Robotics System Learning Kit TI-RSLK-MAX
This is the second generation of the Texas Instruments Robotics System Learning Kit and addresses most of the issues of the first generation.
The kit was sampled by Texas Instruments. |
Hardware
The main improvement is the new version is solder-less. The MSP432P401R LaunchPad just plugs in on the RSLK board.
It took me less than 15 minutes to assemble the kit and start using it. This means there are no risks of errors for the connections. The only precaution is not to forget to remove the 5V jumper from the MSP432P401R LaunchPad, as the MCU is powered through the RSLK board. Remove the +5V jumper from the MSP432P401R board. |
Software
The Energia-RSLK-Library provides low-level routines for Energia, with basic examples for bumpers, motors and encoders and line follower sensors.
Those examples are perfect to start up and understand how each sub-system works. They can easily be combined for a more elaborate robot, thanks to the RTOS capabilities the MSP432P401R LaunchPad brings with Energia MT and the Galaxia library. |
Curriculum
The curriculum consists on 20 modules, very close to the initial Systems Thinking with Texas Instruments Robotics System Learning Kit.
Five are optional, mentioned in red, and may require additional hardware:
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Pins Map
There are three TI-RSLK-MAX pins maps: base and extended configuration, base configuration, extended configuration.
Texas Instruments provides its own base pins map, and so does Pololu for the chassis board. |
Conclusion
The main improvement over the previous iteration is the kit is now solder-less and easy to assemble.
The only limitation I've experienced so far is the robot still requires a cable for programming. The RLSK lists two options for IoT, perfect for basic telemetry through radio: the WiFi CC3100 and BLE CC2650 BoosterPacks. Keep in mind WiFi requires much power and BLE is limited to serial. However, I'd like to perform over-the-air (OTA) updates too. |
Pros
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Cons
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Wrap-Up
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