Remote-LAB GymKT

Our first effort was to use the experimental USB board K8055 (from Velleman®) in the management of remote experiments. Many users have already tried to solve the management board K8055 directly from the website. We have solved this problem using our own control server K8055-MARIE. See the links below for a description of our solution, technical support, download program, demonstrations, tutorials, etc.

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We are currently focusing on the ability to control remote experiments using the Arduino with Ethernet Shield. This solution would allow us to omit the control PC, so we can create simpler and less spatially (and financially) demanding experiments.

We have used this remote remote control method to modify these experiments:

• RAMBO – Remote control of robotic arm
• DiANE – Study of light diffraction
• AbRaHaM – Absorption of radiation in materials
• GENIE – Weather station

As soon as we reach generally valid conclusion applicable for other developers, we will publish it here.

After focusing on controlling remote experiments using the Arduino module with the Ethernet Shield extension, we found that our remote tasks still require the presence of a classic PC. The reason was the use of classic USB cameras, which need the YawCam application to run for internet broadcasting. The solution to this situation was the ESP32-CAM module, which proved to be suitable for building a simple and cheap IP camera. So we have developed a prototype IP camera that allows you to both load still images and seamlessly steam the image. The camera also emulates the output of the YawCam camera application used so far. Thanks to this, this camera could replace the existing solution with a USB camera and a connected PC.

We are now testing the IP camera built on the ESP32-CAM module in the remote experiment:

• RAMBO – Remote control of robotic arm

We also discovered the general ESP32 module in solving this task. The module proves to be an interesting solution for creating remote experiments. We will certainly continue to address this alternative as well.

An article describing the construction of an IP camera built on the ESP32-CAM module (including source codes and models for 3D printing) is being prepared…

Raspberry Pi is currently a very progressive solution that combines the benefits of using a classic PC controller (convenient programming, use of operating system services, stability…) and a universal development module (direct pin control, low power consumption, speed…). Among other things, using this module, we promise the possibility of linking remote experiment control with its webcam management, which we are dealing with each other separately.

We will inform other developers about our further development