Summer Goal

[iLL_LeaT]

This summer I plan on buying a robotics book.

My plan is to learn a little about building electronics and robots.
And I would like to build a simple robot that is controlled by RF; a robot that is not a kit.

Is this goal realistic?
Are kits good for learning or are the kits just a matter of construction?
Could you recommend some good books that would help me reach this goal?  And maybe some good kits that would help too.


Thanks
iLL

[Brandon121233]

I'm guessing that you want this to be more like a remote controlled car rather than a battlebot with weapons and whatnot, but currently the two best books I can think of for a beginner are Robot Builder's Bonanza http://www.amazon.com/Robot-Builders-Bonanza-Third/dp/0071468935/ref=sr_1_5/104-0286142-8525549?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1175551471&sr=1-5 and Robot Building for Beginners http://www.amazon.com/Robot-Building-Beginners-David-Cook/dp/1893115445/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/104-0286142-8525549?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1175551430&sr=1-1. I think these books are geared a little more towards autonomous robots rather than radio controlled, so even if you don't want to build a battlebot specifically, if you want a really good book on building medium sized sturdy bases for a robot and lots of excellent info on RF controlling then Kickin' Bot: An Illustrated Guide to Building Combat Robots http://www.amazon.com/Kickin-Bot-Illustrated-Building-ExtremeTech/dp/0764541137/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/104-0286142-8525549?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1175551789&sr=1-1 is a good choice for you. Hope that helped.

[gamefreak]

lol, i own the builers bonanza and have the beginners book from the libray, im all set

[Admin]

And I would like to build a simple robot that is controlled by RF; a robot that is not a kit.

you do realize you will have to make your own RF transciever, right? its hard stuff to design on your own, although many schematics can be found online to copy . . .

Are kits good for learning or are the kits just a matter of construction?

a little of both . . . depends on the quality of the kit. many kits hide all the technical stuff from the builder . . . but more that is hidden is less the builder learns . . . when you select a kit, select one that you think you will learn the most from

And maybe some good kits that would help too.

search this forum for robot kit

[Kohanbash]

It might be a good idea to get the book earlier so that you can have a stronger knowledge for when you start the RoboWork in the summer

[iLL_LeaT]

It might be a good idea to get the book earlier so that you can have a stronger knowledge for when you start the RoboWork in the summer

I would like to, but my schooling takes up all of my time (damn physics).  So I’ll have to wait until summer.  If I can get the schematics worked out by the end of summer, I think I’ll be happy.

And I don’t think I’m going to go the RF direction anymore.  I’ve been doing a little research here and there, and I think giving a robot brains will be more of a challenge.

Oh thanks, on those book suggestions.

I think I’m going to get these two books:

http://www.amazon.com/Tab-Electronics-Guide-Understanding-Electricity/dp/0071360573/ref=cm_sylt_fullview_prod_pl_7/105-0184846-7220402/105-0184846-7220402
http://www.amazon.com/Robot-Builders-Bonanza-Third/dp/0071468935/ref=sr_1_5/104-0286142-8525549?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1175551471&sr=1-5