Society of Robots - Robot Forum

Electronics => Electronics => Topic started by: RobotNOOB1 on December 18, 2011, 02:07:34 PM

Title: First Time Attempt at ANYTHING
Post by: RobotNOOB1 on December 18, 2011, 02:07:34 PM
Hello, I had an idea the other day of a project that could educate me in the field of robotics. I want to design a robotic hand using servo motors. These motors will not be controled with buttons or switches but with a program. The hand will display the hour of the time by raising or lowering fingers. (I.E. just your index finger raised will be 1:00). I also wanted to include a simple screen that read off the minutes. I was wondering how to control all of this? Is the control and program seperate entities? As you can tell by the name, I am completly lost in this field and would like a slight push in the right direction.

Thank You

Matt
Title: Re: First Time Attempt at ANYTHING
Post by: Soeren on December 18, 2011, 09:47:44 PM
Hi,

The hand will display the hour of the time by raising or lowering fingers. (I.E. just your index finger raised will be 1:00).
If it's supposed to be a binary clock, don't demonstrate it between 1:59 and 3:00 (a.m. or p.m.), unless to someone you really hate (preferably someone smaller than yourself) ;)
(http://www.languagetrainers.co.uk/blog/wp-content/uploads/2007/09/middlefinger_baby.jpg)
Some nationalities may not like it from 2:59 to 4:00 and yet some will find 8:59 to 10:00 a bit offensive.
Call it a World Clock and you can P.off people day and night ;D


I also wanted to include a simple screen that read off the minutes.
Simple is good... What do you call "a simple screen"?
Two 7-segment LED displays would be better/simpler than a screen.


I was wondering how to control all of this? Is the control and program seperate entities?
The program controls it all.


As you can tell by the name, I am completly lost in this field and would like a slight push in the right direction.
Here's a push: Start with a single finger and make that work as you want before you proceed.


You need some sort of a microcontroller board to stuff the program into - do you have one already?
Title: Re: First Time Attempt at ANYTHING
Post by: billhowl on December 19, 2011, 10:08:29 AM
How about this
(http://i51.tinypic.com/2uhy7it.jpg)
http://letsmakerobots.com/node/22942 (http://letsmakerobots.com/node/22942)
http://youtu.be/y2tXNkszbpM (http://youtu.be/y2tXNkszbpM)
Title: Re: First Time Attempt at ANYTHING
Post by: RobotNOOB1 on December 19, 2011, 05:24:18 PM
Thats hilarious! Didn't even think about how certain times is pretty much telling people off. I do think that kind of screen would be better and maybe when i get more basics taken care of i can include a oled or somthing. I was looking at the Parralax B2 controller for the brain and it seems to have enough outputs for the job but thats the only reason i thought it was good, dont know if it could handle all the movements. I saw that hand on youtube and went to the website, the only reason i didnt keep with it was that it used a audrino controller i was looking at the Parralax because of all the educational support they have on their website.

Thanks for the replys, any and all advice is taken with a smile! :)
Title: Re: First Time Attempt at ANYTHING
Post by: RobotNOOB1 on December 20, 2011, 12:10:40 AM
As i am doing more research, I am finding myself confused when choosing between a Parralax Basic Stamp or a Arduino microcontroller... I am going to need to have time capabilities and in addition control a screen. Why didnt i start doing this when i was younger... :(
Title: Re: First Time Attempt at ANYTHING
Post by: Soeren on December 20, 2011, 10:28:11 AM
Hi,

I am going to need to have time capabilities
You could add something like this RTC (http://www.earthshineelectronics.com/other-kits/16-real-time-clock-rtc-component-set.html)
And with the Arduino you'll be able to get a larger amount of example programs and help in general.