Using an RC car instead for the $50 robot

[Lefteris]

I see ...

In which debugging mode I have just entered. *Sigh* Debugging code is much easier than debugging this mess here. I am thinking of redoing it all over from the start since AVR studio does not recognize the programmer (the pins are correct) so .. something must be wrong in the circuit.

[Trumpkin]

you need a third hand tool.

[pomprocker]

I got something from radio shack called helping hand. it was like $14USD

[Lefteris]

Yeah you are right. I need something like that to hold components and/or the circuit board so I can work on it. But since I am going to go on a 2-week trip in 3 days I won't be able to get it soon. Until then though I will try to understand exactly what should be happening ... compare it to what is happening. Then if possible fix it or .. do it all over ( worst case  )

Thanks for the helping hand tips!

[Admin]

In reference to using a RC chassis . . . This is one I did many years ago:
http://www.societyofrobots.com/images/mechanics_chassisconstRC1.JPG

You can't really see it, but in the front I removed the DC motor for steering and replaced it with a servo. I used a motor driver to control the motor. It worked decently well. My recommendation: don't buy a cheap RC toy, get something with good torque!

As for a drill, buy a small table top drill press. I use it all the time! You may have trouble finding one, however . . . ask the people at the hardware store about this . . .

Also for capacitors putting the wrong kind of voltage capacitors into the circuit can ruin it all?

Yep - you're best getting capacitors with at least twice the voltage level that you are using so that they survive any power spikes. Since you're probably using low volatges ie 5v or 6v then you should be ok as its difficult to get capacitors with a rating less than about 16v.

Well, it wouldn't 'ruin' it, but caps explode if they are under-rated . . .