Hello everyone,
I thought it would be helpful to start a discussion about how people work with Stretch. Even at Hello Robot, people have different styles. Below, I provide details about my personal development setup and working style.
I like to develop directly with Stretch’s onboard computer. Most of the time, I keep Stretch plugged in. I connect a monitor, keyboard, mouse, and battery charger to Stretch’s trunk. I have extension cables so that I can move Stretch around and a small wheeled table, so that I can move with Stretch.
Most of the time, I’m able to test code on Stretch without disconnecting anything. The main exception is working with navigation over larger distances. For this type of work, I go tetherless.
In general, you need the following to use Stretch’s onboard computer.
- A computer monitor with an HDMI input that can connect to the HDMI port in Stretch’s trunk.
- A mouse and keyboard (or comparable input devices) with long cables or wireless dongles that can plug into the USB ports in Stretch’s trunk.
I took the photo above, which shows my current setup. The following list has details about the equipment I use with links to comparable products on Amazon.
- I use a 24" flat screen monitor, specifically a LG 24MP60VQ-P that is no longer available. There is a similar LG monitor currently available on Amazon.
- Recently, I began using a Logitech MK270 Wireless Keyboard and Mouse Combo from Amazon.
- I use a rolling overbed table to hold the monitor, keyboard and mouse. You can find a similar rolling overbed table on Amazon.
- I use power extension cables to connect to the monitor and the robot’s charger. Extension cables from Amazon should work fine.
- I also use an HDMI extension cable. I believe my current cable is 10ft long. Amazon has a similar HDMI extension cable.
How do you like to work with Stretch? If you have something you’d like to share, please post to this discussion. I’m interested!
Best wishes,
Charlie
Charlie Kemp, PhD
co-founder & CTO
Hello Robot Inc.
https://charliekemp.com