Microcontroller help

[Vince]

Hey, I've been looking around and I want to make a four wheeled robot.
There are some things I don't know yet, but will figure out later using the website.

I just wanted to know if I were to make the $50 robot's microcontroller, is it designed only to be a photovore, or can I make it so it's remote controlled. Same with the Chip, are there any complications with that? Because I know I need a reciever (somewhere...) 

[Vince]

oh and I did see that video of the Axon Microcontroller, where he plugs the stuff in and operates it, so I thought it would be possible. 

[frodo]

for remote control, you don't need any of the microcontroller from the $50 robot. just a remote control thing, a receiver box, servos and wheels. oh and batteries.

[Vince]

oh and yes, I do realise I would need different ratings for the Capacitors and other stuffs... 

This is just getting sad now... I've had to reply to myself twice...   

[Vince]

wow!!
I just watched that video and frodo's right!! 

That's soo cool, and now im happy 
I think that the RC robot should be every beginners first go.

[HDL_CinC_Dragon]

I think that the RC robot should be every beginners first go.

The only problem with that is it teaches you absolutely nothing about MCUs or really anything other than how to plug something in. Thats why admin made the 50 buck bot tutorial. It teaches you pretty much everything you need to get you heading in the right direction!
I would recommend you try it out rather than making an RC vehicle

[cooldog]

I think that the RC robot should be every beginners first go.

depending on who you talk to some people don't consider RC cars robots

[Vince]

I think you're all right 

Yes, An RC car doesn't teach you anything about robotics, but to be honest I'd rather control my 'Robot' than let it have all the fun! 

I think I'll make the $50 robot after I make this.

I wanted to be able to control it because I'm hoping to mount a Wireless Camera on it. The one I'm looking at has a microphone too!, it's going to be like my spy buggie >=)

And I fully agree that it isn't at all a robot.

oh and I'm also going to mount a fan on it  ^_^

Do you think that the Servo's will be able to handle the camera, and a small fan, and a tin chassie (the chassie is going to be a spray painted 'Favourites' tin with some plastic or balsa support)?

[cooldog]

it would be slow depending on what wheels you need but it will be strong


for a simple rc desighn on the cheap take a look at this
http://www.societyofrobots.com/member_tutorials/node/284

[Vince]

yes, it's a good design.

So would it be best for me to use three wheels, and only two with servos, four wheels all with servo's or four wheels using only two servo's on the front wheels? (I like that idea, however I'm just not sure if it would turn and operate properly.)

[cooldog]

So would it be best for me to use three wheels, and only two with servos,

it is the cheapest and best for indoor robots

four wheels all with servo's

this is more expensive, it has less battery life or you need a bigger battery and it is over kill for indoor robots. you also need to buy a y-harness
http://www.servocity.com/html/6__y-harnesses.html

four wheels using only two servo's on the front wheels? (I like that idea, however I'm just not sure if it would turn and operate properly.)

it won't turn

[Vince]

 

thanks!

I think the main problem I'm having is finding the items for a cheap price :O
I've found every item I need, for the $50 robot as well, but the servo's, controllers & receivers are very expensive!
Most of the servo's are around $25-$70 NZD and I haven't been able to locate any 'unprofessional' controllers

Their all for aviation and cost arounf $800-$3000 NZD. I have found one though, I have to bid for it, it's just a pain I have to wait a couple more days just to get it.

But thanks alot! 

[Admin]

RC *does* teach some things about robotics.

It teaches you about servos, batteries, power distribution, and mechanical construction.

Three of my RC robots:
http://www.societyofrobots.com/robot_asme.shtml
http://www.societyofrobots.com/robot_carpet_monkey.shtml
http://www.societyofrobots.com/robot_thai_boat.shtml

If you're under 10 years old, its a great beginner project that can be upgraded later with a microcontroller.

ps - the $50 Robot can be upgraded to do billions of things, its no kit that you put on a shelf after you finish!