I am doing some experimenting with robotics and have a USB servo controller that I would like to connect to my iPad. Does anyone know if it's possible to access USB devices such as this on the iPad? And if so, what mechanisms can I use to talk to it? The servo controller's manufacturer has made the controller's protocol open so if I can talk to it, I should be able to use it.
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It is most likley you will not be able to control the servo DIRECTLY form the iphone.
A servo is controller by some sort of "servo-controller"
And this server is controlled using an RS232 interface that accepts commands in some sort of characters or bits.
So I found this rs-232 app that looks interesting on app-store but not sure how to use it?
But you can buy cables like this for iphones and ipads Keep in mind that RS232 and TTL use different voltages.
Instead of getting more hardware for the iPhone / iPad, use the built in Bluetooth and the SPP (Serial Port Interface) with some code and this excellent piece of kit (i use it often it great) This just needs some power (it runs on TTL@9600bps not RS232 so check for voltage compatibility) you pair it and get a proper virtual COM port to communicate over Bluetooth without any special programming! You need to check if you iOS allows you to use SPP Bluetooth Profile. A lot of older iOS devices do not allow much over Bluetooth- so you might need a cable.
- There is nice project here on how to use serial on iOS
- And here is way to use Bluetooth HID included in most iPhones / iPad with a clever device that re transmits it using Bluetooth SPP .. hehehe - Suck on that Steve
- And here on spark fun is a ready product. whatever you type on the iPhone (or using a programme that pushes characters to Bluetooth HID) which get converted to TTL...
Piotr Kula
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Thanks, I am using the Pololu Mini Maestro 24-Channel USB Servo Controller which does have a serial connection but I was hoping that I could use USB. Guess I will need to use the serial... Thanks again! – Vic320 May 01 '12 at 18:01
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You can use the ExternalAccessory.framework and its APIs.
There's also a brief guide on External Accessories.
MacTeo
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This only applies to MFi-compliant devices that expose a communication protocol. The Camera Connection Kit does not, so it can't be used in this fashion. – Brad Larson Apr 27 '12 at 15:16