Mabye make a "beginner" categorie.

[itln]

Hey admin I have noticed latley thet alot of help posts have been put in the General Misc categorie (including my own). Mabye it would be a little easyier if there was a beginner or help catagorie. Just thinking aloud.

  P.S. Does anyone know where I can get some cheap ( under $12) 6v  NiMh batteries and mabye a cheap charger too.

[Admin]

I see what you mean about the beginner category, but the reason why I mix them is to encourage the more advanced people to read the beginner stuff and answer questions. It is also somewhat hard to draw a line between beginner and expert because robotics is such a huge field. For example, a computer scientist might be able to make expert level AI programs, but would be clueless on how to operate a simple DC motor. There are some areas in robotics even I would be a beginner in (computer simulation, CNC, flying robots) . . .

As for buying NiMH batteries, check the parts list:
http://www.societyofrobots.com/robot_parts_list_battery.shtml

[Dosbomber]

For example, a computer scientist might be able to make expert level AI programs, but would be clueless on how to operate a simple DC motor.

hahahaha that sounds familiar... 25 years of writing code, but still working on motor control circuits (have a weak H-bridge, still working on stepper drivers).   

My introduction into electronics?  Day 1, smoking LEDs (or making friodes, if you prefer).  Day 2, programming PIC micros (ah, programming, home sweet home).

Another source for NiHM batteries (and my personal favorite) is www.thomasdistributing.com.  Can't say they're cheap, I've not really done any comparing, but the best batteries I've found anywhere.

[JesseWelling]

Hey admin,
you should probably add this to the list, they have good lipos as well as NiMH
http://www.all-battery.com/index.asp

[Admin]

whoa good link, thanks Jesse
ill get it on there tonight asap

Dosbomber - i had a very similar experience in my early days (except burning often involved me, too  )