Introducing AstroCAN-Family

I’d like to introduce the first modules of the new AstroCAN family.
System Overview: AstroCan System

AstroCAN Pro Dual Shield & AstroCAN Bridge Module

What is the idea behind AstroCAN:

• It must be possible to migrate step by step from existing systems to the new system.
• It should be possible to run old components and new components in parallel, as far as possible.
• Reduction of wiring as far as possible, especially away from this annoying 24-wire slip-ring.
• Moving away from the USB host shield problem
• New components must be easy to add without complicate changes to the existing wiring
• The system must be secure against external influences and also work stable at fairs and conventions with a lot of radio traffic.
• The programming between ATMEGA and ESP32 should be as identical as possible.

In order to fulfill these requirements, we have decided on the following technical components:

• ESP32 family as the uniform microcontroller generation of the new concept
• ESP-NOW as a wireless protocol option
• The established CAN bus from the automotive industry will be the connecting bus system of the new concept. A very robust 2-wire bus system that is easy to install and for which very inexpensive controllers and transmitters are available. The CAN bus supports speeds up to 1MBps and is a multi-master system.
• 4-wire slipring for cable-connected installations (VCC, GND, CANH+CANL) or 2-wire slipring when using radio transfer (see CAN-NOW-Bridge below)
• Although the ESP32 supports the CAN protocol out of the box, we use a MCP2515 CAN controller, which can also be run on an Atmel processor with SPI (see above -> unified software on different platforms)

The first two basic modules for entering the AstroCAN-World are available now:

AstroCAN Pro Dual Shield

• Single or Dual-CAN-Bus for upcoming CAN-enabled Astromech Devices
• Onboard USB-Host-Shield (tested and working!)
• Onboard DF-Mini-Player (alternative to MP3-Trigger)
• External Sound Board Support (MP3-Trigger, Vocalizer, etc.)
• Stable onboard Power Conversion
• JTAG-Live Debugging
• R2TOUCH-Support (no need for XBEE)
• ESP-NOW wireless Communication to any other AstroCAN-Module
• Screw Terminals for all ShadowMD connections
• Status Leds for serial & CanBus transmission

The shield can easily be added to existing Shadow MD systems without any additional system adjustments, including software modifications. It serves as the initial entry point into the Astro CAN world and aims to replace the flawed Host-Shield-2.0 models available in the market. This shield combines the capabilities of the CAN bus and the USB mini host shield. For individuals experienced in CAN, the dual-CAN feature allows for the establishment of two separate bus systems with varying speeds to handle different tasks, such as integrating high-speed sensors with either 500kbps or 1Mbps. Additionally, it may also support future CAN-Bus motor controls.

AstroCAN Bridge Module

• ESP-NOW Wireless Dome<->Body Comm (serial, Canbus, I2C)
• Support for Benduinos & classic MarcDuinos via Serial
• CAN-Bus for upcoming CAN-enabled Astromech Devices
• JTAG-Live Debugging
• R2TOUCH-Support (optional, no need for XBEE)
• Status Leds for serial & CanBus transmission

The ESPNow system is exclusively utilized for connecting the body and dome. It efficiently transfers all CAN signals and one serial interface between the dome and body through ESPNow. Consequently, only a 2-wire slipring is necessary to power the dome, as all signals are transmitted via the ESPNow interface.

All modules adhere to a standardized size and possess an identical “Astrobus” interface. This uniformity enables secure mounting onto the electronics board without the need for extensive wiring. However, the use of the Astrobus is not mandatory, and traditional free-floating wiring can be used if preferred.

Where can I get it:

AstroCAN Pro Dual Shield: https://shop.printed-droid.com/produkt/astrocan-pro-dual-shield/

AstroCAN Bridge: https://shop.printed-droid.com/produkt/astrocan-bridge/

F.A.Q.

Q:        I have a ShadowMD Astromech. Do I have to change any software?

A:         No, just replace your USB-Host-Shield by the AstroCAN-Shield, plug in your BT-Token, rewire the three serials for Dome, Body and Syren/Sabertooth and you are ready for the NextGenAstromech. It is up to you if you like to add/replace more modules in the future

Q:        Is the bridge module compatible with the standard MarcDuino Software?

A:         Yes, it is. Nevertheless, we recommend using BetterDuino instead for more features and support for DF-Mini-Player and Vocalizer (https://github.com/RealNobser/BetterDuinoFirmwareV4)

Q:        What boards will be released next?

A:         CAN-Shields for Arduino Mega: Shield without ESP32 but with the same MCP2515 CAN controller. You have to implement the CAN support within the ShadowMD sketch.

AstroCAN_232: a module compatible with Troy Flynn’s 232 solution. The mechanics and the motor drivers remain identical, only the AT-Mega is exchanged by the new module based on ESP32 including CAN.

 AstroCAN_DomeRotation: a low cost module for precise dome rotation and positioning using Syren or separate motor controller. It will be compatible with the Standard ShadowMD software

Q:        What else is in the labs?

A:         Lots of ideas… A KI-based voice recognition board is already up and running. It can be trained with custom wake words and will be able to control whatever you like on your NextGen-Astromech.

Concept: