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Penguin Rework Instructions + Rework Kit + Availability — Parallax Forums

Penguin Rework Instructions + Rework Kit + Availability

Ken GraceyKen Gracey Posts: 7,392
edited 2011-01-29 17:45 in Robotics
Hey there,

This thread will be used to update the status of the following Penguin issues:

- availability of small parts kit to perform the rework described in rework instructions
- how to get one of the remaining Penguins so you can rework

The updates on these items will be made on this post.

We owe a tremendous thanks to Andrew (WBA Consulting) for preparing the attached Penguin rework instructions.

For those unfamiliar with the specific issue, I'll give you the short version. We have about 200 Penguins from a manufacturing run which have a defective PCB. These will not be sold at full price - and they may not be sold at all. We haven't figured out how to distribute them. One customer suggested that buyers make a non-profit donation and then we send them a Penguin. We'll tackle this part next.

For now, the rework instructions are attached. I'll get the rework kits built up in the next ten days.

With this rework you'll have a 100% functional Penguin.

Thanks for your patience. I've been really busy lately and haven't even had a chance to upload an avatar.

Ken Gracey
pdf
pdf
Penguin Robot Rev B Rework Instructions-P13-FINAL.pdf
1M
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Comments

  • ercoerco Posts: 20,256
    edited 2010-09-07 08:46
    Ken: Andrew's instructions are very clear and well-written. You'll have no trouble placing these errant birds in loving foster homes. Spread the love around!
  • RobotWorkshopRobotWorkshop Posts: 2,307
    edited 2010-09-07 08:49
    I certainly don't mind doing a few modifications to fix a penguin robot (or two) and would like to be on the list to buy one when they are ready. Need to add at least one to my robot collection!

    Robert
  • Al BoothAl Booth Posts: 137
    edited 2010-09-07 09:17
    @Ken
    Thank you for posting the rework instructions.

    I would also be willing to do the mods on several boards. And would like to get on the list for buying one of the little guys.

    Al
    San Jose, CA
  • P!-RoP!-Ro Posts: 1,189
    edited 2010-09-07 22:34
    I feel kinda bad getting anything for this penguin at all since I got it for free, but all the items I requested will at least help me with my current robot project. You can find the post here:
    http://forums.parallax.com/showthread.php?p=937420#post937420

    I mostly just want the wireless, I need it to more easily program my robot (access obex).

    At least I've done the whole donation/packaging thing before so I know what I'm doing now.
  • WhitWhit Posts: 4,191
    edited 2010-09-08 11:01
    Thanks Ken and Andrew!
  • HumanoidoHumanoido Posts: 5,770
    edited 2010-09-09 11:51
    It will be wonderful to get these robots into the hands of robot enthusiasts. We should begin to see a lot of new posted programs and information as users get involved with Penguin. The extra port really opens up a lot of new project potential. I am experimenting with a stacked Penguin mother board that can communicate serially through one of the port pins. Not sure what to call this, maybe a coprocessor, maybe the beginning of a small cluster stack making a more powerful brain. As you stack a couple of these boards, it does look like a brain is growing bigger and bigger. :) In another experiment, serial information is sent through the LED as wireless. The BS2px is one of the most powerful Stamps ideal for these projects.

    Humanoido
  • VonSzarvasVonSzarvas Posts: 3,450
    edited 2010-09-09 13:03
    I believe also into the hands of robot toe-dippers ! The "Save the Penguin" effort has certainly inspired me to get involved, and I look forward for the chance to order one.
    :)
  • GalacticaActualGalacticaActual Posts: 18
    edited 2010-09-27 10:50
    Any update on availability of the rework kits? Thanks.
  • logan996logan996 Posts: 281
    edited 2010-09-27 14:49
    WOW! that would be like the coolest thing to have a penguin!!! Please PM when you've come to a decision!!! I would LOVE to have a penguin!!!!!!!!!
  • HumanoidoHumanoido Posts: 5,770
    edited 2010-09-27 16:21
    Guys, the Penguin robot is fantastic. I have some for hobby use and it's mind blowing what you can do with these little cute robots. I have one who is an astronaut and gets to ride into space - his ticket to launch is on my hobby space program.
  • WolfbrotherWolfbrother Posts: 129
    edited 2010-10-06 20:41
    Hi,

    Is there an update for getting one of these penguins? I'm starting a new art project and would be thrilled to do a bit of rework to get my little paws on a penguin.

    Thanks,

    Dave
  • jaegjaeg Posts: 156
    edited 2010-10-07 09:55
    I wouldn't mind getting my hands on just the boards.
  • HumanoidoHumanoido Posts: 5,770
    edited 2010-10-08 07:13
    jaeg wrote: »
    I wouldn't mind getting my hands on just the boards.
    Jaeg, the boards are the smallest and most powerful in the BASIC Stamp lineup. They have extra PBASIC programming statements and extra capabilities. I would think this is the high demand ticket item. With built in sensors, it's one of the greatest board sets to come along for robotics. (compass, receiver, transmitter, sound, speech, servo control, power control, ports, alphanumeric display, etc.)
  • HumanoidoHumanoido Posts: 5,770
    edited 2010-10-08 07:15
    Wolfbrother wrote: »
    Hi, Is there an update for getting one of these penguins? I'm starting a new art project and would be thrilled to do a bit of rework to get my little paws on a penguin. Thanks, Dave
    Contact Parallax immediately and make arrangements to have one shipped. Tell us more about your art project.
  • WolfbrotherWolfbrother Posts: 129
    edited 2010-10-09 18:03
    Humanoido wrote: »
    Contact Parallax immediately and make arrangements to have one shipped. Tell us more about your art project.

    Hi, thanks for asking, I'm still in the figuring phase, so I'd rather not explain just yet, but if you are interested in some things artists do with Parallax components, my blog is www.davewerld.com

    Thanks,

    Dave
  • HumanoidoHumanoido Posts: 5,770
    edited 2010-10-09 22:37
    Wolfbrother wrote: »
    Hi, thanks for asking, I'm still in the figuring phase, so I'd rather not explain just yet, but if you are interested in some things artists do with Parallax components, my blog is www.davewerld.com
    Thanks, Dave
    Dave, those are very fascinating projects found at your blog! Great job and keep at it!
  • W9GFOW9GFO Posts: 4,010
    edited 2010-11-15 15:55
    Would this MOSFET be a suitable substitute for the one specified in the document?
  • Jim FouchJim Fouch Posts: 395
    edited 2010-11-16 06:40
    Any update on the rework kits? I have two of these robots and would love to get them walking.... :-)
  • RobotWorkshopRobotWorkshop Posts: 2,307
    edited 2010-11-16 07:36
    Any update on the Penguin's needing adoption that require the rework kit? I'm interested in adopting a couple of those birds if they are available. No need to wait for a re-work kit. I have no issues coming up with the new parts and performing the operation myself.

    Robert
  • W9GFOW9GFO Posts: 4,010
    edited 2010-11-30 11:30
    W9GFO wrote: »
    Would this MOSFET be a suitable substitute for the one specified in the document?

    Alright then, guess I gotta answer my own question...

    Why yes Rich, that MOSFET works just peachy. Three Penguins underwent the procedure late last night using that very MOSFET, they recovered quickly and are now free to roam about untethered.

    Time to complete: exactly one episode of News Radio each.

    Rich H
  • bee_manbee_man Posts: 109
    edited 2010-11-30 12:51
    My compliments to the surgeon, glad to see 3 crippled bots back up and walking. Is there any news on when these will be available? The fix does not look that difficult for people with some soldering experience.

    Jim
  • W9GFOW9GFO Posts: 4,010
    edited 2010-11-30 13:31
    bee_man wrote: »
    My compliments to the surgeon, glad to see 3 crippled bots back up and walking. Is there any news on when these will be available? The fix does not look that difficult for people with some soldering experience.

    Thanks, the fix was actually slightly more difficult than I had anticipated. Black boards (or robot bases) sure look cool but they are a pain in the butt to work with.

    It's a mystery as to when we will know how to obtain more. When it's decided, put me down for a black one.

    Rich H
  • Ken GraceyKen Gracey Posts: 7,392
    edited 2010-11-30 13:35
    Hey guys,

    Penguins are next in line after the S2s are underway.

    I'll get to these little birds, I promise. We even have the parts in stock- just need to kit up a small "rework kit" and then I can hand them over to the various robot veterinarians out there. Haven't decided what to do cost-wise, yet, however. A few forum members have suggested a charity donation. This may bet the way it works out.

    Thanks,

    Ken
  • schillschill Posts: 741
    edited 2010-11-30 14:04
    One free with every S2? :) I expect my S2 is in one of those boxes (http://forums.parallax.com/showthread.php?t=127542).

    More seriously, I am looking forward to finding out how to get a Penguin.
  • N-2-STUFFN-2-STUFF Posts: 25
    edited 2010-11-30 20:25
    Is this a complete kit or just the boards?

    scott
  • W9GFOW9GFO Posts: 4,010
    edited 2010-11-30 21:22
    N-2-STUFF wrote: »
    Is this a complete kit or just the boards?

    It is my understanding that the rework kit will accompany the last of the Penguins (full kits) that Parallax is deciding how to distribute. I'm pretty sure that the rework kit will also be available to those that already possess one of the affected Penguins.

    Rich H
  • N-2-STUFFN-2-STUFF Posts: 25
    edited 2010-12-01 13:50
    W9GFO wrote: »
    It is my understanding that the rework kit will accompany the last of the Penguins (full kits) that Parallax is deciding how to distribute. I'm pretty sure that the rework kit will also be available to those that already possess one of the affected Penguins.

    Rich H

    Thanks Rich
  • dgatelydgately Posts: 1,630
    edited 2011-01-13 17:33
    Decided to strike out on my own (parts-wise) and used the instructions to rework my little Penguin...

    Purchased a few of these from Mouser:
    621-DMP2160UW-7, Diodes Inc. MOSFET Small Signal SINGLE P-CHANNEL, US HTS: 8541.21.0095 ECCN:EAR99 COO:CN

    Had an unused 10K SMD resistor (from another circuit)

    With my best reading glasses, lots of light and a very small pointed tip on my solder iron, was able to solder the parts on as described. The Penguin is back together and running as it should without need of USB tether. My dog thinks he's met his match and is convinced that the Penguin is a Rottweiler.

    Thanks to Ken for the instructions (and the Penguin that I received for being in the right room at the right time during 2010 UPEW)...

    dgately
  • RobotWorkshopRobotWorkshop Posts: 2,307
    edited 2011-01-13 17:57
    So are the Penguin kits available now? I certainly don't mind performing the rework on one!
  • MINI-IZEDMINI-IZED Posts: 19
    edited 2011-01-29 17:33
    If anyone is following this thread, there is a charity giveaway here: http://forums.parallax.com/showthread.php?129018-The-March-of-the-Penguins!
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