Telepresence Robot motor mounts

jdolecki · 2012-03-28 01:54

Was finally able to finish making and welding the motor mounts onto the base.

The motors and wheels are from a wheelchair.

The cart was originally a computer cart from a hospital.

RobotWorkshop · 2012-03-28 08:30

Looks like a nice welding job! That is a great platform for a telepresence robot. Was there any brand name or model of that computer cart?

If you haven't heard of the LEAF project you may want to checkout:

http://www.leafproject.org/

It may be a good project to run on your platform. I'm using it on one of my larger robots with excellent results. Besides the base LEAF setup I also use a Propeller as a co-processor.

Robert

jdolecki · 2012-03-28 08:50

Good thing i'm a better welder than programmer.

The cart came from my local electronics recycle. there on e-bay just type hospital computer cart.

I read about the leaf project a couple years ago It didn't seem to catch my interest but I will revisit it.

I really want to give Microsoft robotics studio a try, I'm a firm believer that that's the way to go since everything else

in the world runs on Microsoft.

jdolecki · 2012-03-31 17:08

Next problem is getting it all to fit

The mother board
2 batteries
Computer power supply
Motor driver
All the wiring
Hard drive
Propeller board I'm still thinking about getting and Eddie board right now i have a gadget gangster board

I thought the sticker above the e-stop button was funny but my wife says I'm a dork!

Cerin · 2012-04-03 08:28

jdolecki wrote: »

Good thing i'm a better welder than programmer.

The cart came from my local electronics recycle. there on e-bay just type hospital computer cart.

I read about the leaf project a couple years ago It didn't seem to catch my interest but I will revisit it.

I really want to give Microsoft robotics studio a try, I'm a firm believer that that's the way to go since everything else

in the world runs on Microsoft.

You're joking right? Not to sound like a snob, but I don't know anyone using Microsoft robotics studio for "real" robotics development. It's Linux all the way.

Tom C · 2012-04-03 10:03

Cerin wrote: »

You're joking right? Not to sound like a snob, but I don't know anyone using Microsoft robotics studio for "real" robotics development. It's Linux all the way.

Cerin,
Before you make a statement like that, you need to search the web to see how involved MS plans to be in the world of robotics. Since MS is giving RDS away for free, it is going to be hard to compete with them in the long run. Remember when PCs were a "hobby" type of electronic gagdet and nobody knew who Bill Gates and Steve Jobs were? MS is a power to be reckoned with in the world of robotics.
Just a thought.
Regards,
TCIII

jdolecki · 2012-04-03 12:08

I currently Have Ubuntu running ROS on that mother board you see laying there on the table.

I'm open to all operating systems and will try as many as I can.

Thanks

jdolecki · 2012-04-05 01:59

Finally got it on the ground and moving under RC control.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yp7jta9wNXk

jdolecki · 2012-04-09 10:38

I was able to get the encoder boards mounted to the gearboxes this weekend.

Reprap 10 bit magnetic encoders.

Soldered them myself

took apart the gearbox.
Made slug to center the board.
spot faced the case for the standoffs
6-32 screws to hold it on
Since the shafts are hardened I will glue the magnets to the ends.

Now were are those special magnets?

jdolecki · 2012-04-14 15:48

Finished the encoder magnet mounts

Made from nylon stock

Since the shaft was hardened it epoxied the mounts to the end of it.

jdolecki · 2012-04-28 20:14

I finally figured out how to get all the components into the case

I had to grind out all the factory standoffs and ribs

There is now a aluminum box surrounding the batteries that will be welded to a bottom plate.

The components are mounted to that plate.I will weld it all together once i fix a few interference issues

Matt Gilliland · 2012-04-28 21:24

Hi Cerin - Welcome to the Forums! :thumb:

..."real" robotics development...

What's that mean? I mean, from your viewpoint, what constitutes a "real robot"?
-MattG

Matt Gilliland · 2012-04-28 21:37

Hey jdolecki-
Looks great! I am watching this project with great interest :thumb:
-MattG

jdolecki · 2012-05-02 02:51

Welded the "Cube"together and started mounted the components.

Moved some of the components around again to get the most clearance between them and the case.

All boards are mounted with nylon screws and standoffs.

Fabrication left to do: Mount for 4 ping sensors"Ping Ring", Battery hold down and Gadget Gangster mount plate.

Wiring: Quick connects between the Controls and robot. ( Motors, encoders, monitor and Kinect)

Plan to finish the wiring and upload the Eddie firmware this weekend and attempt to drive it with the wireless Xbox controller.

Ye-ha let the Robot Assimilation begin.

I plan on bring It to UPEC.

Ttailspin · 2012-05-02 08:53

Looks like you've been busy jdolecki, It is a very cool platform.
Kinda looks like the Borg cube from Star Trek...:thumb:

-Tommy

Telepresence Robot motor mounts

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