Description: An experiment in walking, falling and gaits. Functions: Well, it just walks forward!! So far a few emergent behaviors have been seen, such as making it's way around obstacles and scaring my cats!! Specifications: - Powered by 9V PP3 battery, via 7805 regulator. - Two semi-hacked RC servos providing torque to legs. - An NE555N timer chip and a 4017B logic chip providing motor firing pattern. - Motors directly driven by two piggy-backed 74HCT245 driver chips. - About 5 or 10cm per second, very much variable with surface. - Legs and chassis made with two coat hangers; soldered with standard 40/60 solder at joints. Parts used: The Electronics and Motors: 1 * NE555N timer IC. 1 * 4017 CMOS Logic 1 of 10 counter IC. 2 * 74HCT245 octal tri-state driver IC. 1 * 7805 voltage regulator (5V). 2 * 3K3 0.25W 5% resistor. 1 * 47uF (micro farad) 25V Electrolytic Capacitor. 1 * 100nF (nano-farad) Ceramic Plate Capacitor. 2 * Radio Controlled servos OR 50 rpm gear boxed motors. 1 * PP3 9V battery with clip. The Chassis: Two all metal coat hangers. 5 * 200mm cable ties. 4 * pair of M3 machine screws and nuts. Problems Encountered: - The legs fall off if it falls off a surface. - The leg stoppers kept on falling off. This was fixed by soldering a cross brace behind each of them. You can see this in the far front leg in the picture. - The rubber end caps to provide grip just aren't grippy enough. This could be remedied with flat feet or softer rubber feet. Time to build: Three hours in total Cost: £10 or about $15 Website URL: http://cybernetic.ontheweb.nu/ Includes a guide to making your very own carpet monster! Email: jbp@cheerful.com