Re: Gene is building a tank! [TANKS]

[Frank Pittelli <frank-at-rctankcombat.com>]

Gene Burbeck wrote:
> Because it would be fun! I also think the tracking system could work
> WITHOUT the assistance of the other tank, just not as well. I like your
> idea about using  sonar. Do you know any of the specifics about how that
> worked? I too was considering sonar a while back, but I couldn't figure
> how to do it with the wide beam width of most sonar sensors. 

They placed two sensors about 6 inches apart on top of the warship 
turret (just like was done in real life in WW-II) and they triangulated 
the inputs to determine *both* direction and range.  They only 
controlled the rotate to track the object to keep the project simple, 
but you could easily control the elevate as well (once calibrated) to 
track the object as the range changes.

Basically, you're developing a "Fully-Automated Close-Range Anti-Tyng" 
device, allowing vehicles to automatically track the Cromwell as it 
speeds around 10 yards away. Of course if that happens, Tyng Industries 
will immediately issue a contract to Cheap Control Systems to develop an 
equivalent (but cheaper) version that he will use as a "Fully-Automated 
Close-Range WMD" that allows him to drive the Cromwell at full speed 
past his victim, while the gun automatically locks on.

The winner will be the one with the better PIC software programmer on 
his side :-)

        Frank "Ph.D. Computer Scientist & now PIC Programmer" Pittelli