I'm a begginer and I need some advice on how to start in robotics.

[Pysk]

I am a begginer in robotics. My question is how to get started. I plan on ordering two begginers in robotics books from amazon. ( Absolute Beginner's Guide to Building Robots
by Gareth Branwyn and Robot Building for Beginners by David Cook) I know I am supposed to join a robotics club, but my school doesn't have one or a club that is anywhere near close to the subject matter of robotics. Also I was wondering if I should read any books on basic electronics or anything like that.

If you guys have any advice on how I should get started or what I should do first please tell me.


P.S.
I was thinking that I would make the  $50 robot on this site. It would be my first robot. If you guys think I should make something else my first time please tell me.
 
Thankyou All
Pysk

[izaktj]

Build the $50 robot mate

[Joesavage1]

I agree with izaktj, the best starting robot is the $50 or if you wanted something easier do an RC robot, just atatch servo's and battery to a reciver in which the crystal matches your transmitter control (this may sound hard at first, but its like 10x easier than the 50$)
My first robot is going to be the $50 then im going to do an RC second, but you can do wtv =D.

Thanks

Joe

[want2learn]

Yeah, any books you can lay your hands on too. Mostly electronics 

[Pysk]

Got it, thanks guys, have one of you actually buitl the $50 robot. If so how was the experience, and much did it really cost?
Thanks All
Pysk

[cooldog]

much did it really cost?

http://www.societyofrobots.com/robotforum/index.php?topic=6412.0

[Joesavage1]

mine cost £60 so far (parts are being ordered now)


Thanks


Joe

[nanobit]

Don't by books just yet, its actually best to have some hands on expirience with a robot kit, or try to build something simple from scratch, like remote controlled cars, etc.. I bought a robotics book a long time ago and never finished reading it was just too fundamental. 

[frodo]

mine cost £60 so far (parts are being ordered now)

£60!!!! thats expensive for the $50 robot

[Webbot]

mine cost £60 so far (parts are being ordered now)


Thanks


Joe

Hey - not unusual. You've probably, like most people, got some start-up costs. Soldering iron, solder, wire, nuts, bolts etc. Having got all this stuff - how much do you think your second (identical) robot would cost?

[Joesavage1]

My second robot will be MUCH cheaper, (btw the £60 exlcudes the soldering iron, which is like £11), my next robot is going to basicly be the $50 robot but RC, i belive RC is just made of a reciver, transmitter, and you plug all servo's and battery in the reciver, isnt it?

i can use the parts out of $50, (after taking pics + vids and changing programs ect...) (hopefully all i need from it is battery + servo's.)


Thanks


Joe

[frodo]

mine cost £60 so far (parts are being ordered now)


Thanks


Joe

Hey - not unusual. You've probably, like most people, got some start-up costs. Soldering iron, solder, wire, nuts, bolts etc. Having got all this stuff - how much do you think your second (identical) robot would cost?

oops, forgot about start up costs. 

[noah]

I feel your pain, dude.

[brandonman]

Junkbots, Bugbots, and Bots on Wheels. Excellent book detailing BEAM robotics. Personally, I think BEAM is the most interesting form of robotics, as well as being *Normally* the easiest and cheapest!

[hollisp01]

It is best to start cheap and just dive in.  Find something that you specifically want to do with your bot and go for it!

[MangoBot]

Also try Lets make robots start here robot, it is also really easier