Buliding fastest line follower

[saba_rish91]

Hello guys..
I'm planning to build fastest line follower. I want the right components for it. I have previously built a line follower using Arduiono uno, L293D, 150rpm motor, and 5 IR sensor. The IR sensor which I built isn't that reponsive and it has created hell lot of problems to me.

So, in building fastest line follower, guide me in choosing the right componets for it. Is arduino uno (Atmega328) sufficient for my project? And from where to buy good motors and IR sensors?

Thanks in advance.

[joe61]

Pololu is a good place for that kind of thing. They offer a sensor array for line followers  http://www.pololu.com/catalog/product/961. This comes with both digital and analog outputs.

You might also take a look at their 3pi robot, which is designed for this kind of thing. They have libraries you can download as well. If you search for 3pi on youtube you'll see a bunch of examples, along with some theory on how to put things like this together. This gives an idea how fast it can go using these sensors.

Joe

[Pierre]

Hi saba_rish91

     My second project is making a fast line following robot before April 2012.  I have made an order and will be using:

     motors:                   2 Tamiya Planetary Gearset;
     White line sensor:  QRB1114;
     MicroController:      Arduino Mega.

     The motors have different gears in which I will try and test it.  I do this to make an event between two Engineering Department and promote robotic.

[saba_rish91]

How advantageous is QTR-1RC Reflectance Sensor from pololu's over QRB114?

[saba_rish91]

I was looking at 3pi robot, it was mentioned that even when battery is running low, it provides a constant output to its motors! How is that possible?

[rbtying]

It has a boost converter running before the motors, so they always receive (iirc) 9.25v, and it's rated for the expected current draw of said motors. You can achieve the same for higher-current motors using feedback-controlled systems, as well.

[Pierre]

How advantageous is QTR-1RC Reflectance Sensor from pololu's over QRB114?

    I have looked at the QTR-1RC and although I have never used it personally but looking at the spec sheet.  The QTR-1RC is smaller and comes with a cct with cap and resistors.  They both have similar range edge detection. The QRB1114 requires to add minimum two resistors and the box housing is bigger.  I prefer the QRB1114 since I know about it and i am comfortable using it. 

     Hope this will help you making a decision.  We learn by playing and testing it.

[saba_rish91]

Thanks Pierre and rbtying..

I'm planning to go with 30:1 Micro Metal Gearmotor HP from Pololu.
Is it a good idea?
And is L293D a good motor controller for controlling the above motors?