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Wireless Boe Bot — Parallax Forums

Wireless Boe Bot

FRC2370FRC2370 Posts: 128
edited 2012-05-10 19:22 in Robotics
I just completed my project the other day, which is a wireless controlled Boe-Bot. It uses the 2-Axis Joystick, a 2x16 Serial LCD, and a set of 433Mhz RF transceivers. The controller transmits a certain number for each direction, like 2=forward, 1=backwards, 5=stop, and you get the idea. The Boe-Bot has a custom built Polycarbonate Chassis, and the controller is using the BS2e module. The screen shows the joysticks values

Comments

  • ercoerco Posts: 20,256
    edited 2012-04-30 06:49
    Sweet, how about sharing some pics & video? Would like to see your chassis.
  • FRC2370FRC2370 Posts: 128
    edited 2012-04-30 17:12
    I would love to put some pictures up, but im actually in the midst of improving the project. Its going to have a lengthened chassis and will have 4 drive motors versus 2 motors and a roller ball. Ill put pictures and videos up tommorow when its done
  • FRC2370FRC2370 Posts: 128
    edited 2012-05-01 17:08
    Heres some pictures of the 4 wheel drive version which was just put together. Not the best quality videos, especially since the batteries were running low. With 9 volt batteries it moves a lot faster and since the rubber bands weren't on the wheels it didnt grip that well. Anyway heres how the controller (which uses the LCD to show the joystick values) looks and how the chassis looks. It even has the Parallax logo on the sides
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  • FRC2370FRC2370 Posts: 128
    edited 2012-05-01 17:10
    Woops. Videos are too big for the uploader to handle
  • Jimmy LiebJimmy Lieb Posts: 46
    edited 2012-05-01 19:40
    Oh...
    I feel terrible. I offered to help write code, and then forgot about it for about a month... I just posted on your other post with information to help you, and was going to write code ASAP. Then I saw this. I can't believe I let you down, I am so sorry!

    On a more positive note, It looks amazing! I am glad it turned out so well!

    Sorry,
    Jimmy
  • FRC2370FRC2370 Posts: 128
    edited 2012-05-03 05:34
    No worrys. It turned out great in the end :)
  • FRC2370FRC2370 Posts: 128
    edited 2012-05-03 15:23
    So I'm considering upgrading my basic stamp from the BS2e module. Any recommendations on which module?
  • Jimmy LiebJimmy Lieb Posts: 46
    edited 2012-05-07 17:43
    well, it depends on what you are looking to do with it. I just use a regular BS2, and have never had any reason to upgrade. What are you trying to achieve?
  • Duane DegnDuane Degn Posts: 10,588
    edited 2012-05-07 19:22
    FRC2370 wrote: »
    So I'm considering upgrading my basic stamp from the BS2e module. Any recommendations on which module?

    If you're going to upgrade, and if want to build smarter robots, you just can't bet a Propeller. There are so many good reasons to upgrade to a Propeller. If you want to play a sound and at the same time continue to refresh servos, a Propeller will let you do it easily. No more doing only one thing at a time.

    There are lots of great Propeller powered robots on the forum (I like to think some of mine are pretty cool). Jose upgraded his BOE-Bot with a QuickStart board. Right now Gadget Gangter has a deal when you buy a QS, they give you a free QuickProto. Add one of their uSD card modules for even more fun. This route will cost less than purchasing a Basic Stamp.

    For a little more money, you could buy a PropBOE. I've added a PropBOE to my BOE-Bot and I can control it with my R/C equipment. Using the built in SD card reader, the PropBOE-Bot can record the path as you drive and then play so you can have the robot drive the same path on its own.

    Using the Prop, I was able to read all four quadrature encoder data on my Rover 5 chassis which made controlling the Mecanum wheels on it much easier.

    It's relatively inexpensive to add wireless control to a Prop. Nordic nRF24L01+ transceivers are less than $2.50 on ebay. Connect one transceiver to the Prop on your robot and another to a second Propeller board, and you can both send commands to your robot and also receive data back from your bot.

    There are lots of controller options to use with the Propeller. The Wii Nunchuck is one of my favorites. I also like the PlayStation 2 controller.

    I could go on a long time (an even longer time) with a list of reasons to use a Propeller as a robot controller, but I think you've got the idea. Robots and Propellers go together like peanut butter and chocolate (or peas and carrots or some other combination that goes well together).
  • FRC2370FRC2370 Posts: 128
    edited 2012-05-08 05:58
    Im trying to stick to using BASIC stamps for now, Propeller is definetly in the future though. Im looking for a little bit more speed for both the controller and the BOEbot, but don't know which stamp to go with. at the moment a BS2sx sounds pretty nice but is that the best idea?
  • FRC2370FRC2370 Posts: 128
    edited 2012-05-09 17:10
    The 4 wheel drive system is being set aside for use at a later date, and so far the hardware has been moved onto a duplicate of the original chassis, which has been made out of a single polycarbonate sheet. It will have a gripper kit installed in good time and will still be wirelessly controlled. And the controller is getting upgraded with the 4x20 LCD to have a bit more data from the stamp about operation
  • Jimmy LiebJimmy Lieb Posts: 46
    edited 2012-05-10 17:47
    Honestly, I doubt you will be able to tell any difference between the two stamps if you are doing BOE Bots. I wouldn't spend money on that.
  • FRC2370FRC2370 Posts: 128
    edited 2012-05-10 19:22
    Well the reason why im asking is because im starting a new, bigger project. Itll be using HB-25 motor controllers (910-29144) and 12V DC motors (750-90003) so im wondering if a higher end stamp would make any difference, since im not interested in propellers yet
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