Mobile Robot for Experimenters and Educators

Features

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The most feature-packed robot in its class!

• Rugged aluminum frame (no plastic or wood)
• Dual front whisker sensors
• Rear wheel steering servo motor
• Front wheel DC gear drive motor
• Optical wheel encoder for distance measurement
• On-board coprocessor handles all motor control
• Controllable Red and Green LED's
• Sound output transducer
• Two user defined push button switches
• 3 User-defined RC servo control ports
• Serial communications port
• Expansion connector
• Socket to accept a Basic Stamp II controller chip
• Dimensions: 10" x 10", 5" tall, 2-1/4 lbs
• Runs on 8 AA-cell batteries for 5 hours or more

Basic Stamp II

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ARobot's programmable brain

The Basic Stamp II is a small, self-contained computer controller manufactured by Parallax Inc. This easy-to-use system is programmed using a Basic-like language called PBasic. Programs are written on a Windows PC then downloaded to the Basic Stamp II for execution. Large libraries of programs can be created and saved.

ARobot's controller board accepts the Basic Stamp II (purchased separately) which controls motors, LED's, buzzer, and other devices. The Parallax Web site provides complete information about the Basic Stamp II including the programming manual.

See the Basic Stamp II installed on ARobot's controller board.

Uses

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Never let yourself be limited by a list like this!

• Robotics education
• Artificial life experiments
• Science projects
• Navigation research
• Maze solving
• Security
• Robot contests
• Publicity
• Fun! Fun! Fun!

What you get

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Order the ARobot-P1 kit and get ARobot, the Basic Stamp, and the books

• Quality aluminum robot body and frame components
• Controller circuit board - completely assembled and tested
• Wheels, drive motors, steering motors, encoder, cables
• Programming editor/downloader and example programs
• Construction and user guide
• Technical support via web site and email

What you need

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ARobot can be built and programmed by almost anyone!

• Common handtools - screwdriver and pliers
• Your choice of spray paint (if desired)
• Personal computer running Windows and a serial port
• Common understanding of computer usage
• Moderate understanding of Basic programming or a willingness to learn
• 8 AA batteries. (over 5 hours of continuous run time)
• Basic Stamp II programming information -available free on the net, or purchase the book
• Internet connection for getting the latest information and software
• A never-ending desire to experiment and play with robots!

Construction normally takes about 3 hours. - or more for exotic paint jobs!

Expandable

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ARobot can be expanded beyond belief!

ARobot's controller board has the ability to control 3 additional RC (Remote Control) servo motors which are commonly available at hobby stores for less than $20 each. These motors can be used to create a small robot arm or a moving head. The body contains openings to mount 2 of these RC servo motors.

The controller board also provides a connector to power a small DC motor like the one used as the drive motor. This connector can also be used to control other high-power devices such as a light or horn.

An expansion connector is provided to allow the user to add many special devices. Access to all of the Basic Stamp's I/O signals is provided and unused pins can be wired as needed.

Additional circuit boards can be stacked on top of ARobot's main controller board. Mounting holes and dimensions are the same as the prototype boards (RS Catalog #276-170) and breadboards (RS Catalog #276-174) found at Radio Shack. This makes expansion easier and cheaper.

See our project page for ideas such as using a sonar range finder and interfacing to a smoke alarm.

Endless possibilities prevent boredom!

The expansion port offers: All Basic Stamp I/O signals Coprocessor network signal 3 standard RC servo motor signals Access to coprocessor network bus User defined signals Standard 40 pin flat ribbon cable Other signals can be wired by user

Possible devices include: Additional whiskers Sonar range finder Smoke detector Light sensors Digital compass Tilt sensors IR communications

Technical Specifications

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The details you've been looking for.

• Frame: .062 aluminum - cut, punched, and formed
• Configuration: 3-wheel, front wheel drive, rear wheel steer
• Dimensions: 10" x 10", 5" tall, 2-1/4 lbs
• Payload capacity: 3 lbs
• Wheel size: 3.25" diameter
• Drive Motor: 12 volt DC gear motor, 1.6 amp max
• Quality machined wheel coupling and bearings
• Optical wheel encoder for distance measurement
• Encoder: 20 counts per revolution - 2 per inch of travel
• Motor driver: H bridge - 1 amp max
• Speed control: Pulse Width Modulation
• Controller PCB size: 2.1" x 6"
• Steering Motor: Standard size RC servo motor
• Power source: 8-AA cells in removable pack
• Runs on 8 AA-cell batteries for 5 hours or more
• Current draw: 50ma at standstill, 200ma with motor running
• Coprocessor: PIC16F84 for motor control
• Expansion connector - 40 pin (2x20) IDC .1 centers
• See the Schematic
• See the PC board component placement