Boebot Project
Archiver
Posts: 46,084
This post is made just to let everyone know what I have done with my Boebot
in case anyone might have similar notions.
The BS2 Boebot was built per Parallax with whiskers in front. I added
rearward looking IR detectors on the back to give me obstacle protection in
both directions and a miniature SPDT switch in the power supply so I wouldn't
have to unplug it all the time.
Above the Boebot deck is a second deck holding batteries for the third deck
just above it.
The third deck hold a second BS2 which controls operation of the Ramsey
Electronics video color camera and video transmitter. The video portion is
mounted on the BS2 BOE. The BS2 also receives data from a Parallax 433 Mhz
receiver mounted at the rear of this deck. Data for maneuvering is received
as a single or double byte which the BS2 decodes and retransmits to the
bottom deck Boebot, which then executes the desisred maneuver. Miniature
SPDT switches control power to the video, BS2 and receiver.
The transmitter module uses a BS2E mounted in a 2x4x6 Radio Shack project box
along with four AA cells which supply power to the BS2E and the 433 Mhz
transmitter. The lid for the box holds a miniature SPDT power switch, the
vertically mounted transmitter card and a 12-key keypad. Pressing one of the
keys causes the BS2E to serout a unique byte or bytes to the transmitter,
which in turn is received by the Boebot receiver. At the present time I have
the capability to send 11 different instructions just by pressing one of the
keys.
I encountered one major problem - if the video transmitter was turned on its
output completely blocked the 433 Mhz receiver. I was able to program around
this by letting the receiver executing the serin command and then turning on
the video just prior to executing a maneuver. The video turns off when the
maneuver has been completed and the receiver returns to program start to wait
for another serin command.
Range of the video from inside the house to the driveway is about 100 feet.
Radio of the RF modules outside is over 150 feet, which is about as far as I
can see the robot.
One other item of interest - the capacity of a 9V battery is about 595
ma/hrs. The capacity of an AA cell is about 2860 ma/hrs, so using four of
them gives me about 3 times more battery life than the 9V. A bit more
trouble to install but well worth it. Unfortuntely, I had to use a 9V
battery for the third deck because the video transmitter requires 9 VDC. The
12VDC power for the camera is supplied by eight AAA cells from the second
deck.
Hope someone finds this of interest.
Sid
in case anyone might have similar notions.
The BS2 Boebot was built per Parallax with whiskers in front. I added
rearward looking IR detectors on the back to give me obstacle protection in
both directions and a miniature SPDT switch in the power supply so I wouldn't
have to unplug it all the time.
Above the Boebot deck is a second deck holding batteries for the third deck
just above it.
The third deck hold a second BS2 which controls operation of the Ramsey
Electronics video color camera and video transmitter. The video portion is
mounted on the BS2 BOE. The BS2 also receives data from a Parallax 433 Mhz
receiver mounted at the rear of this deck. Data for maneuvering is received
as a single or double byte which the BS2 decodes and retransmits to the
bottom deck Boebot, which then executes the desisred maneuver. Miniature
SPDT switches control power to the video, BS2 and receiver.
The transmitter module uses a BS2E mounted in a 2x4x6 Radio Shack project box
along with four AA cells which supply power to the BS2E and the 433 Mhz
transmitter. The lid for the box holds a miniature SPDT power switch, the
vertically mounted transmitter card and a 12-key keypad. Pressing one of the
keys causes the BS2E to serout a unique byte or bytes to the transmitter,
which in turn is received by the Boebot receiver. At the present time I have
the capability to send 11 different instructions just by pressing one of the
keys.
I encountered one major problem - if the video transmitter was turned on its
output completely blocked the 433 Mhz receiver. I was able to program around
this by letting the receiver executing the serin command and then turning on
the video just prior to executing a maneuver. The video turns off when the
maneuver has been completed and the receiver returns to program start to wait
for another serin command.
Range of the video from inside the house to the driveway is about 100 feet.
Radio of the RF modules outside is over 150 feet, which is about as far as I
can see the robot.
One other item of interest - the capacity of a 9V battery is about 595
ma/hrs. The capacity of an AA cell is about 2860 ma/hrs, so using four of
them gives me about 3 times more battery life than the 9V. A bit more
trouble to install but well worth it. Unfortuntely, I had to use a 9V
battery for the third deck because the video transmitter requires 9 VDC. The
12VDC power for the camera is supplied by eight AAA cells from the second
deck.
Hope someone finds this of interest.
Sid
Comments
- Brice
Original Message
From: <Newzed@a...>
To: <basicstamps@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Sunday, March 11, 2001 9:01 AM
Subject: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Boebot Project
This post is made just to let everyone know what I have done with my Boebot
in case anyone might have similar notions.
The BS2 Boebot was built per Parallax with whiskers in front. I added
rearward looking IR detectors on the back to give me obstacle protection in
both directions and a miniature SPDT switch in the power supply so I
wouldn't
have to unplug it all the time.
Above the Boebot deck is a second deck holding batteries for the third deck
just above it.
The third deck hold a second BS2 which controls operation of the Ramsey
Electronics video color camera and video transmitter. The video portion is
mounted on the BS2 BOE. The BS2 also receives data from a Parallax 433 Mhz
receiver mounted at the rear of this deck. Data for maneuvering is received
as a single or double byte which the BS2 decodes and retransmits to the
bottom deck Boebot, which then executes the desisred maneuver. Miniature
SPDT switches control power to the video, BS2 and receiver.
The transmitter module uses a BS2E mounted in a 2x4x6 Radio Shack project
box
along with four AA cells which supply power to the BS2E and the 433 Mhz
transmitter. The lid for the box holds a miniature SPDT power switch, the
vertically mounted transmitter card and a 12-key keypad. Pressing one of
the
keys causes the BS2E to serout a unique byte or bytes to the transmitter,
which in turn is received by the Boebot receiver. At the present time I
have
the capability to send 11 different instructions just by pressing one of the
keys.
I encountered one major problem - if the video transmitter was turned on its
output completely blocked the 433 Mhz receiver. I was able to program
around
this by letting the receiver executing the serin command and then turning on
the video just prior to executing a maneuver. The video turns off when the
maneuver has been completed and the receiver returns to program start to
wait
for another serin command.
Range of the video from inside the house to the driveway is about 100 feet.
Radio of the RF modules outside is over 150 feet, which is about as far as I
can see the robot.
One other item of interest - the capacity of a 9V battery is about 595
ma/hrs. The capacity of an AA cell is about 2860 ma/hrs, so using four of
them gives me about 3 times more battery life than the 9V. A bit more
trouble to install but well worth it. Unfortuntely, I had to use a 9V
battery for the third deck because the video transmitter requires 9 VDC.
The
12VDC power for the camera is supplied by eight AAA cells from the second
deck.
Hope someone finds this of interest.
Sid
Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
anyone have web space allocated for the group? I'd be willing to chip in
some time setting up some basic pages.
Original Message
> How about a photo?
what I have done with my Boebot
> in case anyone might have similar notions.
>
> The BS2 Boebot was built per Parallax with whiskers in front. I added
> rearward looking IR detectors on the back to give me obstacle protection
in
> both directions and a miniature SPDT switch in the power supply so I
> wouldn't
> have to unplug it all the time.
Need someone to help me figure a good, secure way to make it happen.
Mike
Rodent wrote:
> Good point. Other than the Yahoo file area, which is hard to use, does
> anyone have web space allocated for the group? I'd be willing to chip in
> some time setting up some basic pages.
>
>
Original Message
>
> > How about a photo?
>
> what I have done with my Boebot
> > in case anyone might have similar notions.
> >
> > The BS2 Boebot was built per Parallax with whiskers in front. I added
> > rearward looking IR detectors on the back to give me obstacle protection
> in
> > both directions and a miniature SPDT switch in the power supply so I
> > wouldn't
> > have to unplug it all the time.
>
>
>
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
General purpose source code can be hosted at the Basic Stamp FAQ, just send
it to me and how you want to be credited.
Al Williams
AWC
* Floating point math for the Stamp, PIC, SX, or any microcontroller:
http://www.al-williams.com/awce/pak1.htm
>
Original Message
> From: Rodent [noparse]/noparse]mailto:[url=http://forums.parallaxinc.com/group/basicstamps/post?postID=It28LzYTim5YFTdz94eZc69z338JRpUK1yyV2wqYGyo0fwOYe0AMF3UCv4bSVVL2VBv45dvlsvZ8dgtyuQA]daweasel@s...[/url
> Sent: Sunday, March 11, 2001 11:23 AM
> To: basicstamps@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: Re: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Boebot Project
>
>
> Good point. Other than the Yahoo file area, which is hard to use, does
> anyone have web space allocated for the group? I'd be willing to chip in
> some time setting up some basic pages.
>
>
>
Original Message
>
> > How about a photo?
>
> what I have done with my Boebot
> > in case anyone might have similar notions.
> >
> > The BS2 Boebot was built per Parallax with whiskers in front. I added
> > rearward looking IR detectors on the back to give me obstacle protection
> in
> > both directions and a miniature SPDT switch in the power supply so I
> > wouldn't
> > have to unplug it all the time.
>
>
>
>
>
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
>
www.robotics.com/robomenu/
I really like the robot lawn mower.
Enjoy.
--- Rodent <daweasel@s...> wrote:
> Good point. Other than the Yahoo file area, which is hard to use, does
> anyone have web space allocated for the group? I'd be willing to chip in
> some time setting up some basic pages.
>
>
>
Original Message
>
> > How about a photo?
>
> what I have done with my Boebot
> > in case anyone might have similar notions.
> >
> > The BS2 Boebot was built per Parallax with whiskers in front. I added
> > rearward looking IR detectors on the back to give me obstacle protection
> in
> > both directions and a miniature SPDT switch in the power supply so I
> > wouldn't
> > have to unplug it all the time.
>
>
__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Yahoo! Auctions - Buy the things you want at great prices.
http://auctions.yahoo.com/
and descriptions. Nothing really technical, just a place for some virtual
tire kicking.
Original Message
> There is a web page where you can post your bot creations. Find it at
> www.robotics.com/robomenu/
>
> I really like the robot lawn mower.
> > Good point. Other than the Yahoo file area, which is hard to use, does
> > anyone have web space allocated for the group? I'd be willing to chip in
> > some time setting up some basic pages.
Al Williams is offering us a really cool resource by making
http://wd5gnr.virtualave.net/wiki
available as a repository for Stamp related files (Schematics, code, pics,
etc). I've used his this site extensively on other projects, and it's an
EXCELLENT virtual workspace for both "tire kicking" and higher level design.
As a test, I'll post some BS2 code for driving a Boe-Bot using a universal
remote (configured to work as a Sony(tm) TV remote). The code works with
the schematic in Robotics! v1.4, Chapter5, Activity #1 (available from the
www.stampsinclass.com Downloads page).
Then, I'll send an announcement to the group that the code has been posted.
We can try it out and see if it works, and/or open a thread for suggested
changes/improvements to the forum.
Andy
Andrew Lindsay, Applications Engineer
Parallax, Inc. Technical Support
E-Mail...........alindsay@p...
Parallax, Inc. home page....................www.parallaxinc.com
BASIC Stamp Educational Resources...........www.stampsinclass.com
SX Microcontroller University Resources.....www.sxtech.com
Original Message
From: Rodent [noparse]/noparse]mailto:[url=http://forums.parallaxinc.com/group/basicstamps/post?postID=VcIHWBtUI_Id3S1WbEgQPVNWOIoKkumLeKSnS2ZaNI9ASUSrwOCm5muCZol732vKkKbSeHnylRlEL-E]daweasel@s...[/url
Sent: Monday, March 12, 2001 6:33 AM
To: basicstamps@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Boebot Project
What I was talking about was a public, non-commercial place to post photos
and descriptions. Nothing really technical, just a place for some virtual
tire kicking.
Original Message
> There is a web page where you can post your bot creations. Find it at
> www.robotics.com/robomenu/
>
> I really like the robot lawn mower.
> > Good point. Other than the Yahoo file area, which is hard to use, does
> > anyone have web space allocated for the group? I'd be willing to chip in
> > some time setting up some basic pages.
Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
I tried to check out the site that Al Williams provided,
http://wd5gnr.virtualave.net/wiki , but it is secure and requires a
password. Is this site available to all members of the Basicstamp Group?
Jeff
I put an open BoeBot link on the front page. In the future, just make a
page, and if you ask, I'll put it in the front page. I have the front page
locked, but you can create new pages anywhere. I'd consider unlocking the
front page if there is enough demand (as we have on the "other" projects).
Regards,
Al Williams
AWC
* Floating point math for the Stamp, PIC, SX, or any microcontroller:
http://www.al-williams.com/awce/pak1.htm
>
Original Message
> From: Andy Lindsay [noparse]/noparse]mailto:[url=http://forums.parallaxinc.com/group/basicstamps/post?postID=uDyrShEbe3ZQj_4PEk3WYuUDrcqTpKSBDcRwJKtZLA2lQUD_UHLymsCzOa4ne_kkaw76V99rfNO79i0vvVAN]alindsay@p...[/url
> Sent: Monday, March 12, 2001 11:11 AM
> To: basicstamps@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: RE: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Boebot Project
>
>
> Hello Everybody,
>
> Al Williams is offering us a really cool resource by making
>
> http://wd5gnr.virtualave.net/wiki
>
> available as a repository for Stamp related files (Schematics, code, pics,
> etc). I've used his this site extensively on other projects, and it's an
> EXCELLENT virtual workspace for both "tire kicking" and higher
> level design.
>
> As a test, I'll post some BS2 code for driving a Boe-Bot using a universal
> remote (configured to work as a Sony(tm) TV remote). The code works with
> the schematic in Robotics! v1.4, Chapter5, Activity #1 (available from the
> www.stampsinclass.com Downloads page).
>
> Then, I'll send an announcement to the group that the code has
> been posted.
> We can try it out and see if it works, and/or open a thread for suggested
> changes/improvements to the forum.
>
> Andy
>
> Andrew Lindsay, Applications Engineer
> Parallax, Inc. Technical Support
> E-Mail...........alindsay@p...
>
> Parallax, Inc. home page....................www.parallaxinc.com
> BASIC Stamp Educational Resources...........www.stampsinclass.com
> SX Microcontroller University Resources.....www.sxtech.com
>
>
>
>
Original Message
> From: Rodent [noparse]/noparse]mailto:[url=http://forums.parallaxinc.com/group/basicstamps/post?postID=u9x63EUP18ar_u0D5aNkpqsKx1T8zb0UHcmSz_PXaSTln3rFC5bYN34-0jE6zXmvMkHgg226rxk2]daweasel@s...[/url
> Sent: Monday, March 12, 2001 6:33 AM
> To: basicstamps@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: Re: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Boebot Project
>
>
> What I was talking about was a public, non-commercial place to post photos
> and descriptions. Nothing really technical, just a place for some virtual
> tire kicking.
>
>
Original Message
>
> > There is a web page where you can post your bot creations. Find it at
> > www.robotics.com/robomenu/
> >
> > I really like the robot lawn mower.
>
> > > Good point. Other than the Yahoo file area, which is hard to use, does
> > > anyone have web space allocated for the group? I'd be willing
> to chip in
> > > some time setting up some basic pages.
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
>
>
>
>
>
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
>
you see everything and allow you to post, etc. If you want your preferences
stored, you have to login so we know who you are and how to set your
preferences. We don't use the e-mail addresses for anything, etc. etc. We're
the good guys :-)
Regards,
Al Williams
AWC
* Basic Stamp FAQ at http://www.al-williams.com/wd5gnr/stampfaq.htm
>
Original Message
> From: Jeff Mitchell [noparse]/noparse]mailto:[url=http://forums.parallaxinc.com/group/basicstamps/post?postID=1qNNzkMwWyR8WjjL_3dqkgNQCVlwsNp4-6JzAv_LNnIdsHz1yr0XeKHdvPJQd0R7Hk5pdWbK9RtRA0alnA]EL-JEFE@P...[/url
> Sent: Monday, March 12, 2001 11:26 AM
> To: basicstamps@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: Re: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Boebot Project
>
>
> Andy,
> I tried to check out the site that Al Williams provided,
> http://wd5gnr.virtualave.net/wiki , but it is secure and requires a
> password. Is this site available to all members of the Basicstamp Group?
>
> Jeff
>
>
>
>
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
>
lower-case letters.
Original Message
> You just need to enter GuestUser and guest as the password. That will let
> you see everything and allow you to post, etc. If you want your
preferences
> stored, you have to login so we know who you are and how to set your
> preferences. We don't use the e-mail addresses for anything, etc. etc.
We're
> the good guys :-)
explains how to get in :-) Sorry about that. Once you have an ID or if you
know how to log on as a guest, you can go to
http://wd5gnr.virtualave.net/wiki
Although in IE (and maybe others) the password box that pops up tells you to
use GuestUser/guest for access.
Al Williams
AWC
* etc.
>
Original Message
> From: Jeff Mitchell [noparse]/noparse]mailto:[url=http://forums.parallaxinc.com/group/basicstamps/post?postID=i3TvMtXHT6thWAwjIUA2sWDt_laZ1KhoddxHRLIHxPMsB9mxXpqBgP-_8NZxVOZt864K6rI_B6aZt3ZRig]EL-JEFE@P...[/url
> Sent: Monday, March 12, 2001 11:26 AM
> To: basicstamps@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: Re: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Boebot Project
>
>
> Andy,
> I tried to check out the site that Al Williams provided,
> http://wd5gnr.virtualave.net/wiki , but it is secure and requires a
> password. Is this site available to all members of the Basicstamp Group?
>
> Jeff
>
>
>
>
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
>