Small swarm
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in Robotics
While I work up to my more ambitious project (http://forums.parallax.com/discussion/164862/outdoor-self-sufficient-experimental-rover-osser), decided to start a smaller project to keep my motivation up.
Ordered 3 of these: https://www.servocity.com/whippersnapper and will be assembling a small robot swarm.
Eventually each will have an XBee and an IR beacon for finding and communicating with each other.
Hopefully will receive the chassis by this weekend, so pictures will be incoming soon!
Ordered 3 of these: https://www.servocity.com/whippersnapper and will be assembling a small robot swarm.
Eventually each will have an XBee and an IR beacon for finding and communicating with each other.
Hopefully will receive the chassis by this weekend, so pictures will be incoming soon!
Comments
Picked up motor driver modules for only $3.90 a piece, kinda feel like erco now!
The motors on each side will be connected in parallel, max current in that configuration is 500mA, so well within the limits of the drivers I'll be using: https://www.pololu.com/product/2135
https://www.pololu.com/product/2474 For object detection, first time I've ever used these.
Now comes the most difficult part of the process: waiting for the toys to arrive...
The motor math keeps working out to 18" per second no load, I'm guessing half that once batteries are installed
5 AA's for the power source
And this will be featured in your figure-8 challenge!
That's so boss, Boss!
https://www.amazon.com/ROBOT-2WD-KIT2-FT-DC-002-Build-Bot-Crumblebot-Mindsets/dp/B01L3QAR7A
I love it!
I'm pretty sure I'd be able to switch out the motors if I need, just will require testing.
Shipping info says most of the parts should be here by this weekend
Whit, make use proud! (I don't have the hardware to do this).
I see a smackdown between a Scribbler, an S2 and an S3 duking it out around a Figure 8 course.
"Three bot enter, one bot leave".
Better yet, the Parallax "Gang of Three" takes on the diminutive "Gang of Five"...
Gangnum Style! http://mrmercury.webs.com/apps/photos/photo?photoid=3990619
Challenge accepted!
Oooooooooohhh, the race to do the first swarm figure 8 is on! Minimum 3 robots to call a swarm. Crashing/overlapping/avoidance a plus but not required.
FYI: If I make the figure 8 big enough, I've got a huge jump on you: http://forums.parallax.com/discussion/139118/scribbler-follow-the-leader
Still waiting on packages from pololu and mouser; sensors, motor drivers, ADCs, and 2.1mm barrel connectors
I wish that merit badge had been in existence when I was a Scout, would have been all over that like white on rice...
Pololu parts should arrive today, all that's left is the ADCs from mouser...
What do you think of that robot chassis so far?
Just received the motor drivers, sensors, and ADCs right before I left for work. (Now doesn't that just make you want to spend 10h away from home...)
Motors have a nice sound, rather quiet compared to what I expected.
Not terribly torque-y, but should be more than enough for the size. I can easily switch them out if needed.
I do have a favor to ask from all of you because I'm terrible at this part:
What would you recommend for names?
Enjoy!
Mike
That is awesome!
https://flic.kr/p/Njcxpa
Got the motor driver installed on the first 'bot, powered it up and suddenly had to run to catch the darn thing.
Math says the motors should run at 18" per second at 4.5V, running these at 7.5.
First video here:
Barely related but fun IMO: For the drifting set, scrubbing is used to advantage.
The motor drivers have 2 modes, going to test both tomorrow
May get the sensors mounted tonight
I buy from this US seller regularly and I know he's one of very few guys selling 120:1 gearboxes instead of the more common 48:1, which is what your rovers have. Best price, too, at $7/pair with free ship. Wheels included.
He'll stock up again, so you can buy more later if you like them. And you will.
So far the motors provided have more than enough torque for running around, and I don't have much weight on them besides the batteries.
I'll post some more videos of motor tests tomorrow, life said no to testing today.
Hopefully by this weekend I'll have the sensors mounted and functioning, and might be able to order parts to build the IR beacons!