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[on:]

I'm a Quadriplegic can't move from neck down I use Sip N Puff controls to drive my wheelchair I blow air into a straw hard blow it goes forward, hard sip it goes back, soft sip goes left, & soft puff goes right, I've always wondered if it was possible to fix something up to drive an RC car, do you know of anything or have you ever herd of anybody doing this?

I have everything I need I have the RC truck and I bought the Invare ECU that hooks up to my wheelchair sip & puff I just need somebody to wire a 9-pin cable to the remote control that hooks into the ECU box the cable is Industry standard on the pins:
1 = forward; 2 = reverse; 3 = left and 4 = right. Pin 8 is common. . I had a guy working on that I meet on an RC forum but I don't know if something happened or what I haven't  herd from him in over a month. Here's what he was trying to do this was some of his post if it helps.

I do have the tools and skill set to build this cable but doubt it could be wired into the controller without an interface board.

I have the information I need to write the controller interface code and I have the parts to build it. The build is easy, 3 IC's and some caps on a proto board. The last bit of information changed how I was coding the interface. I'm still not to sure on the signals provided from the ECU but I can do the coding without that

Yes it has been difficult but we have made good progress. I have prototyped the interface circuit and have test code running. Since this is controlled by software it can be used by other interfaces. Do you have a need for something like this?

That's where I'm at does anybody think an Arduino board could work?
I also had someone recommend a hardware type setup to control the remote control.

Scott

[Reply #1 on:]

Having an RC hobbyist on the project really sounds essential. It sounds as if you're going to need somebody to physically build and connect this system so obviously it would need to be somebody local to you. Are you in contact with any local model clubs? I would bet there are people nearby with the skills you need and willing to help you. Over the internet it's hard to do more than offer advice and encouragement, and that won't take you far.

I understand that you have a 'sip/puff' interface that generates some DC output for the four possible inputs conditions. You don't mentioned the voltage/current characteristics of those outputs and you would need to know that to interface it to anything.

Have you figured out what sort of radio link you'd be using between you and the model? What sort of range/speed are you envisaging?

Have you figured out the details of how the sip/puff inputs would relate to speed and steering? I imagine the vehicle will need to keep moving while it steers so perhaps you want to be able to set the speed and have the model continue until you tell it to stop - but perhaps you have a different scheme in mind.

[Reply #2 on:]

If you also want actual hands-n help with this project we nee da rough idea of where you live.  If within the UK then you might want to contact REMAP.  They/we offer a totally free service in all manners of technical aids and assistance for "special" projects.
www.remap.org.uk
jack

[Reply #3 on:]

Hi Scott,

I worked with sip-puff for Morse code decode years ago. You must have something similar to use the web.

I think many modern sip-puff units use small pressure sensors with a analog output. Maybe you could run one of these to an Arduino analog inputs and then have a variety of responses. Maybe puff pressure controls speed?

Do you have any other eyebrow/blink sensors?  Maybe you could end up with direction and speed and really run a car all over..

Let me know if you want an Arduino starter kit to play with; I'll send you one if you'll document online what worked for you. I'd like other people with similar limitations to see this stuff...

PM or email terry@yourduino.com

[Reply #4 on:]

Hi Scott,

I worked with sip-puff for Morse code decode years ago. You must have something similar to use the web.

I think many modern sip-puff units use small pressure sensors with a analog output. Maybe you could run one of these to an Arduino analog inputs and then have a variety of responses. Maybe puff pressure controls speed?

Do you have any other eyebrow/blink sensors?  Maybe you could end up with direction and speed and really run a car all over..

Let me know if you want an Arduino starter kit to play with; I'll send you one if you'll document online what worked for you. I'd like other people with similar limitations to see this stuff...

PM or email terry@yourduino.com

No that is a most generous offer.  Makes me glad that I support your business.

[Reply #5 on:]

Sorry it's taken me a year to respond. I've just started thinking about my project again and some other inquiries I had out didn't pan out. Thanks for the offer I might take you up on it just don't know how complicating it would be. I'll put some messages out to some local RC clubs.
Scott

[Reply #6 on:]

Hi scottl523, I just noticed this thread for the first time. It would still help to know where
abouts you live. I was wondering how you create emails. I don't know if this idea would be
useful, but if you can enter in S,F,B,L,R characters using a form of Morse code as Terry
mentioned, you can control robot movement by sending the characters to an Arduino via
RS232. This is how I've initially controlled all of my robots. Incorrect characters are simply
ignored, and have no effect.

[Reply #7 on:]

I live in Georgia U.S. Here's what I use to do the computer http://www.naturalpoint.com/smartnav/ but I have a sip & puff switches for the mouse click. To type I just bring up a onscreen keyboard.

[Reply #8 on:]

I still think you might try controlling the car using characters entered on the onscreen
keyboard, as that seems to be easier than changing the sip'n'puff device between
wheelchair control and car control. Call up a terminal emulator that allows the PC to
talk to an Arduino in the car via XBee/etc, and enter S,F,B,L,R, etc. Also, a way to
command the Arduino to do anything in general.