ARobot

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Build vs Buy

vs BOEBot

Command Mode Interpreter   Alex's RC controlled ARobot with Video   Using prototype and breadboards   Roger's Suped-up ARobot - 501c   Get Coprocessor Version Program   Lego Mindstorm Interfacing   Hidden Coprocessor Commands   Utility Routines   Encoder Driven LED Project   James Vroman's ARibit   Add a headlight to your ARobot   Attach a polaroid sonar range finder   Add speech to your ARobot   Andy adds a gripper and PC/Linux to ARobot   Emergency Stop Button   Vector 2x Compass   Dinsmore Compass   Light detector   Test Program   Wandering Program   Steering Straighten Program   Add another coprocessor   DIRRS - Digital Infra-Red Range-Finding System   How about these great paint jobs!   Using additional battery packs   Upgrade batteries for longer run time   Sources for electronic and mechanical parts

Use this program to test ARobots features including:

• Red and Green LEDs.
• Push buttons #1 and #2.
• Jumpers #1 and #2.
• Sound transducer.
• Encoder.
• Left and right whiskers.
• Steering servo motor.
• All three user servo motors.
• Undocumented second motor driver circuit.

Click here to see the test program.

Wandering Program

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Try this wandering program to add life to your ARobot. It navigates around your house using the whiskers to detect objects and drive around them. The LEDs are used as status indicators.

Click here to see the wander program.

Straighten Program

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This program provides an easy way to adjust the steering linkage for straight motion.

Click here to see the straighten program.

Great paint jobs!

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ARobot's paint job is your first chance to be creative and have a little fun. Who wants every robot to look alike?

Here's the process: Sanding, Paint Primer, Finish coat, Add Accents.

• Try using colored electrical tape from Radio Shack - Catalog #64-2340.
  
• Use colored adhesive dots from an office supply store.
  
• Add flexible, plastic molding from an auto parts store.
  
• Add stick-on reflectors from a motor cycle shop.
  
• Use textured paint for special effects.
  
• Make text using stick-on letters or a permanent marker.
  
• Oh I almost forgot, try using your imagination!.
  

There's painting information on our FAQ page.

Polaroid sonar range finder

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Yes, you can attach the popular Polaroid Sonar Range Finder system to ARobot.

See the sonar application note in html format for details.

Download the sonar application note in PDF format for details.

The Polaroid 6500 driver and transducer can be purchased from Wirz Electronics. See their web site at www.wirz.com.

Here's some other Polaroid Sonar Links of interest:

• http://www.cs.umd.edu/users/musliner/sonar/notes - Sonar Notes by David J. Musliner
• http://www.acroname.com/robotics/parts/R15-SONAR2.html - Acroname Polaroid Sonar Information
• http://www.abe.msstate.edu/fto/classes/ee4723/group2.html - The Physics of Ultrasonic Ranging by Gary Dion, Wyatt Francis, Thomas Dodd
• http://www.cs.umd.edu/users/musliner/sonar/muxsonar.asm - How to Mux Sonar

Wouldn't it be nice to have additional battery packs to allow quick change-outs? No problem, Radio Shack and other suppliers offer battery packs that are compatible with ARobot's. Each pack holds (8) AA cells and has a snap-type connector which will attach to ARobot's cable. The Radio Shack part number is 270-407. Even though the snap-type connector is used, ARobot will not run off of a 9-volt battery. There is simply not enough available current in 9-volt batteries.

Batteries add longer run time

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Tired of replacing AA batteries? Need more run time? ARobot requires about 10-15 volts for proper operation. There are many alternative battery options including 8) C or D cells, 12 volt rechargeable gel cell, Nicad AA, C, or D cells, or dual 7.2 volt RC car batteries. Holders for AA, C and D cells can be found at most electronic supply stores such as Radio Shack. It may be necessary to use 2) 4-cell battery holders if 8-cell models are not available. Simply connect the batteries in series to get 12 volts. You can attach the holders permanently by drilling new holes in the Robot's body or simply use velcro.

Electronic and Mechanical parts

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Looking for resistors, capacitors, IC's, perf boards, sensors?

• Mouser Electronics Catalog mail order electronics
  
• Radio Shack Global retail electronics
  
• Digi-Key Electronics Catalog mail order electronics
  

See our Surplus Electronic Source List.

Looking for gears, bearings, pulleys?

• Stock Drive Products Giant selection of gears, pulleys and more
  
• Servo Link Plastic gears, sprockets and chains
  
• W.M. Berg Exotic pulleys and belts, gears, bearings, etc.
  

See our Mechanical Parts Source List.

Looking for handles, hinges, plastic, aluminum?

• McMaster Carr You won't believe it. 3" thick catalog!
  
• Small Parts Focused on small machine designers