converter.
From there, you can use any linux equivalent to realterm, or the command line, to send OI commands. You could also write a program in a language w/ a serial library, too.
Beneith the command module is a DB25 connecter that breaks out a few connections, but I can't recall exactly what they are.
This instructable focused on the fact that iRobot doesn't support GNU/Linux officially, but there's plenty of FLOSS out there to handle it with minimal effort.
http://irobotcreate.lithium.com/irobotcreate/board/message?board.id=Create_Support&thread.id=1836
I've been searching and reading about this robot on the net for several days and went through all the manuals but couldn't find this info and iRobot email support didn't get back to me of course since i am an *unsupported* linux user... so thanks for clarifying.
One more thing though, regarding the serial-usb cable (more specifically a male DB9 to usb), apparently whether this cable works or not depends on the chipset that comes with it, which means it needs to be compatible with linux + compatible with the serial protocol of the Create ?
The following thread highlights this issue, the guy ended up getting (an expensive) PCMCIA-Serial card which isn't an option in my case:
http://createforums.irobot.com/irobotcreate/board/message?board.id=Create_Support&thread.id=1698&view=by_date_ascending&page=2
For anyone interested here is some useful info on various serial-usb chipsets under linux, i believe most cables are PL2303.
http://www.nslu2-linux.org/wiki/Peripherals/USB2Serial