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does this monitor make my robot look fat? — Parallax Forums

does this monitor make my robot look fat?

P!-RoP!-Ro Posts: 1,189
edited 2010-10-04 15:08 in Robotics
I can't decide if I like the look of the monitor well enough to mount it or not, and I'm not even sure how well it will take vibration. Anyone here try something similar?
800 x 600 - 77K

Comments

  • Martin_HMartin_H Posts: 4,051
    edited 2010-08-13 17:39
    I think it only matters if you like the looks of your robot with the LCD. As far as taking the vibrations, I think that would depend on there being any socketed IC's or parts which can work loose. If everything is well soldered down to the board then a few bumps would likely be fine.

    I have an LCD which I use for debugging while the robot is on blocks. But I don't have it mounted to leave it on all the time. I find it hard to read while the robot is moving around, although a few LED's are generally pretty visible at a distance.
  • John R.John R. Posts: 1,376
    edited 2010-08-13 20:36
    You might want to think about not having the monitor lay flat. If the monitor is laying flat (the face parallel with the ground), it will potentially see lots of flexing in reaction to the vibrations. This isn't healthy for the screen.

    The closer you can get the face of the screen to vertical, the more it will be resistant to the forces of any bouncing.

    John R.
  • P!-RoP!-Ro Posts: 1,189
    edited 2010-08-14 01:12
    Thanks, I'll try that! I'm also thinking of taking off the cover just for looks. Maybe it will look a little less obese that way.

    John--its set up so I can easily change the angle of the screen, so i'll just have to remember to do that before letting the robot run loose.
  • ercoerco Posts: 20,256
    edited 2010-08-14 09:31
    I'm guessing that monitor on a gas-engined platform will be short-lived. Vibration will eventually kill it, if the gas cap/refill 5" away doesn't get it first. How about a smaller monitor, shock mounted, far away from the engine? Or a nice big green monochrome LCD display? I'm assuming this is an outdoor robot, can you effectively read any monitor with sunlight on it? Positioning and having a sunshield will be critical for readability.

    BTW, I know you have been working on this platform for a while. Is it Stamp-controlled? I'd love to see some video, please share when you can.
  • sylvie369sylvie369 Posts: 1,622
    edited 2010-08-14 09:45
    My rocket telemetry projects require displays that I can read out on the range. I have no hope of making do with computer monitors - they're frustrating and difficult. I've tried, and I've tried various ways of shielding from sunlight. Marginal at best. LCDs, on the other hand, have come through with flying colors.

    Unless for some reason you need a large full screen of information, or you're only going to use the robot indoors (with a gas engine? Nope) or at night, I'd strongly suggest going with an LCD screen instead.
  • P!-RoP!-Ro Posts: 1,189
    edited 2010-08-14 13:31
    Erco--I wish I could use a small monitor, but I have no way to get it. the current monitor though can be placed in any position making it easier to avoid the sun.

    As for killing it, who cares. I've got two ;)

    @sylvie--I've got both. The monitors are cheaper than lcds making it ideal. I'll use the lcd to repeat some of the data I guess.
  • HumanoidoHumanoido Posts: 5,770
    edited 2010-08-15 11:56
    Pi'd, you'll need to use rubber isolation mounts or that engine will vibrate the monitor to shreds. Also mount the monitor at the vertical to prevent dust, dirt, and rocks from settling on it, or at least high angle tilt it. Definitely cover the screen when the engine is running. Gas fumes alone can eat away at the substrates. Keep your hands clean too, and no spills, not even on the framing, or it can end up chemically eaten away or melted. Speaking of melted, keep it away from any heat source including radiative and convective sources.

    Humanoido
  • schillschill Posts: 741
    edited 2010-08-16 05:33
    pi'd wrote:
    does this monitor make my robot look fat?
    Yes. Yes it does. (must be "read" in a Phineas[1] voice)

    I'm sorry but every time I read the question the above response goes through my head. I've been holding off posting this response but I couldn't resist any longer. If you don't know who Phineas & Ferb are, then just ignore this post. It's meant as a (not really very funny) joke.

    You may now return to more helpful responses.


    [1] Phineas & Ferb - Disney
  • P!-RoP!-Ro Posts: 1,189
    edited 2010-08-16 15:06
    schill wrote: »
    Yes. Yes it does. (must be "read" in a Phineas[1] voice)

    I'm sorry but every time I read the question the above response goes through my head. I've been holding off posting this response but I couldn't resist any longer. If you don't know who Phineas & Ferb are, then just ignore this post. It's meant as a (not really very funny) joke.

    You may now return to more helpful responses.


    [1] Phineas & Ferb - Disney

    Yeah, I'm probably just too young to get it.
  • schillschill Posts: 741
    edited 2010-08-16 15:56
    pi'd wrote: »
    Yeah, I'm probably just too young to get it.
    No - you're probably too old but not old enough. You probably need to be either a young kid (it's a cartoon currently running on Disney Channel) or old enough that you don't mind admitting you watch kids' cartoons.

    Phineas and Ferb are brothers who invent new things every day over summer vacation - lots of making and engineering (but not very realistic).

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phineas_ferb

    A Phineas catch-phrase is "Yes, yes I am."
  • P!-RoP!-Ro Posts: 1,189
    edited 2010-08-16 20:42
    Funny what a fat robot can lead to...
  • Spiral_72Spiral_72 Posts: 791
    edited 2010-08-17 07:32
    Ya could try masking the screen and any vents and painting it black.... or painting the cover removed then reinstall it. I'd think the case would benefit you more than not.

    A gas powered robot. I've been looking for updates on this one for a while. That's nuts man!
  • P!-RoP!-Ro Posts: 1,189
    edited 2010-08-19 20:01
    I've been too busy to work on the robot recently but hopefully I can get some time in tomorrow. I currently have the cover off and like the way it looks, but I can always try painting the frame black. Anyway, when I do have time I'll keep you guys updated if I get anything happening. BTW--Spiral, it's not nuts, it's smart.
  • WBA ConsultingWBA Consulting Posts: 2,934
    edited 2010-08-23 10:57
    Does it need to be VGA or can you use analog video? A 6" headrest LCD using an analog video input would look rather nice on that setup. You can find those on eBay pretty cheap. If you are using a stamp, consider Parallax's Propeller Backpack to move to analog video. If you are using a prop, you already know the drill.
  • P!-RoP!-Ro Posts: 1,189
    edited 2010-08-24 17:22
    It's still pricey for me. Nothing beats a free LCD :) I should post a pic of how I have it currently...It's cooler.
  • P!-RoP!-Ro Posts: 1,189
    edited 2010-09-28 20:53
    Don't it look purdy? Been working on it for the past few days, currently it's running dummy code that represents nothing.
    1600 x 1200 - 322K
  • logan996logan996 Posts: 281
    edited 2010-09-29 12:33
    hey pi'd how did you make this bot?
  • P!-RoP!-Ro Posts: 1,189
    edited 2010-09-29 15:39
    I welded freshman year giving me the knowledge to start working on the frame during sophomore year, and I've just kept at it until now, my senior year. I still don't know how I've kept working on it without giving up. Somehow I've also managed to scrape up $600 for it too and I've never had a job... At least that's dirt cheap for what it's worth.
  • logan996logan996 Posts: 281
    edited 2010-09-29 17:39
    wow, thats awesome! ill be a freshman next year so maybe ill get lucky too! who knows?
  • P!-RoP!-Ro Posts: 1,189
    edited 2010-10-04 15:08
    It's not luck, it's work.
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