The Golden Age of Hobby Robotics

Martin_H

We are living in the golden age of hobby robotics. There are so many cool inexpensive robotics products, but so little time to use them. I marvel at the CPU's, sensors, motors, and platforms that are available.

For example here's a 4WD robot platform for $60 when you include shipping:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=270786192864&category=162&_trksid=p5197.c0.m619#ht_2239wt_954

Couple it with the Propeller robot control board for a cool robot for $150, then mix in assorted sensors.

schill

It's not a copy, but it's pretty similar to the Lynxmotion 4WD platform:

http://www.lynxmotion.com/c-30-a4wd1-rovers.aspx

erco

@Martin_H: Neat Ebay platform except for those motors, which are def undergeared at 48:1. Change those to 220:1 and you'll have something torquey and controllable. Nice find!

Edit: The original 4WD Tyco Rebound was also a great, strong, sound platform for robotics. You can find them cheap at yard sales or on Ebay: http://cgi.ebay.com/Rebound-4x4-truck-Car-/280712931506?pt=Radio_Control_Vehicles&hash=item415bcb68b2

I won Robot magazine's "4 Bottle" contest a few years ago using a Rebound and a simple BS-1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ImriJO7DNac

Big balloon tires act as shock absorbers, a plus. And the original vehicle was lots of fun, too: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f3vcz4bhgzA&NR=1

Whit

@Martin_H

Agreed. It really reminds me of the early home computer days. I believe amateir roboticist can really contribute to the field also. It is a Golden Age.

Martin_H

Erco, I saw your hacked four bottles bug before, but not the 4x4. Cool robot.

There are a couple different versions of that platform with different gear ratios. So that's a good suggestion.