2 servos (or any functions) operating simultaneously?

the subject is apparently in the form of a question as the title of the thread (see title)
any more explanation of my problem would be ad nauseam

Well, "2 servos (or any functions) operating simultaneously?" seems to have you stummped. The code only does one thing at a time, but the code itself performs actions so fast you will not be able to detect the individual actions (unless you add delays and such).

If you have any info that could possibly help me solve it, I'd love to know about it.

Well, if the "it" problem is a knowledge deficit on your part, it is up to you to get up to speed.

AWOL:
I have probably made 100's of changes to the code in #27 by now, except none of them have have brought me any closer to my goal. Each change has had either no effect, produces undesirable effects, nullifies the code altogether, or doesn't compile.
I believe each half of the code (PROGMEM with table to Serial buffer) and (Serial.read to index. to .write) are doing things I want to see happen, I just can't seem to integrate them to work together. Nothing I have done has furthered what is already there.
So, effectively, the code remains unchanged.

zoomkat:
I understand that it does one thing at a time and gives the impression of simultaneity, the code you presented to me (2nd half of the code in #27) definitely produces this effect. I'm still trying to figure out what function/s will replace manually inputting parameters to serial.

The "it" certainly results from my surplus of ignorance but I'm not sitting idle waiting for someone to bestow their esoteric knowledge unto me, although it would be sweet to be blessed with such an occurrence, not unlike you supplying much the code I'm working with now. I'm doing my due diligence and have gone through the entire reference especially focused on 'string theory', investigated many of the links provided and their links also, as well as other forums and books. I'm learning as much as I can as quickly as I can - I may have totally overlooked the exact solution because I didn't know what I was looking at, I don't know.
I'm not going to give up on the issue, I want to understand how it is done, but I'm reaching a threshold of having to re-prioritize in order to meet the deadline for the robotics challenge. I've figured out a way for a hexapod to use 2 servos to do the work of the 12 originally planned and as long as I am able to get the parts printed it shouldn't be too difficult to make happen. I won't need to have the servos operate simultaneously.

I will continue to work on this simultaneous servo problem in my spare time. In the meantime I built a different style of 'walking' robot prototype using 2 servos out of battery compartments and paperclips. I've got a couple of other projects that I want to finish/get started after the challenge. I'll go nuts if I only focus on this problem.

There are lots of three servo hexipods, and other simple walking bots. Below are some ideas.

http://www.google.com/search?num=100&hl=en&lr=&tbo=d&as_qdr=all&spell=1&q=three+servo+hexapod&sa=X&ei=DVYDUdKGAcbo0gGWlYFQ&ved=0CC8QBSgA&biw=1173&bih=642

http://davidbuckley.net/DB/Inspire.htm

Ha Ha, she's one hot bot.

I thought I'd post my first project.
I don't have much to offer the forum yet, but maybe someone can benefit from this.
I built this robot out of roof flashing, designed to stay on top of fine loose sand, spike-paddles were cut into each wheel and a 'ski' was on a pivot in the rear
I wish I had a pic of it finished

here's the code I used with it:
~this has nothing to do with my hexapod idea

/* 10-5-10
  Pete Dokter
  SparkFun Electronics
 
This is an example sketch for Arduino that shows very basically how to control an Ardumoto
 motor driver shield with a 5V Arduino controller board.

~~~ The variable values in this code have changed significantly from the (above) author's draft,
    I also incorporated bumper sensors (whiskers) with iterations and fixed the northward navigation
   */
#include <Wire.h>   
#include <LSM303.h>  //compass/accelerometer
LSM303 compass;

int pwm_a = 3;   //PWM control for motor outputs 1 and 2 is pin 3
int pwm_b = 11;  //                               outputs 3 and 4 is pin 11
int dir_a = 12;  //direction control for motor outputs 1 and 2 is pin 12
int dir_b = 13;  //                                      outputs 3 and 4 is pin 13

const int bumperPinR = 2;   //bumper pins
const int bumperPinL = 4;  

int bumperStateR = 0;      //variable for reading the bumper status
int bumperStateL = 0;     

int IRsensorPin = A0;     //input pin for IR sensor
int IRsensorValue = 0;    //variable to store value of IR sensor
 
int LEDPin = 13;          //On when backing up

void setup()
{
   Serial.begin(9600);
  pinMode(pwm_a, OUTPUT);   //Set control pins to be outputs (motors)
  pinMode(pwm_b, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(dir_a, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(dir_b, OUTPUT);

  //initialize bumper and IR pins
  pinMode(bumperPinR, INPUT);
  pinMode(bumperPinL, INPUT);
  pinMode(IRsensorPin, INPUT);

  pinMode(LEDPin, OUTPUT);

  digitalWrite(dir_a, LOW);    //Set motor direction, 1 low, 2 high 
  digitalWrite(dir_b, LOW);    //Set motor direction, 3 high, 4 low
  analogWrite(pwm_a, 255);     //set both motors to 100% duty cycle
  analogWrite(pwm_b, 255);

  Wire.begin();             
  compass.init();
  compass.enableDefault(); 
  //Use Calibrate example program for compass values
             //(environment specific ~magnetics differ from place to place, recalibrate)  
     //M min X: -405 Y: -108 Z: -9 M max X: -382 Y: -86 Z:8
                   //values are copied from serial monitor, pause calibration to copy  
   compass.m_min.x = -405; 
   compass.m_min.y = -108; 
   compass.m_min.z = -9;
   compass.m_max.x = -382; 
   compass.m_max.y = -86; 
   compass.m_max.z = +8;
}
void loop()
{
    digitalWrite(LEDPin, LOW);
  digitalWrite(dir_a, LOW);   //motor direction, 1 low, 2 high (forward)
  digitalWrite(dir_b, LOW);   //                      3 high, 4 low

  analogWrite(pwm_a, 200);    //motors run at 80% duty cycle (slower)
  analogWrite(pwm_b, 200);
    
 compass.read();
 int heading = compass.heading((LSM303::vector) {1,0,0} );   //1,0,0 aligns North
    Serial.println("");
    Serial.print("Compass: ");
    Serial.print(heading);
    Serial.print("\t");

 //IR reading
  IRsensorValue = analogRead(IRsensorPin);    
    Serial.print("IR Reading: ");
    Serial.print(IRsensorValue);
    Serial.print("\t");
 
 //read state of bumper value
  bumperStateR = digitalRead(bumperPinR);
  bumperStateL = digitalRead(bumperPinL);

 //Check IR Sensor
   if(IRsensorValue > 455)
    {
        Serial.println("");
        Serial.println("IR rev ");
  //reverse
     digitalWrite(dir_a, HIGH);  //motor direction, 1 low, 2 high 
     digitalWrite(dir_b, HIGH);  //                     3 high, 4 low

     analogWrite(pwm_a, 225);    //motors run slower than 100% duty cycle =(255)
     analogWrite(pwm_b, 225);
      delay(450);

  //turn right
     digitalWrite(dir_a, HIGH);  //motor direction, 1 low, 2 high
     digitalWrite(dir_b, HIGH);  //                      3 high, 4 low

     analogWrite(pwm_a, 15);     //turns left in reverse
     analogWrite(pwm_b, 245);    //points further right in forward direction
      delay(520);
      
  //forward
     digitalWrite(dir_a, LOW);   //motor dir, 1 low, 2 high
     digitalWrite(dir_b, LOW);   //            3 high, 4 low

     analogWrite(pwm_a, 230);    //motors run at ()% duty cycle
     analogWrite(pwm_b, 230);
      delay(850);
    }
 else
  {   
 //check if bumper triggered
  if (bumperStateR == LOW) 
   {     
      //back and turn L    
         Serial.println("");
         Serial.println("bumperR rev ");
   //reverse
     digitalWrite(dir_a, HIGH);  //motor dir, 1 low, 2 high
     digitalWrite(dir_b, HIGH);  //            3 high, 4 low

     analogWrite(pwm_a, 225);    //motors run slower than 100% duty cycle
     analogWrite(pwm_b, 225);
      delay(450);

   //turn left
     digitalWrite(dir_a, HIGH);  //motor dir, 1 low, 2 high
     digitalWrite(dir_b, HIGH);  //             3 high, 4 low

     analogWrite(pwm_a, 15);     //turns left in reverse
     analogWrite(pwm_b, 245);    //points further right in forward direction)
      delay(525);
      
   //forward
     digitalWrite(dir_a, LOW);   // 1 low, 2 high
     digitalWrite(dir_b, LOW);   // 3 high, 4 low

     analogWrite(pwm_a, 230);    //motors run at ()% duty cycle
     analogWrite(pwm_b, 230);
      delay(880);
    }
  if (bumperStateL == LOW) 
   {     
      //back and turn R    
         Serial.println("");
         Serial.println("bumper L rev ");
   //reverse
     digitalWrite(dir_a, HIGH);   //1 low, 2 high
     digitalWrite(dir_b, HIGH);   //3 high, 4 low

     analogWrite(pwm_a, 225);     //motors slower than 100% duty cycle
     analogWrite(pwm_b, 225);
      delay(450);

   //turn right
     digitalWrite(dir_a, HIGH);   //1 low, 2 high
     digitalWrite(dir_b, HIGH);   //3 high, 4 low

     analogWrite(pwm_a, 245);     //turns left in reverse
     analogWrite(pwm_b, 15);      //points further right in forward direction)
      delay(525);
      
   //forward
     digitalWrite(dir_a, LOW);    //1 low, 2 high
     digitalWrite(dir_b, LOW);    //3 high, 4 low

     analogWrite(pwm_a, 230);     //motors at ()% duty cycle
     analogWrite(pwm_b, 230);
      delay(880);
    }  
 //break out of iteration, start navigation
   else
    {
     if(heading < 255)     // (270) = north
      {
       //turn left
         Serial.print("left");
       digitalWrite(dir_a, LOW);   //1 low, 2 high
       digitalWrite(dir_b, LOW);   //3 high, 4 low

       analogWrite(pwm_a, 135);    //motor A (left) slower, B (right) faster
       analogWrite(pwm_b, 225);
        delay(40);
      }

     if(heading > 285)
      {
       //turn right
         Serial.print("right");
       digitalWrite(dir_a, LOW);   //1 l, 2 h
       digitalWrite(dir_b, LOW);   //3 h, 4 l

       analogWrite(pwm_a, 225);    //motor A faster, B slower
       analogWrite(pwm_b, 135);
        delay(40);
      }
    }
  }  
}

How do I attach a normal size photo?

Ok, so I found a new approach to my problem. I'm a bit more hopeful but I can't get it to compile.

Here is what I found (the list of compiler errors is huge):

//(this sketch is straight from the playground)
// test sketch for MegaServo library
// this will sweep all servos back and forth once, then position according to voltage on potPin

#include <MegaServo.h>

#define FIRST_SERVO_PIN  22  

MegaServo Servos[MAX_SERVOS] ; // max servos is 32 for mega, 8 for other boards

int pos = 0;      // variable to store the servo position 
int potPin = 0;   // connect a pot to this pin.

void setup()
{
  for( int i =0; i < MAX_SERVOS; i++)
    Servos[i].attach( FIRST_SERVO_PIN +i, 800, 2200);

  sweep(0,180,2); // sweep once    
}

void sweep(int min, int max, int step)
{
  for(pos = min; pos < max; pos += step)  // goes from 0 degrees to 180 degrees    
  {                                  // in steps of 1 degree 
    for( int i =0; i < MAX_SERVOS; i++){ 
      Servos[i].write( pos);     // tell servo to go to position  
    }
    delay(15);                  // waits 15ms for the servo to move 
  } 
  for(pos = max; pos>=min; pos-=step)     // goes from 180 degrees to 0 degrees 
  {                                
    for( int i =0; i < MAX_SERVOS; i++){ 
      Servos[i].write( pos);     // tell servo to go to position  
    }
    delay(15);                  // waits 15ms for the servo to move 
  }   
}

void loop()
{ 
  pos = analogRead(potPin);   // read a value from 0 to 1023
  for( int i =0; i < MAX_SERVOS; i++) 
    Servos[i].write( map(pos, 0,1023,0,180));   
  delay(15);   
}

I compared the above sketch to others I found (sorry they aren't cited, I didn't record where the other similar examples were from) and here are the changes I made:

#include <MegaServo.h>
#include <Wire.h>
#include <arduino.h>

#define NBR_SERVOS 12
#define FIRST_SERVO_PIN  2  
  MegaServo Servos[NBR_SERVOS] ; // max servos is 12
   MegaServo MegaServo;
int pos = 0;      // variable to store the servo position 
int potPin = 0;   // connect a pot to this pin.
  
void setup()
{
   Serial.begin(9600);
  MegaServo.writeMicroseconds(1500);
  int i = 0;
  pinMode(i,OUTPUT);
} 

void Servos digitalWrite.MegaServo( )
{
  for( int i =0; i < NBR_SERVOS; i++)
    Servos[i].attach( FIRST_SERVO_PIN +i, 800, 2200);

  sweep(0,180,2); // sweep once    
}

void sweep(int min, int max, int step)
{
  for(pos = min; pos < max; pos += step)  // goes from 0 degrees to 180 degrees    
  {                                  // in steps of 1 degree 
    for( int i =0; i < NBR_SERVOS; i++){ 
      Servos[i].write( pos);     // tell servo to go to position  
    }
    delay(15);                  // waits 15ms for the servo to move 
  } 
  for(pos = max; pos>=min; pos-=step)     // goes from 180 degrees to 0 degrees 
  {                                
    for( int i =0; i < NBR_SERVOS; i++){ 
      Servos[i].write( pos);     // tell servo to go to position  
    }
    delay(15);                  // waits 15ms for the servo to move 
  }   
}

void loop()
{ 
  pos = analogRead(potPin);   // read a value from 0 to 1023
  for( int i =0; i < NBR_SERVOS; i++) 
    Servos[i].write( map(pos, 0,1023,0,180));   
  delay(15);   
}

compiler error: MegaServo:23: error: expected initializer before 'digitalWrite'

This is the only error that this version produces. I don't know that it's necessarily a good thing or not. I guess I don't understand what an 'expected initializer' is, even after some research on it. If this does end up compiling, I don't know that it will work correctly as I don't understand most of what is going on in it. Please don't ask me WHY I made some of the changes were made in it as I don't really remember and probably couldn't tell you in the first place. All I know is that this is the closest it has come to compiling.

Thanx for any input on this

void Servos digitalWrite.MegaServo( ) what's that?

   MegaServo MegaServo;

Having an instance name the same as the class name is not the brightest idea I've seen today.

AWOL:
If I knew, I could tell you.
At some point I had tried some random switching of terms, that's probably what that is a result of.
Correct me if I'm wrong. Your comment would imply that you can easily see or even know for certain that something is not right with that particular line of code. I'm fairly sure that's not the only error but if you would care to expand on your comment a bit and share some of the wisdom I am not privy to, I would more than appreciate being exposed to what you know about it.

PaulS:
I was thinking the same thing when I saw something similar in another code but figured I would give it a shot anyway.
While we are on the subject of luminescence, would you like to shed some light on why the idea is so dim? Maybe explain the conflict or possible conflicts? Can instance and class written structures be/look exactly the same? Could you suggest how it be done differently? What would you do in such a case? Does this even need to be done at all?

What I do know is that there is only one compiler error in the revision - an enormous improvement from the original in the playground where it is stated (in sum): just copy and paste, no changes necessary. I don't know who's smoking more of what on the playground but as you can see it clearly was not that simple. Unless of course there is some obvious step omitted that every programmer knows to be common knowledge while overlooking the inexperienced newbie who's yet to be a programmer.

Could you post a link to the Playground page where you found that please?

http://playground.arduino.cc//Code/MegaServo

Your comment would imply that you can easily see or even know for certain that something is not right with that particular line of code.

It isn't even like saying "My hovercraft is full of eels", a sentence that follows the rules of English syntax, but which makes very little sense.

void Servos digitalWrite.MegaServo( )

Here, we have the implication that we're looking at a function definition which doesn't return anything.
After that, my brain refuses to recognise what is going on.
I almost see a class name ("Servo"), a function name I recognise ("digitalWrite"), but with a structure field name ("MegaServo") I don't.

It's a bit like a Dali painting, expressed in C.

Afterthought Edit: In contrast, Duff's Device is more like an M.C. Escher print

"My hovercraft is full of eels", a sentence that follows the rules of English syntax, but which makes very little sense.

.....not true... makes perfect sense to Hungarians in tobacconists.

AWOL:
I can't say it makes or had made much sense to me either. That just happened to be my last fairly random guess at changing the statement before I posted the code. But, that's why I posted it, because I don't understand what was wrong with it in the first place before I tried a number of different combinations in order to at least get it to compile.

You already made it clear it doesn't make sense and this is what I already know as well, so further describing how it is senseless using simile is redundantly saying it again with a nice touch of sarcasm. Although it may help me realize how little I understand about programming in C++, it doesn't exactly help me get any closer to my goal of operating servos for a hexapod which is the reason for this thread.

I was hoping to gain insight into how this code could be corrected, rearranged or at least experimentally altered, or pointed in some useful direction that may lead towards a solution. A suggestion for a different approach, or as to how it might be changed, or added to, or parts to be removed would probably benefit my situation. If your brain refuses to recognize what is going on, it would seem that there is little motivating any investigation into the underlying issue/s with this code, and then I wonder, why bother.

Get rid of this:

   MegaServo MegaServo;

and the line that references it in setup.

Change this:

void Servos digitalWrite.MegaServo( )

to this:

void SetupServos( )

and call it from setup. That'll get you closer, though I didn't compile it, so it may be closer but with a new set of compiler error messages.

If your brain refuses to recognize what is going on, it would seem that there is little motivating any investigation into the underlying issue/s with this code, and then I wonder, why bother.

Because you asked me to.

if you would care to expand on your comment a bit and share some of the wisdom I am not privy to,
I would more than appreciate being exposed to what you know about it.

There was no sarcasm.
You'll just have to trust me on that.
You wouldn't like me when I'm sarcastic.

wildbill:

Thank you for your suggestions, I will try that and see what happens.

AWOL:

I can really only gather that you deem my attempts at composing a code I can use as hardly worth looking into. On the other hand I would have to consider my query as worthy of attention seeing as how there are over 2000 views of this thread. That would imply to me that there is a substantial number of people interested in the exact same information but who may be without the patience to be persistent in asking for help with it.
So when you get your dander up, do you shred your clothes and turn green? (just kidding) :grin:

seeing as how there are over 2000 views of this thread.

Some of us tuned in just to laugh.

PaulS:
What a knee slapper, glad I don't know what else you do for fun. I always thought I was amusing, either that or funny looking.
So when you're done wiping your chin, ya wanna post a USEFUL comment? Interject some information that is actually demonstrative of your programming prowess?
Judging from the cocky remarks, the hassle involved is too great and it's much easier to leave snappy critiques that generate that satisfying feeling of self aggrandizement.
Perhaps I was a bit presumptuous thinking I could come here, without any experience, for more than a spitting contest but to get help and learn a few things.
I wish I could say I appreciate all that you've offered here, Paul, my good buddy :wink:

Hi everbody,
I read posts but I couldnt figure out that can we run 2 servo (or multi function) at same time. (Note that; 2 servos (or more) will not work same degrees they will work different degrees simultaneously.) Does any body know anything?

Note:http://forum.arduino.cc/index.php/topic,118652.0.html
( I also checked above topic.Pauls says we cant.)

best regards

If you're asking "can I control two or more servos to the same or different positions simultaneously using the Servo library?" then the answer is "yes".