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BSA Merit Badge minimum equipment — Parallax Forums

BSA Merit Badge minimum equipment

prof_brainoprof_braino Posts: 4,313
edited 2011-08-02 09:58 in Propeller 1
NOTE: Decided to recommend the Quickstart Boards ($25) for the minimum cost option for the pilot, and the TBot+12Blocks ($149) as the normal option when we get that far.

Hi All

Boy Scouts has a new merit badge discussed in thread
http://forums.parallax.com/showthread.php?130913-Boy-Scouts-have-a-new-Merit-Badge

As it turns out, this is a fledgling effort, and much of the material (documentation, instructions, etc) is still a little rough. At best its confusing, at worst its nonsense.

For example, the hardware recommended is VEX, Mindstorms, and BOEBOT. At $160 BoeBot is cheapest, and while sufficient for robotic experiments, the cost is about ten times too high for most 12 year olds in my neighborhood.

I'm trying to determine the LEAST EXPENSIVE, MINIMUM HARDWARE. If I recall being a kid correctly, there was always a steady supply of broken toys from which parts (motors, IR sensors, gears, etc) could be harvested, so I'm going to assume for the moment that these items need not be purchased. So what I'm focusing on is the micro controller.

I have a certain bias towards the prop, so I would like start from the prop chip as an example of a minimum system. I'm going to assume the kid has access to a parents' minimum PC, for example a netbook.


My first thought is to use the Quickstart board ($20) and a breadboard ($8) total $28. Another alternative would be a bread board and 40 pin DIP prop, and the additional parts regulator eeprom etc which I did not price out yet.

Any more suggestions for a minimum prop hardware? I know there are several third party boards, but I don't have all the links in one place.

Thanks!
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Comments

  • mindrobotsmindrobots Posts: 6,506
    edited 2011-07-25 08:02
    If you remove the robot component and rely on "scavanged" parts, another lower cost alternative is the propeller DIP Plus kit ($24.95) + Prop Plug ($14.95) + breadboard big enough to build it on + some space = around $50 total. This gives you breadborading experience/capability and schematic following plus programming plus an unlimited PROP future.

    Protoboard USB ($29.95) + wall wart ($8) + breadboard ($8) = $46

    Martin Hodge's Arduino Shield Compat. (ASC) @ 34.95 + breadboard or arduino Breadboard shield ($15) + wallwart ($8) = $58 solution that has USB connection but wallwart power.

    WBA Consulting's M44D40 module $20) + Prop Plug ($14.95) plus breadboard ($8) = $43

    Bang for the buck, the Quickstart (now $25) and a breadboard is the least expensive entry. The package I mentioned above gives you more flexibility and more hands on with circuits and assembly and hardware learning.

    The trick could/will be finding a pack leader/sponsor that can help out when it comes to assembling things and guiding the little minds down the right paths and helping out when stuck and frustrated.

    The USB port for communication and power is a tough feature/money saver to overlook.

    It looks like someplace around $50 should get the kids going with a number of different options.

    (No offense to anybody with a solution that I left out of consideration!)
  • jazzedjazzed Posts: 11,803
    edited 2011-07-25 08:54
    mindrobots wrote: »
    ... The USB port for communication and power is a tough feature/money saver to overlook.

    It looks like someplace around $50 should get the kids going with a number of different options.

    (No offense to anybody with a solution that I left out of consideration!)

    Good market research :) Thanks!

    SpinSocket is a set of DIP32 Propeller solutions that can be operated with 2AA's, single cell LIPO, or with higher voltages depending on model. SpinSocket modules require a PropPlug. Prices are TBD at this point.
  • Jay B. HarlowJay B. Harlow Posts: 79
    edited 2011-07-25 10:24
    Many moons ago, I was a boy scout. (an eon or two maybe)

    Is the expectation that each boy would buy the hardware for the merit badge, or would the council/camp/troop/merit badge advisor acquire a handful of bots that are used for the merit badge. I remember it both ways, I was not expected to purchase an axe for my toten chip badge. But I did have to purchase my car for pinewood derby in cub scouts... As the axe is reusable by the troop/camp where as the car is pretty much a one time thing...

    I know the model railroad group I belong to has a number of guys that organizes the camps where the boy scouts work for their model railroad merit badge, I could see something similar for their robotics merit badge...

    Just a thought
    Jay
  • prof_brainoprof_braino Posts: 4,313
    edited 2011-07-25 11:48
    The initial plan (from BSA) is for the troup to sponsor a one hour session and each participant walk away with a robot and a merit badge.
    The only clear requirement is that each project involve a sensor and involve programming.
    While the materials recommend several pre-built robots in kit form, (most?) troups will not buy each participant a BoeBot. Most robots will take longer than an hour for each of design, build debug, and test. Rather than second guess these obviously unpolished requirements, the thought is to describe some minimum set of requirements that might qualify as conditions for a "robot project" and see if the BSA docs can be interpreted or clarified (by BSA).

    We guess that each participants' equipment should cost no more than $35. For this $35 we want to end up with a micro controller that can connect to an existing PC, and be programmed.

    I thought I saw a prop chip mounted on a board for $12.99. Does anyone have a link for this or am I confused again?
  • mindrobotsmindrobots Posts: 6,506
    edited 2011-07-25 13:21
    The entry barrier for cost is the programming interface hardware. Every PC today has a USB port, it's rare to find a PC with a true serial port. You either need a Prop Plug ($14.95), a USB to Serial cable (~ $20) + plus some serial interface parts or a built in USB connector/interface. That's one of the things that makes the Quick Start so wonderful - $25 gets you SO much!! :thumb::thumb:

    Obviously, Scout Leadership has no concept or programming or Robotics...like MOST leaddership! In the time allowed (1 hour), the solution would be a QuickStart, a trial copy of 12-Blocks (or a few communal copies for the troop) plus a few communla robot frames to plug the Quick Start into (e.g. QuickBots (tm) ). This would allow a quick to learn, rapid prototyping environment to program on (12Blocks) and then some shared robot chassis to plug into for testing.

    For $12.99, you can probably build a Prop basic system on a protoboard (Prop, EEPROM, caps, resistor, crystal) but that would take more than 1 hour to layout, wire and solder PLUS you still have the Prop Plug issues for programming.

    {QuickBot is mine unless used before this posting :smile:}
  • prof_brainoprof_braino Posts: 4,313
    edited 2011-07-25 14:16
    mindrobots wrote: »
    The entry barrier for cost is the programming interface hardware.
    Quick Start so wonderful - $25 gets you SO much!!

    For $12.99, you can probably build a Prop basic system on a protoboard (Prop, EEPROM, caps, resistor, crystal) but that would take more than 1 hour to layout, wire and solder PLUS you still have the Prop Plug issues for programming.

    So we look like two main options:

    1) buy a prebuilt Quickstart ($25) or similar;
    2) build from parts i.e.
    Prop $7.99
    64KB EEPROM (SMT) Item code 602-10001 Price $1.99
    10K ohm resistor 1/4 watt Item code 150-xxxxx Price $0.20
    5MHz Crystal 20 pF HC-49/US Item code 251-05000 Price $1.10
    FTDI FT232RL USB to Serial Chip Item code 604-00043 Price $4.50
    2 @ LED (one red, one blue)
    4 @ 150 Ohm
    1 2 33K Ohm
    1 @ 0.1uF
    1 @ 10 nF
    1 @ NPN transistor
    (old USB cable)

    LM2937ET-3.3 Voltage regulator $1.25

    Both of these would end up about the same cost I guess?

    The thought was that building the hardware (gathering the parts, gathering the tools, learning to solder) are important steps on the journey. Do these get included in the project, listed as prerequisites, handled separately, or other?

    It was pointed out that there are issues with teaching other folks kids to solder; it should be a parent or other one-on-one tutoring rather than "heat up the irons and turn them loose" for group of 12 year olds.

    We are thinking of having one or two prebuilt micro controllers (quickstart or similar) to use at the session, so the kids get to see what a finished item looks like and how it behaves. They would recieve a bag of parts (perhaps #2 above) to take home, and after the session they could build on their own time. Then the "built outs" would qualify them as participants in the debugging/troubleshooting sessions, and finally the programming sessions. Any suggestions on this?
  • HannoHanno Posts: 1,130
    edited 2011-07-25 15:06
    Hi Prof!
    I'm a huge supporter of improving STEM education with robotics. Earlier this year I gave a keynote talk at the Robotics conference on that subject. We've seen great results working with the TBot and 12Blocks (at $149 for the combo it should be a no-brainer for BSA- it's even made in America) We still have a few available from our first production batch- see here: http://onerobot.org

    My team is now working on getting 12Blocks officially recognized in government curriculum- see some of the freely downloadable content here: http://onerobot.org/education.html
    Putting some hardware together is the easy part- getting your typical over-committed kid hooked requires great software and supporting resources. I'd love to collaborate on other Propeller platforms for BSA- If you're interested please let me know!
    Hanno
  • Cluso99Cluso99 Posts: 18,066
    edited 2011-07-25 18:22
    Here are a few suggestions...

    Many have Wii controllers these days. The Wii Controller cannot be easily used because it is the master. However, the daisy chained devices are simply interfaced as they are I2C...
    • Wii Motion Controller (3 axis gyro) {~$10 on eBay)
    • Wii Nunchuck (3 axis accelerometer + joystick/buttons) (~$4.50 on eBay)
    • Wii Classic Controller Plus (has joysticks + buttons) (~$8.50 on eBay)
    • Wii extension cable (use to connect to Wii devices and cut other end to fit to the propeller pcb) (~$2.60 on eBay)
    other interfaces
    • SNES Gamepad Controller (buttons) (~$4.50 on eBay)
    • Nintendo Touch Screen replacement (touch screen via 5 pins and sigmadelta ADC) (~$3.00 on eBay)
    • Bluetooth USB (maybe too advanced) (~$1.50 on eBay)
    Currently the cheapest way to get a PropPlug is to buy a board with this already on it (e.g. Propeller ProtoBoard USB). The FT232RL is way too fine pitch to expect these boys to be able to solder it.
  • JLockeJLocke Posts: 354
    edited 2011-07-26 03:30
    The "Rock Bottom Propeller Kit" at Wulfden has most of the pieces you would need. You'd still have to add a breadboard to mount it all on and a PropPlug or some kind of programming interface, so I'm not sure how much it would save you. For $15 (+ $2 shipping) you get (from their site):
    * the Parallax Propeller chip (P8X32-D40) in the easy to breadboard, easy to solder 40 pin DIP package
    * a 24LC512 serial EEPROM, a full 64 KBytes not the usual 32 KB versions
    * 5.0000 MHz crstal, which gives 80 MHz clock wil 16x PLL
    * 3m brand dual wipe DIP sockets, 8 pin and 40 pin
    * pushbutton reset switch
    * 10k pullup resistor for SDA line on EEPROM
    * two 0.1 uf capacitors
    * 16 each of 1/8 watt carbon film series protection resistors in 1Kohm and 220 ohms
    * Parallax Propeller chip sticker showing pin assignments
    * a special LED that has the series current limiting resistor built-in. Handy for debugging, can be plugged to GND and an i/o pin by itself

    * the Propeller requires a 3.3 volt power source. The kit includes a 9 volt transistor battery connector harness, a 3.3 volt regulator, and 2 47 uF capacitors, to build the power supply (user must supply his own battery)

    I've built a couple of little boards with these that bring out all the I/O pins to a single 0.1" header strip that will plug into the edge of a breadboard. It's a quick way to gather all the basic parts you need.
  • prof_brainoprof_braino Posts: 4,313
    edited 2011-07-26 12:58
    Thanks for all the suggestions. This is looking good. My intent is that this work can be applied to the local school system as well as BSA if there is any success. I'm thinking of making a plan with several options based on participant level of commitment, demonstrated ability, and previous achivenment. This will help tailor the program for each group of kids.

    * "Rock Bottom Propeller Kit" at Wulfden is appealing for low cost, and gaining experience in soldering. Maybe as an intro project? Of course, it

    * TBot/12block is very appealing as a complete package for those demonstratins suffiecient skill/level of commitment. Thise would be an ideal option. The $150 combo price is clearly the best bang for the buck. Parents look a little "iffy" at $150 since I have not presented evidence of success. I will need to start gathering a portfolio of your work before I present to BSA (and the school board).

    * Interfacing to Wii is very appealing for advanced skill project. Everybody has them, they are easy to get.

    I'm still at the pilot stage. I'm focusing on the lowest cost start project, so I can demonstrate the more advanced efforts are worthwhile. This might be slow, so one step at a time.

    The Chibot team is starting with a "make and take" session that should last no more than 1 hour. The plan includes a line sensor that can be used on a later robot. The line folower may be partly assembled and given to the participants as a take-away, to be completed at a later time. The session will include basic testing and analysis of the line follower on test rig. [Use VOM to determine "Sees line/doesn't see line"]

    The actual BSA merit badge will likely take several sessions to achive. The "Make and Take" session is the pilot for the first session. The intent would be the subsequent session would build on the previoous sessiuon, and participants could join at any session appropriate to their ability. Ideally, the final program would be "ongoing" with new members joining as badges are awarded. The entire program would be turned over to the BSA leaders and counselors once the process is refined. My goal is to have a similar program that can be used in the schools, where the older kids help tutor the younger kids as new participants are added. The school program need not be tied to the BSA program, but ideas from one could be applicable to the other.

    I'm thinking the success of the participants of testing the line follower will be one indicator.
    Also, the success of the participants completing the assembly on their own time (and the number asking for help) will be another indicator.

    For a next step, I would like to prepare a minimum cost microcontroller (prop is my bias) to attach to the line follower sensor. I'm thinking of the RBPK. I haven't worked out the PropPlug part yet. Maybe long term we will have a pool that can be borrowed until folks get a part with the FTDI included? The other choice is the Quickstart.

    Please continue with the great suggestions. I want to start presenting to decision makers at the beginning of the school year, September time frame.
  • HannoHanno Posts: 1,130
    edited 2011-07-26 15:22
    Hi Prof,
    Please keep us posted on your progress! You have some excellent resources at Chibots for help with 12Blocks and TBot. Steve W gave an hour long presentation earlier this year on using 12Blocks to "program at the speed of thought" and Chad (designer of TBot) will be at UPENE with a bunch of them.
    Hanno
  • mindrobotsmindrobots Posts: 6,506
    edited 2011-07-26 17:31
    @Hanno, I really didn't need to know that there would be "a bunch of" TBot's at UPENE!! :innocent:

    @Prof B, the entry prices are very similar ($20-$30) for any of the micro-controllers. Arduinos need a built in USB or an FTDI chip thingie. You can get Arduino Nano and Micro boards but they are still around $18-$20 with a built in USB - they are EASY to breadboard.

    Even the PicAXE chips have strange programming hardware with additional costs for the "standard" cable.

    12Blocks is a very intriguing programming option that would be incredible to introduce programming and give results in a short time frame. I'm looking at it along with my PropFORTH studies. It's a fun environment I'm going to turn my daughter loose on as soon as we get some time........(and dad gets a TBot at UPENE!!)
  • prof_brainoprof_braino Posts: 4,313
    edited 2011-07-26 18:34
    Hanno wrote: »
    Hi Prof,
    excellent resources at Chibots for help with 12Blocks and TBot. Steve W gave an hour long presentation earlier this year on using 12Blocks to "program at the speed of thought" and Chad (designer of TBot)

    Steve and Chad helped inspire me to start back in on this. It feels like all the parts are coming together faster and heading toward critical mass.
  • prof_brainoprof_braino Posts: 4,313
    edited 2011-07-26 19:04
    mindrobots wrote: »
    @Prof B, the entry prices are very similar ($20-$30) for any of the micro-controllers.

    Of course, any micro controller may serve as an intro unit, and anyone that wants to use any particular device will be included. I actually have an ATmega128, but I couldn't get AMforth to run on it after version 3.7.

    My bias is toward the prop, so that will be my "first example" since its convenient for me. There are few things I want to do that the prop does not handle, and very few alternatives if any that do more for a better price, and I have not found any processor that has more of the software that I want.

    When I consider PropForth, 12blocks, the OBEX, and the forums versus the alteratives, the data keep pointing to the prop.
  • HannoHanno Posts: 1,130
    edited 2011-07-26 19:11
    Steve and Chad are very inspirational- I'm just sad I haven't yet met them in person! A while back Steve converted a bunch of BasicStamp2 programs to 12Blocks- they're now here: http://12blocks.com/share2.php. Here's a video of TBot's being assembled in Indiana, USA: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HmbfY9smrQg

    I may a bit biased- but I think should we should aim higher than an entry level "learn to solder" project. Soldering was an important technical skill years ago- today's kids need to learn how to script/program sophisticated behavior using powerful building blocks...
    Hanno
  • mindrobotsmindrobots Posts: 6,506
    edited 2011-07-26 19:12
    I wasn't discounting the Prop. Sometimes people see the Prop Plug as a penalty but the costs really wash out for the most part which leave all the Prop benefits you outline.
    Propeller on!! :smile:
  • PerryPerry Posts: 253
    edited 2011-07-26 20:15
    In my opinion it's hard to beat the value of the Sumobot Robot Competition kit.

    I did a "Robot Camp" back in 2008 http://www.hey-hello.ca/tikiwiki/tiki-index.php?page=RobotCamp

    After looking at various options at that time I chose the Parallax product

    When you consider the whole education package needed

    fantastic documentation by the manufacturer for tailored for different education levels
    standard platform also produced by other vendors (should keep costs competitive)
    and the many competitions held in various school districts.

    and as it does pretty well everything the" Boebot" does so it's pretty well already approved by the BSA.


    this should be the benchmark for any comparisons.

    Perry
  • Cluso99Cluso99 Posts: 18,066
    edited 2011-07-26 21:12
    Here is a few thoughts re PropPlug...

    1. There is a USB-TTL plug (uses CP2102) and can be had in a small box for ~$4.60 on eBay (pcb w/o box slightly cheaper). However, it does not bring out DTR (or RTS) but does bring out 5V & 3V3 at low currents. Now, the RST is an input to the chip but the track can be cut and a wire can be placed from the chips DTR to the RST pin. However, this is a tiny QFN chip and the soldering is very fine and not to be attempted by someone without lots of experience. As soon as I get a chance I am going to look at this.
    Has anyone used a CP2102? If so, does it work to the prop OK?

    2. Anyone tried an ATTiny84 with USB (non-compliant LS) to the prop for downloading? I am going to try this shortly. Its a cheap chip available in DIP.
  • Cluso99Cluso99 Posts: 18,066
    edited 2011-07-27 01:56
    Well, I just tried the USB-TTL converter, modifying it by adding DTR. It works, even without the transistor circuit (which amazes me - is it really reliable??)
    see here http://forums.parallax.com/showthread.php?133335-Cheap-PropPlug-replacement-USB-TTL-converter-US-4.60-and-a-modification
  • prof_brainoprof_braino Posts: 4,313
    edited 2011-07-27 07:04
    Hanno wrote: »
    we should aim higher than an entry level "learn to solder" project.
    mindrobots wrote: »
    Prop Plug as a penalty but the costs really wash out for the most part
    Perry wrote: »
    it's hard to beat the value of the Sumobot Robot Competition kit.
    Cluso99 wrote: »
    PropPlug...
    1. ... CP2102) .... ~$4.60
    2. ... ATTiny84 with USB

    Yes to the above. But I have to go one step at a time...

    I am approaching this as a large project with several sections with separate requirements. I figure the "Hannos" of the world are already committed, understand the full picture and are ready to invest whatever is required to maximize the child's learning. Its the REST of the world I'm addressing, the "Brainos" of the world. These guys have five thumbs on each hand, and reach for a hammer to fix the TV set. From the start, they know less about electronics than their kid, and are hesitant to buy Zhu-Zhu pets or other expensive, annoying Smile that doesn't have an "off" switch. (Having had prior experience with Furbee). They have no reason to think this is not another "Furbee event". (Remember how those things would not turn off and would squeak all night? I wonder how many more mysteriously vanished after waking the house up after the kids went to bed....)

    The TBot packet is of course the logical choice for those that can afford it, and the Sumobot kit is another excellent choice for those that want the competition route. To me, this is a later step.

    The first step is gathering participants, and get them up to speed so they are ready for the more expensive, more advanced kits. After 5 years, NONE of the kids, parents, or schools in my area (that I know of) has purchased any micro controller. The perception is "if Braino's doing it, its too complex and expensive for a kid". So what I'm looking for, ONLY AS a FIRST STEP, is the absolute lowest cost prop rig to get kids started. Kids that demonstrate interest and progress will have a much easier time asking for a TBot; I will have an easier time asking a Scout Troop or School district if I can identify kids that are "already started". I

    I'm brainstorming here: Ideally, the bare minimum starter kit would have a prop chip and a bread board. The kid would bread board power and clock, and after it works, solder it to the board. Soldering is not the primary goal, but one gets a magical feeling of accomplishment when one build something and it works. This unit then becomes the basis for flashing an LED, reading a sensor, and writing programs. Kids that reach this level could easily get a TBot for the Intermediate Level.

    Starter Rig: Right now, the default choice for a starter rig is the Quickstart board and a bread board. I have a pile of breadboards I can lend/give-away. I would prefer a less-than-$25-bag-of-parts that the kids would build themselves. Is such a kit possible? I'm thinking that it MUST run off a USB port, so does not need a 5v regulator?

    Cluso99 and BrianRiley have units that look very close. Anybody have more input on "Lowest Cost Starter Rig"? I think the main criterion is lowest cost, and USB operation. Can this be had for less than $25?
  • Cluso99Cluso99 Posts: 18,066
    edited 2011-07-27 15:11
    Starter Rig: Right now, the default choice for a starter rig is the Quickstart board and a bread board. I have a pile of breadboards I can lend/give-away. I would prefer a less-than-$25-bag-of-parts that the kids would build themselves. Is such a kit possible? I'm thinking that it MUST run off a USB port, so does not need a 5v regulator?

    Yes - must run off USB port. Otherwise kit is useless if you share a propplug. Cheaper to use USB power because you can buy 240V/110V to USB power supply cheaply if you don't have access to laptop or you can probably use a 6V battery supply.
    Cluso99 and BrianRiley have units that look very close. Anybody have more input on "Lowest Cost Starter Rig"? I think the main criterion is lowest cost, and USB operation. Can this be had for less than $25?

    Possibly yes. Need to think a bit here. I taught my kids to solder and computers and electronics at a very young age. My eldest used to show off our Apple //c and paint at the age of 3-4. They all worked at an electronics assembly house while at school, my daughter included. My youngest is now 27 and a teacher.
  • Cluso99Cluso99 Posts: 18,066
    edited 2011-07-27 16:01
    Scouts were good at scavenging and should be encouraged to recycle... right?

    So, push button switches and leds, both with wires and pin headers attached, can be had from old computers - no cost :) But they can also be purchased easily (without wires of course).

    They should be encouraged to be resourceful too. So modifying something cheap (such as the USB-TTL on eBAY) would be good too??

    Am I on the right track???
  • prof_brainoprof_braino Posts: 4,313
    edited 2011-07-27 16:41
    Cluso99 wrote: »
    Scouts were good at scavenging and should be encouraged to recycle... right?

    So, push button switches and leds, both with wires and pin headers attached, can be had from old computers - no cost :) But they can also be purchased easily (without wires of course).

    They should be encouraged to be resourceful too. So modifying something cheap (such as the USB-TTL on eBAY) would be good too??

    Am I on the right track???

    While I agree with all the above, the current BSA leadership gave the impression that they are recommending the BoeBot, VEX, or Mindstorms as the STARTER kit; and the kids are not expected to soil their dainty fingers with scrounging parts. This is probably an incorrect impression, and hopefully will be changed, but for now its all we have to go on. (I was not party to the actual conversation, this was how it was reported to me).

    That said, my plan is to get them started with a "bare prop", and then have them scrounge everything until the folks get them a TBot+12blocks bundle. So, YES, Cluso99 is on the right track, I think.

    I know MY kids are not permitted to buy ANYTHING off Ebay (too young). I make the same assumption for other kids, so I think I am going to have to find or arrange for a kit that includes all the pieces and is a single purchase point for all the parts, for the time being.

    The USB-TTL part discussed on another thread http://forums.parallax.com/showthread.php?133335-Cheap-PropPlug-replacement-USB-TTL-converter-US-4.60-and-a-modification is the current front-runner for prop-to-PC communications. This part (around $5) plus Brian Riley's Rock Bottom Propeller Kit (RBPK) http://www.wulfden.org/TheShoppe/prop/rbpk.shtml ($15) comes in at $20 without the shipping. $22 with shipping. This is already insanely low. Can this go lower? I would also like the source to make at least a small profit, if this catches on there could potentially be a million boy scouts looking to buy one each. How much does one need to make on a part like this? Is a dollar too high/too low?

    What would a parts list be for a "bare prop module"? A prop, a CP2102, a 3.3v regulator, a 64K EEPROM, and some passive parts? Could this be in a bag as a breadboard-to-solder kit for under $20? Or would this be a variation on a Cluso99 1x1 propboard?
  • PerryPerry Posts: 253
    edited 2011-07-27 18:21
    I thought I would do a little research on what the BSA requirements are and what the competition has.

    VEX products are incredibly expensive in the range of $300.00 and their link to their BSA offering is broken (404)

    mindstorms have a decent web page http://www.legoeducation.us/eng/Misc/boyscouts.cfm?paID=4668 their base set is $295.00

    and of course Parallax's offer http://www.parallax.com/tabid/928/Default.aspx boebot $160


    boy's life magazine find a robot kithttp://boyslife.org/about-scouts/merit-badge-resources/robotics/19254/find-a-robotics-kit/

    but this merit badge site gives the definitive information on what the BSA expectshttp://meritbadge.org/wiki/index.php/Robotics

    I think this quote from the last page referenced says what the minimum requirements of a project would be
    b. Design your robot. The robot design should use sensors and programming and have at least 2 degrees of freedom.

    Suggestions "Etcha sketch" or "labyrinth" game
    or next level three degrees would be breadboard on a two wheeled chassis

    Perry
  • HannoHanno Posts: 1,130
    edited 2011-07-27 20:16
    TBot+12Blocks is not the most expensive of the options- in fact it's the cheapest!
    And with 12Blocks it's easy for even young kids to get started.
    Here's what you get for $149 assembled (lipo battery is $15 extra, shipping within US another $10

    Processors: Parallax Propeller and AVR ATMEGA328 (same as Arduino)
    Sensors: 5 line detectors and 6 proximity sensors
    IR tranceiver
    Geared motors with encoders
    Amplified speaker with speech synthesis
    Microphone
    Programmable over USB or optional wireless
    Can communicate with each other to form swarms
    Full-color LED, 2 user switches, status LEDs
    10 pin expansion port with 6 hi-speed digital and 2 analog
    Optional lithium battery can be charged via USB
    Easily programmable with drag and drop by 12Blocks
    Metal platform is compatible with Meccano, Vex and Lego parts
    Curriculum

    Hanno
  • prof_brainoprof_braino Posts: 4,313
    edited 2011-07-28 08:11
    Hanno wrote: »
    TBot+12Blocks is not the most expensive of the options- in fact it's the cheapest!

    TBot+12Blocks continues to be the kit of choice, it definitely has the best bang for the buck.

    What we really need at this point is "evidence of prior success". I know I saw several articales in various places describing some of the events and results your achieved.There are several separate sites for Hanno, 12blocks, One Robot, etc; and various articles in many sources, newspapers, jupournals, youtobe, etc.

    Are these or can these be collected into a single "index page"? It would make pitching the kit a LOT easier.
  • prof_brainoprof_braino Posts: 4,313
    edited 2011-07-28 08:23
    Maybe I'm unnecessarilly worried about "lowest possible entry cost".

    What do you guys think? Would any of accept or not accept a $150 entry price for you kid's robotics project?

    Should I scrap the $20 "intro kit concept" and go directly to TBot+12blocks?

    PLease Reply! I need input here!
  • mindrobotsmindrobots Posts: 6,506
    edited 2011-07-28 08:54
    With the number of out-of-band activities for kids and their costs these days, I think $150 is steep for a merit badge project. The $20-$30 range I could swallow and maybe the $150 once the kid has 'evidence of prior success' :smile: It's been a while since I was a cub scout but I don't remember a large cash outlay for the merit badge activities.

    I could also see some coolness in going from a bag of strange parts to a working "knight rider" LED display or something like that to get the "builder" blood flowing...but hen I don't understand kids these days and ours didn't come with an owner's manual!

    For an after school robotics club, I wouldn't see the $150 as a problem once they've shown a couple of week's interest in the project. It's similar to the costs for soccer kit, or a dance class, etc.
  • prof_brainoprof_braino Posts: 4,313
    edited 2011-07-28 08:57
    Perry wrote: »
    merit badge site definitive information minimum requirements
    b. Design your robot. The robot design should use sensors and programming and have at least 2 degrees of freedom. Document the design in your robot engineering notebook using drawings and a written description.

    Yes, this is the single line I've found in all the materials that actually states testable requirements.

    The Chibot team is creating session on a line-follower kit "sensor" that can be connected to any micro controller. The session(s) will include connecting the unit to a test rig, and recording data in an "engineering notebook". The idea is that the kid get san idea of what a working unit does and how it behaves, and gets an idea of what is meant by "engineering notebook" and how it is used.

    The part I am looking at is the "programming and two degrees of freedom". I need to determine the "minimum necessary and sufficient" conditions to fulfill this. A "bare prop module" and a couple harvested motors would meet this. My thought is that this would demonstrate (to the parent) the kid's level on interest, and provide a basis for purchasing a more complete rig (i.e. TBot+12blocks), and justify the greater expense. .

    The "minimum necessary and sufficient" is the critical point here. If we can focus on this, it opens the possibility to more kids, not just the rich kids with smart parents.
  • HannoHanno Posts: 1,130
    edited 2011-07-28 16:15
    I agree $150 is steep if you're just concerned about "ticking" a box and moving to the next thing. I would be very sad if someone bought TBot/12Blocks, did enough to satisfy one requirement and then forgot about it. The wonderful thing about today's robots is that they let you do tons of things! There a competitions targeted at many different interests and the sky's the limit in terms of what you can learn. The challenge is identifying the kids that want to go further then "ticking" the box. I still think that TBot offers a much, much better value than a $20 soldering kit. Is there an option to have a "club robot" that kids can play with before buying their own? Or renting? TBot is the new kid on the block- we're very proud of the hardware and software and are now concentrating on flushing out the curriculum and education materials to support it- more is coming every month. You asked for an overview- does one of these help?
    - http://onerobot.org/overview.pdf: 1 Page Overview for TBot
    - http://12blocks.com/cheatsheet.pdf: 1 Page Overview for 12Blocks
    - http://12blocks.com/resources.php: Index of Resources for 12Blocks
    Hanno
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