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mArlo Debut - UPDATE with Video Tour — Parallax Forums

mArlo Debut - UPDATE with Video Tour

WhitWhit Posts: 4,191
edited 2018-06-13 04:00 in Robotics
mArlo, my mid-size Arlo robot platform, is complete and running as of today - Memorial Day, May28, 2018. mArlo uses the components of the Parallax Arlo Complete Robot System in more compact configuration - just under 12" in diameter. Many of my parts are from previous versions of the current Arlo.

Below are build photos of the final assembly and a quickly shot video of the mArlo running some BlocklyProp Code written for the Arlo using Ping))) ultrasonic detectors for obstacle avoidance. It is called Arlo Roaming with Ping))) Obstacle Detection. The code is at this link - http://blockly.parallax.com/blockly/editor/blocklyc.jsp?project=15424 Notice the addition of an additional breadboard area in the final photo.

mArloBuild1.jpg
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mArloBuild5a.jpg
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mArloBuild7.jpg
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mArloBuild8.jpg
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mArloBuild9.jpg
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mArloBuild10.jpg
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Comments

  • Phil Pilgrim (PhiPi)Phil Pilgrim (PhiPi) Posts: 23,514
    Very cool, Whit! Thanks for sharing.

    Man! You've got some serious battery power on that thing!

    BTW, I like the photos from your shop. Can you show us around some more, please?

    -Phil
  • Ken GraceyKen Gracey Posts: 7,395
    Super-sized the power system because this will be the robot that collects the church offertory. :smile:
  • WhitWhit Posts: 4,191
    edited 2018-05-29 03:53
    @"Phil Pilgrim (PhiPi)" - this shop is my Dad's - really nice - well organized! Will post photo next time I'm there.

    @"Ken Gracey" - You got that right!

    Set up with two SLA batteries, mArlo weieghs about the same amount as Aron, but because of its size - it feels much heavier!
  • GordonMcCombGordonMcComb Posts: 3,366
    Whit, Looking good!

    If I didn't know better I'd say you cut up the counter top from your kitchen. Now *that* is dedication to robotics! :smile:
  • AwesomeCronkAwesomeCronk Posts: 1,055
    edited 2018-05-29 15:29
    I have seen threads about issues with the Arlo motors recently. Are you having issues with encoder failure and axle rubbing, too? Or maybe that may just be due to the large size robot, yours is a lot smaller by comparison.
  • WhitWhit Posts: 4,191
    edited 2018-05-29 19:13
    @GordonMcComb - Thanks - cutting boards were cheap, easy to find, and tough - the closest thing I could find locally to Arlo’s platform material - screws self-tap too!

    @AwesomeCronk- No issues here - and these are the very first 12V motor and wheel sets Parallax sold - long faithful service.

    I think some folks needed to update the firmware on their DHB-10 motor control board. Easy to do - see the Arlo section at learn.parallax.com
  • AwesomeCronkAwesomeCronk Posts: 1,055
    Ah. Makes sense.
  • ercoerco Posts: 20,257
    Great job, Whit! Certainly makes for a memorable Memorial Day!
  • GordonMcCombGordonMcComb Posts: 3,366
    Whit, While on the subject of the base, inquiring minds want to know how you cut it out. Or did it already come in pretty circles?

    There's some mighty fine chamfering on those edges. Almost like you have the right tool for the right job.
  • Hal AlbachHal Albach Posts: 747
    @Whit-Thanks - cutting boards were cheap, easy to find, and tough...

    That is a terrific idea for a bot platform, going to have to hunt down a few for my Slammer project. My plywood is starting to get a little weak from all the holes I drilled. Would you happen to know what kind of material yours is? Did it require any special tools for cutting?
  • Martin_HMartin_H Posts: 4,051
    Neat robot
  • WhitWhit Posts: 4,191
    edited 2018-05-31 04:18
    @GordonMcComb
    @"Hal Albach" - My prototype was cut using a bandsaw - drilled a center hole, made a pivot and spun the board to make the circles - then cut the wheel notches on the middle platform, the bottom is just a rectangle.

    Once I had everything figured out - I used a CNC router to cut the final boards after making drawings. All edges are just hand sanded.

    @Martin_H - Thanks!
  • WhitWhit Posts: 4,191
    Parallax mid-sized Arlo, m-Arlo - learning to make accurate turns. Programmed to Beep, turn 90 CW, Beep, turn 180 CCW, Beep, and turn 360 CW, Beep - all at a very controlled speed. This is all in C - BlocklyProp is not able to take advantage of all the DHB-10 features yet.

  • ercoerco Posts: 20,257
    What a lovely mArlo, Thomas!


    marlo.png
    marlo.png
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  • WhitWhit Posts: 4,191
    That Bot!
  • WhitWhit Posts: 4,191
    edited 2018-06-09 02:57
    Hey All,

    Spent some time troubleshooting an IR Remote issue with Parallax.

    We are still working on it, but...
    Parallax customer/technical support is SECOND TO NONE!

    Thanks to you all!

    UPDATE: The rest of this story is here - http://forums.parallax.com/discussion/168600/sony-ir-with-m-arlo-bug-solved#latest
  • WhitWhit Posts: 4,191
    What's on top...

    m-Arlo%20Layout.JPG
    m-Arlo Layout.JPG
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  • ercoerco Posts: 20,257
    I like your clear photos and documentation, Whit. Have you considered writing an article on mini Arlo and letting your project bear fruit and multiply? SERVO magazine needs authors, possibly MAKE too. PM me for details.

    BTW, does your mini Arlo burp like this one?

  • WhitWhit Posts: 4,191
    With the Propeller Activity Board WX's micro SD card, all I have to do is make a wav recording of Arlo's burp...

    Easy peasy - m-Arlo will be burping in now time. See http://learn.parallax.com/tutorials/robot/activitybot/remote-control-rock-talk-and-roll-activitybot on learn.parallax.com - This ActivityBot sounds just like Stephanie!
  • WhitWhit Posts: 4,191
    edited 2018-06-12 22:23
    Parallax "m-Arlo" Robot Video Tour...

  • RS_JimRS_Jim Posts: 1,768
    Whit,
    What tool did you use to cut out your cutting boards?
    Jim
  • WhitWhit Posts: 4,191
    edited 2018-06-13 13:41
    @RS_Jim - The prototype I made to try everything out was cut using a bandsaw - I drilled a center hole, made a pivot and spun the board to make the circles - then cut the wheel notches on the middle platform, the bottom is just a rectangle.

    Once I had everything figured out - I used a CNC router to cut the final boards after making drawings on AutoCAD. My sister teaches at Louisiana Tech and has access to some very sophisticated tools! Below is a video of the mid-deck being cut. All edges are just hand sanded to smooth them and slightly round the edges.

  • AwesomeCronkAwesomeCronk Posts: 1,055
    You have inspired me to make a TArlo(T for Tiny)!
  • WhitWhit Posts: 4,191
    @AwesomeCronk - Can't wait to see TArlo!
  • AwesomeCronkAwesomeCronk Posts: 1,055
    In that case, two questions.
    1. What is the diameter of MArlo?
    2. Any ideas for a very small DC Motor Driver?(2-channel)
  • AwesomeCronkAwesomeCronk Posts: 1,055
    Or, I could use 3-inch wheels and CR servos.
  • WhitWhit Posts: 4,191
    m-Arlo is 11-3/4" in diameter.

    I think using the ActivityBot 360 servos and wheels would make a great t-Arlo, especially since the 360 servos include the encoder function with on extra wire. You could use a Propeller Activity Board WX too. The diameter of t-Arlo would be about 6" - I may make one too! This is a super idea.

    My parts list would include:

    2 - Parallax Feedback 360° High Speed Servos - https://www.parallax.com/product/900-00360 - $50
    1 - Propeller Activity Board WX - https://www.parallax.com/product/32912 - $80
    1 - Battery Holder 5-AA Barrel Jack - https://www.parallax.com/product/753-00007 - $4

    Better yet...
    1 - Small Robot to ActivityBot 360° Upgrade Kit - https://www.parallax.com/product/32603 - $100 (save $25!)
    2 - Small Robot Wheel and Tire - https://www.parallax.com/product/28114 - $8

    All you need then is a base (cut like m-Alro's mid-deck, a top deck, way to mount the servos and the "tail" wheels - front and back - I might even use a
    1 - Small Robot Chassis - https://www.parallax.com/product/700-00022 - $25 (and another ball wheel mount) and
    2 - 1" Tail Wheel Ball(s) - https://www.parallax.com/product/700-00009 - $8

    You could make the whole thing for around $150.

  • AwesomeCronkAwesomeCronk Posts: 1,055
    I was looking at the original CR servos, but 360s would be much better.
    I am on a shoestring budget, here, so I was actually looking at double wall cardboard.
    I would roll with your first list, but have a bs2 on a breadboard instead.(or something like the picture)
    Propeller_ID_Card.JPG
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  • AwesomeCronkAwesomeCronk Posts: 1,055
    If I put the servos back-to-back, I could make this thing as small as 5 to 6 inches diameter.
  • WhitWhit Posts: 4,191
    @AwesomeCronk - Cool - I totally understand being on a budget! Have fun and keep us posted.
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