FlowStone V2 - Released!

FlowStone Version 2 was released today!

Why not try the free version: http://www.dsprobotics.com/download.php

FlowStone V2 - Comming very soon!

Here's a pre-view of the newly designed FlowStone Interface GUI:

Here you can see the new Ruby modules in action as well as the new interface look. The tool box has been simplified and enhanced to be much clearer and efficient!

FlowStone 2 is ready for immanent release!

You should buy a copy now while the disocunts still apply, here:

http://www.dsprobotics.com/download.php

T Robo Competition uses FlowStone & Phidgets

Western Technical College in El Passo Texas uses FlowStone and Phidgets for their autonomous robot competition.



Check out the laptop screen at 1min 27 seconds ;) (you need to view in wide screen to see the laptop)

They are using FlowStone on a laptop with the Phidget SBC on the robot. This give wireless connection using the wifi network back to the laptop so that you can program the robot live and see the telemetry from the sensors etc.

DSPRobotics Announce FlowStone Version 2

DSPRobotics manufacturers of the FlowStone graphical programming language announce the soon to be released FlowStone Version 2. This marks a milestone in development as now FlowStone has the full Ruby programming language built inside!

Ruby is one of the fastest growing modern programming languages as it boasts efficient elegant programming. The benefit of including Ruby inside FlowStone is that you now have the best of both worlds, an efficient graphical programming front end with the option to add Ruby code modules where necessary. For example this allows easy entry of equations, or scripted graphics, plus access to external API calls in DLLs.

What does this mean? Well basically it has blown the lid off FlowStone making it a universal programming platform for not only industrial applications but also general programming and application development! Developers can now write and share Ruby snippets used in FlowStone to expand the possibilities to every corner of computer programming.

For more information: http://www.dsprobotics.com/flowstone2.html

Make a robot out of a hacked Xbox Controller!

Meet the XBugBot an autonomous robot made by hacking an XBox Controller and using the FlowStone software.

Some of the bits

The finished XBugBot

More Information: 

http://www.dsprobotics.com/support/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=337

CrustCrawler Smart Robotic Am Tester

We have just aded a little test program for the CrustCrawler Smart Roboic Arm.

 This arm uses the Dynamixel AX12 inelegant servo making a very accurate and precise robot arm.

The project files can be found here: http://www.dsprobotics.com/support/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=315

FlowStone OBD II Vehicle Diagnostics Suport

We have just tested the OBD II VAG KLL interface with FlowStone.

This is a vehicle diagnostics cable and allows you to read your cars internal computer data, re-set service lights etc.

This uses the FTDI serial to USB chip so that this device appears as a virtual Comport on your PC. This means that you can use the FlowStone Comport module to access the data.

Here is an example of the OBD II data codes for audi cars:

http://www.bentleypublishers.com/tech/audi/audi.dtc.table.htm

FlowArm 2 Software released

The new FlowArm 2 software from the LnxMotion Robot arms has just been released!

New FlowArm V2

 

Here are the release notes:

You can now control two arms from the same SC-32. To do this just open a second instance of the FlowArm software. The second program will automatically become the Arm2 controller and talk to the Arm1 application (requires Networking & UDP port 80). You can even run the Arm2 software on another PC on the Network!

You can now use the onscreen switches to control the SC-32 output pins 8-15 (Arm1) & 24-31(Arm2).
There is now a pause sequence slider to allow pauses of up to 1min (60000ms) between sequence steps.

The Spare Servos A & B now work properly.

The Servo Speed slider has been reversed as requested.

New screen sizing buttons have been added S = Small, M = Medium, & L = Large + there is a Full Screen toggle and a Quit button.


The software and source code can be downloaded by official FlowStone users from here:

http://www.dsprobotics.com/support/viewtopic.php?f=36&t=189

FlowStone Expands it's LabJack Support!

Following the success of the LabJack U3 HV module inside FlowStone, we have now added the LabJack U3 LV module to complete the U3 range.

For More Information: www.dsprobotics.com or www.labjack.com

FlowStone expands it’s Phidgets Range!

With the latest release of FlowStone the Graphical Programming Language from DSPRobotics, the supported range of Phidgets devices has been expanded to include all of the latest new Phidgets Interfaces!

This includes:

1065 - PhidgetMotorControl 1-Motor
1002 - PhidgetAnalog 4-Output
1054 – PhidgetFrequencyCounter
1046 - PhidgetBridge 4-Input
1011 - PhidgetInterfaceKit 2/2/2
1040 – PhidgetGPS
1045 - PhidgetTemperatureSensor IR

As well as all of the other existing Interfaces.

In addition FlowStone now supports the Phidgets SBC (1 & 2), allowing multiple Phidget devices to be connected across a network!

More information: www.dsprobotics.com or www.phidgets.com

FlowStone Supports the Measurement Computing USB-1208FS DAQ

As part of our expanding range of supported DAQ devices in FlowStone , we have just release our first module for Measurement Computing.

This is the USB-1208FS USB-Based Module with 8 Analogue Inputs and 16 Digital I/O Lines.

Key Highlights:
8 single-ended or 4 differential analog inputs (12-bit resolution)
Two 12-bit analogue outputs
16 digital I/O lines

 For more information contact www.dsprobotics.com or www.mccdaq.com

FlowStone Supports the Ximea Currera-R Machine Vision Camera

This amazing little camera actually has an Intel Atom based PC inside capable of running the whole FlowStone development environment or a FlowStone EXE application. In order to use this camera for robotics programming FlowStone now has a pre-programmed module for the Currera Camera allowing video capture and image processing inside FlowStone. There is a 4Gb solid state hard drive built in plus a micro SD memory card slot for video recording, plus a selection of other interfaces: Gigabit Ethernet (with Power over Ethernet), USB, VGA, RS232, fast and isolated Digital Inputs and Outputs. The camera frame rates can be up 1600 fps with various image sizes up to 2592x1944, plus the high quality lenses are interchangeable.

DSPRobotics & Ximea
www.dsprobotics.com & www.ximea.com

FlowStone upgrade Specials! Upto 65% off!

We thought we would kick off the summer with a super special deal on FlowStone upgrades!

If you enter this code: Summer40

into our download page:

http://www.dsprobotics.com/download.php

you will be able to upgrade your FlowStone software with the following discounts:

Upgrade Free to Pro : £295 / $475* / €335* (~40% off)

Upgrade Enterprise to Pro : £120 / $195* / €139* (~65% off)

* estimated conversion from British Pounds

Upgrade today before this fantastic offer expires!

The DSP Robotics Team

http://www.dsprobotics.com
info@dsprobotics.com

New Locosys GPS Support

A new module has been added to FlowStone to connect to the Locosys USB GPS receivers.

http://www.dsprobotics.com/support/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=270

President Obama talks about Robotics and Manufacturing

Yost Engineering Servo Centre Support

FlowStone has now been tested with the Yost Engineering Servo Centre:

 Here's a test app. :

http://www.dsprobotics.com/support/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=266

New Parallax Propeller Servo Controller Support.

FlowStone has no been tested with the Parallax Propeller Servo Controller.

here's a test app. :

http://www.dsprobotics.com/support/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=264

New Dynamixel Servo Support

You can now use FlowStone to control the Dynamixel range of robotics servos!

Here's the FlowStone test project:

http://www.dsprobotics.com/support/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=262

New GPS Module Suport

FlowStone now fully supports the Pololu GPS module!

This outputs various GPS co-ordinates, Longitude, Latitude, Altitude, Speed on ground, Time and Date etc.

 An example FlowStone file can be found here:

http://www.dsprobotics.com/support/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=259

New FlowStone Version Released

Today we have released FlowStone V1.1.4 which is our latest dot release.

One thing that you might be interested in is the new tutorial (go to Help / Tutorial etc.). This is a beginners guide on how to create FlowStone projects covering:

IDE Layout (Integrated Development Environment)
Components (The building blocks of FlowStone)
Modules (Groups of components)
Links (Connecting Modules and Components)
Ticks and Triggers (Creating events)
Buses (Multiple links in one wire)
Wireless Links (No Wires)
Data Types (Different types of numbers and strings etc.)
Synchronized Modules (Modules that maintain the same structure when any one is edited)
Creating a GUI (Graphical User Interface)
Creating an app. (Making an EXE files that runs independently of FlowStone)

There are also several example files accompanying this tutorial to help you follow the progress of the example (Help / Tutorial / Show Schematic Files…)

We have also increased the limit of components for FlowStone FREE to 25,000!

The summary of the changes in this FlowStone V1.1.4 can be seen here: http://www.dsprobotics.com/support/viewtopic.php?f=22&t=255

UChameleon & FlowStone

If you are looking for a neat little DAQ for FlowStone then check out the uChameleon 2 from Starting Point Systems. We have tested this with FlowStone using the USB virtual Com port and it works perfectly.

This versatile little box has :

• Full-speed USB interface
• 18 general purpose I/O's
• Upgradable firmware
• 8 Analog inputs
• 4 Analog outputs
• 4 Timer channels
• 1 SPI 3-wire serial port
• 1 UART serial port
• Screw terminals
• Very compact size

FlowStone Competition!

Win a copy of FlowStone Pro and a LynxMotion Robot arm!

To enter check out the competition page in the current issue of Robot magazine! 

http://find.botmag.com/

FlowStone Cover Story!

FlowStone hits the cover of Robot Magazine!

Read the full article here:

www.dsprobotics.com/RobotMagazineFlowStoneFeature.pdf

New Text Box Example

Just uploaded new text box example:

http://www.dsprobotics.com/support/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=217

Modbus on FlowStone

FlowStone can now support Modbus!

Using the FlowStone TCP module control all of your Modbus compatible modules.

50% off FlowStone Offer!

Last chance to benefit from these fantastic 50% off FlowStone offers!

Enter Voucher Code:    royal50

This one time Royal Wedding offer ends midnight on Monday!

Login and Download here: http://www.dsprobotics.com/download.php

Royal Wedding Specials 50% off FlowStone for the weekend!

Well there‚s no escaping the Royal Wedding here in the UK this weekend!

So here at DSPRobotics we thought we would take advantage of this situation by offering some special discount vouchers for FlowStone just for this wedding mania period to give you an alternative to watching the happy couple:

FlowStone Pro Wedding Special: £245 / $369* / •289*
FlowStone Enterprise Wedding Special:  £95 / $145* / •112*
Upgrade from Enterprise to Pro: £169 / $255* / •199*
Voucher Code:  royal50
* estimated conversion from British Pounds

These one off wedding offers will end at midnight (GMT) on Monday 2nd May, and will not be repeated.

Login and Download here: www.dsprobotics.com/download.php

DSPRobotics release FlowStone V1.1.3 with LabJack Support!

DSPRobotics have just launched FlowStone V1.1.3 the latest version of their graphical programming language.

In this release is new support for the LabJack U3-HV DAQ device, offering flexible digital and analogue inputs to the PC.

FlowStone offers a unique efficient way to program PC applications using an elegant graphical user interface, making it ideal for education, rapid prototyping, robotics, mechatronics and embedded systems.

More information:

www.dsprobotics.com

www.labjack.com

Download here: www.dsprobotics.com/support/viewforum.php?f=16 

New FlowArm V1.07

New Robot Arm Control Software, FlowArm V1.07.

Download here: www.dsprobotics.com/support/

Added in this version is the ability to control the arm sequencer from the digital inputs on the SC-32 card.

Future Hardware Support?

What we at DSPRobotics would like to hear are your opinions on future hardware to support?

Post your ideas here: http://www.dsprobotics.com/support/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=197

New FlowArm Video

Here is a Video of the FlowArm Robot Arm software making a cup of coffee!




FlowArm was programmed using FlowStone for LynxMotion the robot company.

FlowStone V1.12 Released!

A new version of FlowStone is now available.

The main features include:

- New: the Networking components are now in all versions of the software (Including FREE)
- New: you can now use a single ASIO channel in the FREE edition
- New: IfThenElse component
- New: Array Builder components
- New: Append Array components
- New: Float, String and Int Array components now have insert and delete capability
- New: the Save Wave component is promoted out of R&D
- New: the Save Wave component has new format options for 16,24 & 32 bit ints and also 32 bit floats
- New: the WaveFile and WaveFileArray components now support 32 bit sample wave files (both float and int)

FlowStone FREE, Enterprise and Pro can be downloaded here:

http://www.dsprobotics.com/download.php

FlowArm EXE and Source Code release!

The release version of FlowArm the robotic arm control software is now released on the FlowStone download area, paid users can log in and download for free!

http://www.dsprobotics.com/support/viewforum.php?f=36

FlowDrive Embedded Press Release

March/2011

DSPRobotics launch ‘FlowDrive’ the Embedded Solution for the FlowStone Programming Language


UK based DSPRobotics, further expand their embedded product support by releasing FlowDrive a pre-installed bootable solid-state hard drive using Windows Embedded.

Using the FitPC 2i from Compulab DSPRobotics now have an off the shelf solution for users of the FlowStone graphical programming language to make their own OEM embedded products.
The FIT PC (FlowStone Integrated Technology) is a miniature fanless totally silent PC using an Intel Atom 1.6Ghz processor. It is a complete PC system, including 1Gb RAM, 2 x Gigabit Lan, Wifi, Comport, 4 x USB, DVI  (Digital video out), audio in and out, mini SD etc. This is ideal for Robotics and industrial applications where size and weight are important. In order to make the  FIT PC work with FlowStone we have now released 'FlowDrive' which is a 8Gb solid State Hard Drive (no moving parts) pre-installed with Windows Embedded. This boots directly into your application on the FIT PC Mini SD memory card allowing easy transfer of test applications.
Using Windows Embedded the boot times of the fully working OS have been reduced to around 10 seconds making the Fit PC and FlowDrive and ideal candidate for Embedded PC solutions.

Applications include:
    •Stand alone autonomous robotics
    •Embedded Control systems
    •Rapid prototype development
    •Mechatronics Systems
    •Information Terminals
    •Home automation systems
    •Security Systems
    •Data Logging
    •Test and Measurement
    •Education
    •And many more...

For more information visit: www.dsprobotics.com/embedded.html

New FlowStone Academic discounts released!

As part of the continued support for education not only do we have a FREE version of FlowStone for education we now have substantial discounts for the full versions of Flowstone Enterprise and Flowstone Pro!

FlowStone gets the Front Cover of Robot Magazine!

Read the five page FlowStone review in this issue!

Tracking the business of Robotics

Here is an interesting report outlining the predicted growth in the Robotics industry!

 

The Robot Report 

Note: the cover story is about FlowStone!

New FlowStone Embedded - FlowDrive

Make you own embedded product using FlowStone and the new FlowDrive for the FIT PC 2i.

The FIT PC (FlowStone Integrated Technology) is a miniature fanless totally silent PC using an Intel Atom 1.6Ghz processor. It is a complete PC system, including 1Gb RAM, 2 x Gigabit Lan, Wifi, Comport, 4 x USB, DVI  (Digital video out), audio in and out, mini SD etc. This is ideal for Robotics and industrial applications where size and weight are important. In order to make the  FIT PC work with FlowStone we have now made 'FlowDrive' which is a 8Gb solid State Hard Drive (no moving parts) pre-installed with Windows Embedded. This boots directly into your application on the FIT PC Mini SD memory card!

For More information:

FlowArm Press Release

Here is the Flow Arm Press Release on automation.com :

http://www.automation.com/content/dsprobotics-and-lynxmotion-launch-flowarm-for-education

FlowStone in the press!

Reproduced coutasy of Robot Magazine:

www.dsprobotics.com/Flowstone Aricle Robot March-April 2011.pdf

FlowArm by LynxMotion using FLowStone

New Robot Arm Control software developed using FlowStone - FlowArm gives graphical control of LynxMotion robot Arms!

FlowArm Software

LynxMotion Robot Arm

Line Following Robot!

Line Following Robot using a webcam!

FlowBoard DAQ + GSM Module

The FlowBoard DAQ in now shipping ex-stock plus with the release of FlowStone V1.1.1 the GSM Module is now fully implemented!

There is an example FlowBoard GSM project on the forum:

http://www.dsprobotics.com/support/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=158

For More information regarding the FlowBoard DAQ visit:

http://www.dsprobotics.com/flowboard.html