Society of Robots - Robot Forum

Electronics => Electronics => Topic started by: Dimitris on December 02, 2013, 02:37:14 AM

Title: This arduino-type robot set up, is it going to do the job?
Post by: Dimitris on December 02, 2013, 02:37:14 AM
Hi,
I’m thinking of trying to make a simple arduino-type robot that can avoid obstacles.

In order to keep costs down I’m thinking of using a toy car as the basic platform (wheels, stepper motors, battery case etc.) and ordering the rest of the hardware from chinese shops via ebay.

Here’s a list of the hardware I think I’ll be needing for this basic project. What is your opinion? Are the parts compatible and is this set up going to be sufficient?

-=-=-=-=-=-

Something like this:
(http://imageshack.com/a/img853/1878/ko21.jpg)

Thanks :)
Title: Re: This arduino-type robot set up, is it going to do the job?
Post by: waltr on December 02, 2013, 08:24:13 AM
How much current do the motors in that car draw?
Can that H-bridge handle the motor current?
Title: Re: This arduino-type robot set up, is it going to do the job?
Post by: Dimitris on December 02, 2013, 09:47:25 AM
Not sure which toy car I'll be using. I just open one and there's one motor for the back wheels but that won't do as I'm changing plans. I'm thinking of a two wheeled platform that can turn around on the spot, running one of the wheels forward and the other backward.
Title: Re: This arduino-type robot set up, is it going to do the job?
Post by: jwatte on December 02, 2013, 12:20:02 PM
Buy a 3pi robot from Pololu (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003XGJ3XS/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B003XGJ3XS&linkCode=as2&tag=enchage-20). it already has the microcontroller, motors, wheels, and can turn on the spot. You may need a USB programmer for it, (http://www.amazon.com/SainSmart-Programmer-ATMEL-ATMega-ATTiny/product-reviews/B0051SRZWC/?_encoding=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&linkCode=ur2&showViewpoints=1&tag=enchage-20) too, which will add another $10. (or $20 if you go with the Pololu branded one. (http://rcm-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=enchage-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B00E4WLMMK))

Title: Re: This arduino-type robot set up, is it going to do the job?
Post by: Dimitris on December 02, 2013, 03:01:30 PM
but this is very priecy, jwatte..

if I buy the components and assembly it myself it will cost me something like 30 euros or less.
Title: Re: This arduino-type robot set up, is it going to do the job?
Post by: jwatte on December 02, 2013, 05:05:14 PM
Yes, there is absolutely a trade-off between trying to do everything yourself on the lowest possible budget, versus ease and predictability of getting to the point where you have a robot that you can program to do robot-ey things!
If you enjoy the make-it-yourself part, that's certainly a fine path to go (and one I've gone, too.)

However, if you are not confident in being able to build the platform inquestion, and you end up paying e40 for parts and shipping in the end, and then have to throw it away, and pay another e75 for the 3pi and programmer to get something working, that's more expensive than just paying the e75 to begin with. Only you can make the right trade-off here!