Author Topic: building first "real" robot (Read 2855 times)

Comrade117 · « **on:** January 28, 2010, 02:03:05 PM »

I want to build my first robot, simple remote controlled robot. $:-\$
I have 250$ to spend, and most tools I will probably need.

Do you have any ideas? How many wheels and motors?
And from where can I order motors and all electronics I need?
Where can I buy good remote controller? (or simply hack into RC car?)

I know one guy who can give me some simple electronics and parts.
Near is dump station, so I can take chassis and materials from there.

I have already built some very simple "robots" (without any control, simply going forward), but I think it is time to go for something more challenging, right?

JoeSkull · « **Reply #1 on:** January 28, 2010, 02:07:50 PM »

You could look through some of the tutorials on this site for info. I think I saw one for remote controlled robot somewhere on here.

z.s.tar.gz · « **Reply #2 on:** January 28, 2010, 02:28:59 PM »

If you want a decent challenge, go with an autonomous robot. It'll be a lot cooler than a remote controlled robot.

Comrade117 · « **Reply #3 on:** January 29, 2010, 04:32:26 AM »

I would like autonomus, but I dunno what parts to use, where can I buy cheap and good electronics. Anyway chassis will not be problem

So what you think, what are best parts that worth its price?

z.s.tar.gz · « **Reply #4 on:** January 29, 2010, 06:11:26 AM »

Go with an avr based microcontroller. They're cheap and there are all kinds of different examples for them.

It's certainly a learning experience, but isn't that the point of making a robot?

waltr · « **Reply #5 on:** January 29, 2010, 07:57:28 AM »

Quote from: Comrade117 on January 29, 2010, 04:32:26 AM

I would like autonomus, but I dunno what parts to use, where can I buy cheap and good electronics. Anyway chassis will not be problem
So what you think, what are best parts that worth its price?

Go to the SoR tutorials. They will answer many of your questions on where to start and what parts to use. The $50 robot is a very good beginning and can be expanded on later.

Comrade117 · « **Reply #6 on:** January 29, 2010, 12:25:25 PM »

Where can I buy:

_Cerebellum microcontroller
_HS-311 Servo
_HS-225MG Servo (2, not 1)
_1800mAh 6V NiMH Battery
_sharp IR

Is there any internet page, so I can order those (in my country you can not buy those

)?

waltr · « **Reply #7 on:** January 29, 2010, 01:46:20 PM »

Quote from: Comrade117 on January 29, 2010, 12:25:25 PM

Where can I buy:

_Cerebellum microcontroller
_HS-311 Servo
_HS-225MG Servo (2, not 1)
_1800mAh 6V NiMH Battery
_sharp IR

Is there any internet page, so I can order those (in my country you can not buy those )?

And which country is that?
When we know we can point you to an internet store that can ship to you.

z.s.tar.gz · « **Reply #8 on:** January 29, 2010, 05:38:49 PM »

Admin said somewhere (don't know where though) that cerebellum controllers were obsolete.
You really really want to use AVR or PIC.

For the rest of them: SoR parts list. That's why it exists.

SmAsH · « **Reply #9 on:** January 29, 2010, 06:31:45 PM »

Yep, the cerebellum is gone. The only place you'll get one is ebay.
I too recommend getting with avr or pic, i like avr better =)
And his country is Croatia.

Joker94 · « **Reply #10 on:** January 29, 2010, 06:51:30 PM »

If you want a middle of the road MCU there is the Arduino's, there is also a roboduino and a Romeo. or of course the axon or axon 2 which is used alot around here. you need to make your desion on what you want to spend.

Eg. the Axon is $94
Axon 2 $118
There are lots of arduinos so you have to look around
Roboduino $34 un assembled $55 assembled
Romeo app $50 USD

I like the Romeo as it has all the normal features USB, uart etc but also has motor controller inbuilt

z.s.tar.gz · « **Reply #11 on:** January 29, 2010, 08:09:19 PM »

Or you can get an atmega and make your own. You won't get the same features right away (unless you're already an expert) but you'll learn so much more and even save some money.

Comrade117 · « **Reply #12 on:** January 30, 2010, 04:28:32 AM »

lol I can not make it myself.
So witch one of these has best price/quality ratio?

Joker94 · « **Reply #13 on:** January 30, 2010, 04:45:12 AM »

well the axon is the most expensive but the best quality. Arduino is not just one board there are lots of them(do a search a read up on them to find one within your price range and the features you want). the Roboduino is a good but basic board and depending if you want to solder it or buy pre-assembled board the price will vary $15 bucks. from$34 to $49. I personally like the Romeo for a number of reasons. it is compatible with the Arduino proto boards, has a built in motor controller, make use of all its pins and has switches. the Romeo is $50 bucks but worth it(the reason i like it the best is as i a have one and find it to be quality for money).

One thing you want to take into mind is USB, it is really handy when it comes to debugging stuff.

If you have any questions about the Romeo i can help.

Comrade117 · « **Reply #14 on:** January 30, 2010, 10:12:08 AM »

What is important when I look for microcontroller?
I mean, what should it have/dont have, why is one better than another...

Hertz32 · « **Reply #15 on:** January 30, 2010, 02:43:35 PM »

hey joker94 i hav 1 question bout the romeo how do i connect a battery to the thing

do i just get a male connector that goes to 2 wires of is it a speciale connector i cant teel form the pics i can find

XD

Joker94 · « **Reply #16 on:** January 30, 2010, 05:05:54 PM »

yeah it is simply a DC power plug.

I cut one off of an old charger and connected a battery lead to it using a molex connector so i could use different batteries if and when i wanted to.

I have attached a pics.

I hoped i have explained well enough.

Joker94 · « **Reply #17 on:** January 30, 2010, 05:27:35 PM »

And just a quick tip. make sure you know what is the positive and the negative wire going into the DC plug. a good way to check is if the charger still works turn it on and use a multi meter to check what is negative and positive.

and for now you can just use a wall transformer if you have one that is 7-12 volts at 100-500 mA.

And always be sure you have it right before you plug it in or any thing in for that matter other wise you will fry the chip. at the start you can always power it via the USB.

Webbot · « **Reply #18 on:** January 30, 2010, 06:38:39 PM »

Please dont hijack the thread. Romeo was not the question.

@Comrade117
If you cant afford the Axon series etc then I can also recommend the Pololu BabyOrangutan B328.

32k of program memory and also comes with a motor controller for 2 x 1 amp motors. (And is supported by WebbotLib)

Cost $30 - see http://www.pololu.com/catalog/product/1220
or get it together with a USB programmer http://www.pololu.com/catalog/product/1302 for $42

Of course it may not be easily accessible in Croatia.

If in doubt - find some boards. Send us the links and I'm sure we'll give you a comment if they are worth buying, if they are 'old technology' etc etc

Comrade117 · « **Reply #19 on:** January 31, 2010, 12:49:37 PM »

So how it works? How do I attach motors, sensors...

Webbot · « **Reply #20 on:** January 31, 2010, 01:05:24 PM »

Quote from: Comrade117 on January 31, 2010, 12:49:37 PM

So how it works? How do I attach motors, sensors...

I presume you are asking about the BabyOrangutan (?)

Go to http://www.pololu.com/catalog/product/1220
There are lots of screen shots, schematics, code etc etc.

Look at those.

If you then have some specific questions then feel free to ask. If the questions is still "How do I attach motors, sensors..." then I think you may need to look at the $50 robot tutorial on this site or read a book about using micro-controllers.

krockhouse · « **Reply #21 on:** January 31, 2010, 01:37:47 PM »

Or you could buy an FPGA and do anything you want with it.

they are a lot of fun. Then go check out my autonomous turret tutorial using the FPGA, http://autonomousturret.wikispaces.com/

Comrade117 · « **Reply #22 on:** January 31, 2010, 03:14:21 PM »

lol I know this is not the theme, but I am expert with air soft guns.

What makes controller better than others?
I dunno how to choose controller. What is important?

Oh, yes, what is the best free program used to create virtual models? $:-\$

Hertz32 · « **Reply #23 on:** January 31, 2010, 04:18:30 PM »

i use google sketch up for 3d models its free and easy as pie
i got the hang of it in 10mins

z.s.tar.gz · « **Reply #24 on:** January 31, 2010, 05:28:22 PM »

When in doubt, go with the Arduino.
It's a good middle-of-the-road MCU.

Joker94 · « **Reply #25 on:** February 01, 2010, 01:33:28 AM »

Sorry about the hijack

Yes an arduino is a good middle of the range MCU. there are allot of them so one has to fit your needs.

Comrade117 · « **Reply #26 on:** February 01, 2010, 07:20:19 AM »

How do I choose microcontroller? I need something good, simple, but not too expansive

Hertz32 · « **Reply #27 on:** February 01, 2010, 11:27:09 AM »

my first robo had a romeo in and i just reuse the same board it has so many uses

SmAsH · « **Reply #28 on:** February 01, 2010, 12:38:08 PM »

Quote from: Comrade117 on February 01, 2010, 07:20:19 AM

How do I choose microcontroller? I need something good, simple, but not too expansive

Well, microcontroller boards are definitely cheaper if you build them yourself so consider that.
The actual microcontroller or "brain" of the board is chosen by your needs, one of the most common is the atmega8/168/328
which is the arduino boards microcontroller. I think it has 14 digital I/O for binary input/output and 6 ports with analogue
capability for sensors and anything that outputs something that isn't just 0v or 5v.
Definitely check out http://www.societyofrobots.com/step_by_step_robot.shtml just to give you ideas about the brain board
and how its constructed.

But enough about the atmega series, decide how many motors, sensors and other stuff you would like to have on your robot
and we can go from there.

Comrade117 · « **Reply #29 on:** February 01, 2010, 01:02:27 PM »

2 main motors
1 sharp IR (mounted on smaller motor)

That is 4 (I think

)

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