High School Robot Club - Propeller?

SciNemo · 2009-09-15 22:40

My high school finally did the awesome thing and started a robotics club. I joined and we had our first meeting today. The teacher hosting it is a physics teacher who knows little about robotics and he said we have to rely on ourselves. We are basically running the club and organizing it on our own. I was trying to figure out where to start and I realized that I've got some questions that the forum would have good answers for:

Is the propeller right for kids who describe their knowledge of electronics as, "I can turn on a lightbulb"?'

What kits or boards are good for robotics in your experience (cheap is good)?

We have no funds, where is a good place to look for sponsors or other outside support?

What are good competitions to enter? We have sub groups based on knowledge, so advanced stuff is ok, easy stuff is welcome.

Any other comments are welcome. Thanks as always

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Not the fish.
sites.google.com/site/bitwinproject/

Kye · 2009-09-15 23:03

For basic info, check out the best robotic club in the world!!!

www.roboticsclub.org (We were founded in 1984 at carnegie mellon university so yes we were able to get that domain name).

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Nyamekye,

Unknown · 2009-09-15 23:16

You might be able to find parts from broken electronics from around the house. Just because something isn't working doesn't mean that all the parts aren't working. When I was young there were people who use to visit Radio Shack on trash day because they would throw things out and there were people who would use the parts or try to fix them. They might have a different policy today because of recycling laws but you could always write letters to companies, tell them who you are and see if they have any old parts they can't sell that they wouldn't mind donating to students who are trying to learn.

Oldbitcollector (Jeff) · 2009-09-15 23:21

The best thing you could do is GO FOR IT.

Give us details of how many are in your group, and what you are working on.
You'll be amazed by the resources that open to people who are doing. [noparse]:)[/noparse]

...and yes, the recycling thing is an extremely good idea.

OBC

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New to the Propeller?

Visit the: The Propeller Pages @ Warranty Void.

mctrivia · 2009-09-15 23:24

How many students?

If interested I can provide pcb for propmod. And if you have rework station can provide non working boards that just need reworking.

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propmod_us and propmod_1x1 are in stock. Only $30. PCB available for $5

Want to make projects and have Gadget Gangster sell them for you? propmod-us_ps_sd and propmod-1x1 are now available for use in your Gadget Gangster Projects.

Need to upload large images or movies for use in the forum. you can do so at uploader.propmodule.com for free.

Timmoore · 2009-09-15 23:34

take a look at http://usfirst.org and http://vexrobotics.com they both have robotics competitions for high schools. Ask around at nearby schools to see if they are part of First, they will help. Also http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/index.php is a forum used by a lot of the First people.

Microcontrolled · 2009-09-15 23:43

If you would actually need them (I doubt that you will) I will send you 200 8-pin surplus mini-din connectors for free. A good (and super cheap) board fabrication method is the classic Radio-Shack ferric chloride method. Won't produce great looking boards but you can customize them to fit your needs.

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Computers are microcontrolled.

Robots are microcontrolled.
I am microcontrolled.

But you·can·call me micro.

Want to·experiment with the SX or just put together a cool project?
SX Spinning light display·

TrapperBob · 2009-09-15 23:51

Many organizations in your area may wish to sponsor you club. Try groups like the Fraternal Order of Eagles, the Lions, Moose Lodge, etc. Also talk to local Parks and Recreation staff in your local towns. Some of your members local churches may also want to sponsor your club.· We actually had a local machinists' union sponsor a elementary school robotics group in our area. I guess what I am saying is that you need to ask in order to find out. I would suggest organizing your group first and deciding how to proceed. Does the group want to enter competitions with other clubs or organize your own competitions within your club? As Oldbitcollector said, "You'll be amazed at the resources that open up to those who are doing!"

TrapperBob

Unknown · 2009-09-15 23:51

Because I mentioned recycling, my conscience is bothering me.· When I was young, my dad told me to be careful of playing with old televisions.· If you use recycled televisions, the capacitors have enough electricity in them to harm even if the tv hasn't been turned on in a while.· If you don't know, ask your teacher.

Microcontrolled · 2009-09-15 23:58

I think that Sci-nemo knows to avoid high-voltage capacitors. sites.google.com/site/bitwinproject/young-projects/coilguns

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Computers are microcontrolled.

Robots are microcontrolled.
I am microcontrolled.

But you·can·call me micro.

Want to·experiment with the SX or just put together a cool project?
SX Spinning light display·

Oldbitcollector (Jeff) · 2009-09-16 00:03

Anytime you do recycling, please use the proper precautions.
learn1thing.blogspot.com/2008/05/recycling-electronics-with-heat-gun.html

I have a nicely outfitted lab using this method.

OBC

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New to the Propeller?

Visit the: The Propeller Pages @ Warranty Void.

Microcontrolled · 2009-09-16 00:07

I nicely outfitted the UPENE freebie table using that method!

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Computers are microcontrolled.

Robots are microcontrolled.
I am microcontrolled.

But you·can·call me micro.

Want to·experiment with the SX or just put together a cool project?
SX Spinning light display·

parts-man73 · 2009-09-16 02:32

First decide if the Propeller is going to be your choice of Microcontroller. If so, I (uController.com) would be willing to donate some hardware to your club.

I see from your Profile, you are in "Eastern PA" what general area? we may be close, and that might help.

Either way, let me know, either on forum, or off if I can help at all.

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Brian

uController.com - home of SpinStudio - the modular Development system for the Propeller

PropNIC - Add ethernet ability to your Propeller! PropJoy - Plug in a joystick and play some games!

SD card Adapter - mass storage for the masses Audio/Video adapter add composite video and sound to your Proto Board

FearTurtles · 2009-09-16 03:14

Also get in contact with Parallax direct because they have stated that they will be willing to help out clubs as well. Not saying to what extent but I bet it will be worth wild. As for additional parts you can start with old printers and computer drives for stepper motors and even small pumps that might be usable. As for using the propeller I would say it is completely do-able however the Stamp is extremely easy to work with and has a lot of free info available which will get everyone up to speed quick and allow everyone to feel like they can contribute. This will help the club to thrive. After you get everyone going good you can work your way up to the propeller.

w8an · 2009-09-16 03:25

Chuckz is right... abandoned computer equipment is a great source of parts. Especially printers and scanners. They have optics, stepper motors, mechanics and sensors. Also the drive and stepper motors in hard drives and CD/DVD Rom drives are worth harvesting. The laser diode in a writable DVD drive can not only be used for long distance communications but is capable of lighting a match at a distance. I bet you could use it to zap mosquitoes! Remember to use proper protective gear during your experiments!

FearTurtles · 2009-09-16 12:17

And rare earth magnets! Must not forget about the magnets. LOL I just discovered that the plastic disk that is in the top of CD/DVD drives has a washer shaped magnet in it. Not all of them do but is seems about 70% do. Oh my goodness springs! You will find them in everything. Then you can scrap the sheet metal and aluminum which will help you to buy all that neat stuff Parallax has to offer.

I just took about a half a pickup truck load of sheet metal and made $16 The aluminum I will melt down into stock that I can turn on a lathe. Not sure on what that would bring. The only downside really is all the dang plastic you end up with and the fact that you might go through a ton of printers just to get two servos that are the same.

Searider · 2009-09-16 14:34

[color=black]Before you start tearing apart old radios and washing machines. I suggest that your your new club come to agreement on your first Robot project. Everything else that you need will be derived from that goal.[/color]
 
[color=black]1.    [/color][color=black]Competitive[/color]
[color=black]1.1. [/color][color=black]VEX[/color]
[color=black]1.2. [/color][color=black]FIRST Lego[/color]
[color=black]1.3. [/color][color=black]Firefighting[/color]
[color=black]1.4. [/color][color=black]Sumo[/color]
[color=black]1.5. [/color][color=black]Line Following[/color]
[color=black]1.6. [/color][color=black]Robot Wars (or something similar)[/color]
[color=black]1.7. [/color][color=black]Other [/color]
[color=black]2.    [/color][color=black]Non-Competitive[/color]
[color=black]2.1. [/color][color=black]Remote Control[/color]
[color=black]2.1.1.   [/color][color=black]Kit[/color]
[color=black]2.1.2.   [/color][color=black]Based on Kit  (used as platform to explore sensors)[/color]
[color=black]2.1.3.   [/color][color=black]Ground up Design[/color]
[color=black]2.1.4.   [/color] 
[color=black]2.2. [/color][color=black]Autonomous[/color]
[color=black]2.2.1.   [/color][color=black]Kit[/color]
[color=black]2.2.2.   [/color][color=black]Based on Kit (used as platform to explore sensor and software integration)[/color]
[color=black]2.2.3.   [/color][color=black]Ground up Design[/color]
 
[color=black]Some things that might be useful in the selection of your first robot goal are[/color]
[color=black]1.    [/color][color=black]Are you stronger in Mechanical, Electrical or software engineering[/color]
[color=black]2.    [/color][color=black]Has anyone built a robot before, what kind?[/color]
[color=black]3.    [/color][color=black]What support resources do you have access to[/color]
[color=black]4.    [/color][color=black]The like cost of the various robot goals[/color]
[color=black]5.    [/color][color=black]Possible funding (might vary based on the goal)[/color]
[color=black]6.    [/color][color=black]If competitive, where are the competitions at and what is the schedule[/color]
 
 
[color=black]Once you decide on a goal, then I suggest that you consider breaking the project into subprojects that can be assigned to various members of the team. This will help the work go faster and keeps everyone involved. Use your club meetings to let everyone give a progress update and discuss the interface points between subprojects so everyone stays coordinated.[/color]
[color=black]Even if this is your first project and you are going to build a Kit such as the BoBot, You can still break it down in to subprojects but instead of in depended work, just take turns.[/color]
 
[color=black]Remember that Robotics is a combination of several engineering disciplines and is much more than computers and programming. Check out the Drafting classes, Wood Shop, Metal Shop for people that might be inspired to join the club if they realize how  much non-computer work goes into a robot. (I did not mention The project management and leadership skills needed)[/color]
 
[color=black]You mention that your faculty advisor will not be able to provide much help. Do not let this prevent you from getting a good advisor. This is the age of instant global communication. There is no reason that you cannot get good counseling and advise from someone that is not at your school or even in the same country. (This forum is a good example)[/color]
 
[color=black]If you have not figured it out yet, I believe that the number one key to success is planning and organization. [/color]
 
[color=black]Good Luck with your club[/color]

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Searider

Bob Lawrence (VE1RLL) · 2009-09-16 18:42

@SciNemo

A few ideas:

1. Organize a walk through your neighbourhood on garbage day. It's often unbelievable what good stuff get thrown out. You can pick and choose.

2. Send out flyers in your neighbourhood and let them know that kinds of things your after for your club. Lets your neighbours know a time that you will go door to door for collections.

2. Find out if there is a Amateur Radio club in your area. If so go to a meeting and let them know the kinds of things your club needs. They can be a great resource for parts, books, test equipment etc.

3. Post a address for donations.

Good luck,

Bob

SciNemo · 2009-09-19 20:17

Thank you all very much [noparse]:D[/noparse]

I've been hard at work organizing information for the club, so my response is a little late, but i returned to find a treasure trove of info!

I really like the recycling idea, we will definitely do that as much as we can. The parts offers are great, they will really help us a lot, and I am trying to get in contact with parallax directly to see what options for support they have.

I made a nice list of all your suggestions, I'll show it to the club at our next meeting. To answer Oldbitcollector's question, there are about 20 people in our club. New people are trickling in so I can't be sure on the number.

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Not the fish.
sites.google.com/site/bitwinproject/

Pyrotom · 2009-09-20 23:45

Take a look at Parallax's Boebot kits. They have excellent introductory texts to go with them and will let your "I can change a lightbulb" members learn fairly quickly. It's based on the Basic Stamp micro's, but once you have some experience with it, upgrading it to us one of the Propellor boards will make a very interesting and educational project!

Ken Gracey · 2009-09-21 00:02

SciNemo, you should take a look at the Boe-Bot. I could send some to you to get the club started - you'll certainly succeed with this kit. And if you want to go dumpster diving for more parts the Boe-Bot's base is a very friendly platform on which to mount various things you find.

Contact me kgracey@parallax.com

- Ken

High School Robot Club - Propeller?

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