Adding Servo Motors to Boe-Bot Robot Kit

fsotcher

My Grandson and I have a basic Boe-Bot Robot Kit with the Basic Stamp 2. We have worked through most of the manual and would now like to build a robot type device using what we have learned. Our plan calls for the use of a total of five servos plus other control devices. What should we purchase? Can we use the circuit board that comes with the kit or should we get something else?.

Thanks in advance for your assistance

Fred

NWCCTV

Welcome to the Forums. What you are asking is definitely doable, however, I am not sure how feasible it is. Servos take up quite a bit of power so you will want to have a good power source. Since the Basic stamps can only do 1 thing at a time, you should not have to worry about trying to draw too much current. You could use a couple of these http://www.parallax.com/tabid/768/txtSearch/servopal/List/0/SortField/4/Default.aspx and then hardwire the fifth servo. You would probably want a different power source for the last one. I think it all boils down to what exactly are you trying to accomplish. This could be much more easily accomplished using the new Propeller Activity Board but which ever way you decide to go you will find plenty of help on this forum.

Matt Gilliland

Hi Fred and Grandson - Welcome to the Forums :thumb:

I'll add to NW's suggestion about the power source too. A lot of servos drain batteries pretty quickly - one option is to upgrade to our Li-ion Battery Packs made specifically for the Boe-Bot (although it can be used in anything that needs substantial, long term power) - plus both models come with built in charger circuits. Fully charged, a standard is able to go over 3 miles between charges. Check out:

Li-ion for Boe Bot Charger and the standard full-size model.

-MattG

PJAllen

http://www.parallax.com/StoreSearchResults/tabid/768/List/0/SortField/4/ProductID/595/Default.aspx?txtSearch=servo+controller

NWCCTV

@Matt, I am trying to push the PAB!!!! Gees, I guess this means no marketing job for me!!!