AVR-Chat

Hi,

One approach I successfully used for remotely powering RS-485 nodes 
is to use a small step-up DC converter on each node. With a MAX1674, 
each node runs on 1.8 to 5.5V which works well on e.g. 4 AA cells or 
a long supply line. I recently have designed such a node controller 
with an ATmega32, RS-485, octal output drivers, dual dc motor 
drivers, octal servo outputs and the option for an EasyRadio RF modem 
or a BlueTooth module. There is a picture of it in the photos section 
of this forum (name: RoboCube controller). If you are interested I 
could send you one engineering sample for your field tests.

Best regards,
Hans