Author Topic: Newbie help, photoresistor (Read 1627 times)

Rixta2 · « **on:** August 21, 2009, 05:01:03 AM »

Hey guys. Ive been looking over the tutorial on making a 50 robot. I love technology and what it can achieve. But im really freaked out by the difficulty. I have a specific question about photoresistors. In the tutorial describing how to make them it says solder a wire to the top for power, and then after heat shrinking it add another resistor. The resistor in the picture doesnt appear to be a photoresistor, but a standard one. Being a beginner at this i am probably wrong. But can anyone tell me what i need make a photoresistor for the 50 robot. Thanks heaps in advance

SmAsH · « **Reply #1 on:** August 21, 2009, 05:04:59 AM »

to make the complete photoresistor setup from the $50 robot you will need:
photoresistor/cds cell,
1.62kohm resistor,
3 wires,
molex crimps.
the minimum is just the photoresistor and the resistor though... the wires and molex just make it easier...

Rixta2 · « **Reply #2 on:** August 21, 2009, 05:22:26 AM »

Thanks heaps for that. The resistors neede were probably mentioned, im just using my mobile to read this, so i may have missed it. I was also wondering how much more difficult it gets after building the 50 dollar robot, and if i will have to become fully fluent in c programming to beable to keep building.

SmAsH · « **Reply #3 on:** August 21, 2009, 05:25:29 AM »

well, the difficulty depends on what your next project is.
if you choose something complex like a biped it will be hard.
if you make something simple like a line follower it will be easy.
you do not have to become fluent in any language to still be able to program robots, it just helps.
you can use other peoples code and or modify it for your use.

Joker94 · « **Reply #4 on:** August 21, 2009, 05:27:12 AM »

i have not done alot of programming. But i wouldn't think you need to be fully fluent in c programing. And besides if you get stuck there is the forum where you can ask for help with code or ask if some one has some code that would suit you.

Rixta2 · « **Reply #5 on:** August 21, 2009, 05:31:10 AM »

Sweet. Thanks guys. This is going to be really cool. I was thinking of checking out a line rider. And then maybe working on a rc robot. That is after i start the 50 dollar robot. I dont want to get ahead of myself here :p

Joker94 · « **Reply #6 on:** August 21, 2009, 05:38:34 AM »

A good tip is if you a working on a robot, like you are working on the $50 robot and you think of ideas for other robots like applications and components you can add write them down and sketch them in a dedicated book or pad and go back to them once you have finished your previous bot.

The reason i say this is if you are building oe bot then you go off and start designing another bot and you get to invoved the others projects will never get done as you lose your train of thought and when they eventually get done you'll have missed particular parts you thought about adding.

But don't get me wrong always keep up the brain storming and sketches or else you'll get inventors/builderes block and you wont be able to design and build cool robots after you finish your other bot.

Do you get the jist

Rixta2 · « **Reply #7 on:** August 21, 2009, 05:43:48 AM »

I get ya. Thanks. And one more question. I want to get a programmer, as i will need one. And i dont have a serial port. Using that pony prog Is it possible to use a serial to usb converter? Thanks heaps. Its late here in australia so im off. Thanks for all your help though

SmAsH · « **Reply #8 on:** August 21, 2009, 05:47:21 AM »

ive heard that some of the usb-serial converters don't work with programmers $:-\$
can you not get a usb programmer?

ps: me and joker are both aussies too

Rixta2 · « **Reply #9 on:** August 21, 2009, 06:35:18 PM »

Sweet man. Im down in victoria. Its pretty cool. Anyway. I would like to get a serial post programmer, but i dont have a serial port on my computer. Can you guys recommend anything?

Joker94 · « **Reply #10 on:** August 21, 2009, 06:46:49 PM »

i know you can get an adapter for a serial port programmer that you can plug into the usb port. It is handy and you can get them with different number of pins. That might suit your purpose.

SmAsH · « **Reply #11 on:** August 21, 2009, 06:48:02 PM »

im not sure that they would work... you would have to emulate the serial port, and that may not be easy.
you can always try though...

Rixta2 · « **Reply #12 on:** August 21, 2009, 06:54:57 PM »

So Youre pretty much saying i will need a serial port on my computer? Im on computer expert, but couldnt i just get a card similar to that of a graphics card, and put it in one of the pci slots?

SmAsH · « **Reply #13 on:** August 21, 2009, 07:06:29 PM »

yes, i think you can get a serial card for your pc...
but, why don't you want to get a usb programmer? do you already have the serial one?

Rixta2 · « **Reply #14 on:** August 21, 2009, 07:11:06 PM »

You can get a usb programmer? That makes my life a whole lot simpler. I only thought they made serial post ones. Thanks for that. Is there a massive price difference for usb and serial?

SmAsH · « **Reply #15 on:** August 21, 2009, 07:15:32 PM »

the usb programmer is ~us$35
its in the $50 robot parts list.

i have yet to find an aussie retailer that sells them $:-\$
check out sparkfun and digikey for prices.

Joker94 · « **Reply #16 on:** August 21, 2009, 09:13:11 PM »

my local computer store custom makes cords to order, do you have a shop like that in victoria

Rixta2 · « **Reply #17 on:** August 22, 2009, 08:02:54 AM »

Sweet. Ill check it out. And ill have a look sound to see what i can find.

heyyaa1324 · « **Reply #18 on:** October 27, 2009, 06:07:46 PM »

Hey, I'm just starting to build the $50 robot, and I have already received some of the items in the mail, and I know that the programmer does work with a USB-Serial converter. This is the converter that worked for my computer. http://www.usbgear.com/USBG-4.html

Soeren · « **Reply #19 on:** October 28, 2009, 06:54:36 PM »

Hi,

Better throw your money at something that doesn't need adapters that may or may not work.
(I know of several cases where adapters simply won't work. Less than 2 weeks ago we had to sack an adapter for this very reason - we got another brand and the problem was solved).

Here's one costing less than AUD24 including tax:
http://www.oceancontrols.com.au/microprogrammers/atmel_programmers.htm
Last one on the page. If you cannot make the cable yourself (it's easy), you should get the cable as well.

News:

Author Topic: Newbie help, photoresistor (Read 1627 times)

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