Introduction: Using the IRobot Create's Command Module With Linux

By olopede industries
About: I decided a long time ago to change this text. Now, it still says this.

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?

Step 1: Get the Goods

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:
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.

Step 2: Write/Get a Program

Heres the part where you write your program. But to test it out, lets use a demo program.

The command module comes with a CD, and on it, there are 3 demo programs.To test, use the input program. Copy the folder "input" to somewhere on your computer, such as /home/user/avr/input.

Step 3: Edit Makefile

If you wrote your own program, get a makefile from the CD. If you just copied it over, then you already have it.

Open it up, and use find/replace to edit these two lines:

86: DEBUG = dwarf-2...204: AVRDUDE_PORT = com9       # programmer connected to serial device
(Those numbers are line numbers, if you want to do it that way)
To...
86: DEBUG = stabs...204: AVRDUDE_PORT = /dev/ttyUSB0       # programmer connected to serial device

That wasn't too hard, was it?

Step 4: Compile/Download

It hasn't been that hard so far, and this step is no different:

First, plug in the command module, via USB, and make sure it is on. Hit the Reset button. Then go onto your computer and open a terminal. Navigate to the directory where your program/makefile are, and type:
make allmake program

Now, go onto your create, and remove the cable. Then press the reset button, and your program will start!
Congratulations!