Author Topic: Hexapod Project  (Read 3638 times)

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Offline Elijah5647Topic starter

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Hexapod Project
« on: January 10, 2012, 03:05:41 PM »
Aim: To build an 18 DOF Hexapod robot that can fit in the palm of my hand.

Parts:
18 HXT900 micro servos
Mini maestro 24 servo controller
Polymorph pellets
HDPE (although the first prototype will be made from thin ply wood)

Will post the CAD drawings later today as well as more pictures as I begin construction.
Please comment on what you think
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Offline Elijah5647Topic starter

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Re: Hexapod Project
« Reply #1 on: January 12, 2012, 11:07:44 PM »
Well after many hours of cutting, sanding and drilling (wish I had a CNC) I have finally finished construction and am ready for programming and testing. Video coming soon...


Legs and Base Sections


Finished Construction
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Offline Redcap

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Re: Hexapod Project
« Reply #2 on: January 13, 2012, 08:59:17 AM »
Nice matey :)
For the most, I'm merely replying to show my interest in this and so I know when it's updated ;)

What kind of microcontroller/s will you be using, any idea as of yet?
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Offline Gertlex

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Re: Hexapod Project
« Reply #3 on: January 13, 2012, 01:17:37 PM »
Needs a pic of it in your hand so we can believe the hand-sized part ;)

Nice and simple looking.
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Offline Elijah5647Topic starter

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Re: Hexapod Project
« Reply #4 on: January 14, 2012, 07:47:42 PM »
Thanks for your comments.  :D
UPDATE : Had to reinforce the legs as the double sided tape wasn't holding on one of the joints.

Quote
Needs a pic of it in your hand so we can believe the hand-sized part

It is pretty small with the distance between the legs on opposite sides being only 15cm apart but it is still quite big but here it is in my hand.



Here is the reinforced legs as well.


Okay quick question what is the difference between a Servo Controller such as the one I am using Mini Mastro 24 Servo Controller and a microcontroller as far as I can tell they are the same thing which would mean I wouldn't need a microcontroller as well..

Will include a video of it moveing hopefully in the next update as well as a Polymorph cover over the servos.
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Offline Redcap

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Re: Hexapod Project
« Reply #5 on: January 15, 2012, 08:19:00 PM »
Quote from: Elijah5647 on January 14, 2012, 07:47:42 PM
Parts:
[...]
Mini maestro 24 servo controller
[...]

Ohh, sorry matey, I completely missed this in your original post  :-X
Please ignore my question ;)

For the most part, they are the same thing in the way they can both be programmed to control servo motors.
A dedicated servo controller, though, can usually control a significantly larger amount of servos.

(For example, -most- Arduino boards (which is more or less just an ATmega MC and the parts needed to run it) can control only 12 servos [Except the Arduino Mega, which can control 48])

I've been going about my hexapod much differently, using multiple microcontrollers communicating via I2C.
It may turn out that I would have been better off going with an option similar to yours, but I'm still hoping I can keep the size somewhat small - fitting in 2-3 palms, perhaps...
« Last Edit: January 15, 2012, 08:42:09 PM by Redcap »
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