Experiencing the Parallax Expo
Our friend Daniel Gentleman went to the Parallax Robotics and Microcontrollers Expo in April, and he wrote the following trip report for us.
Robotics
Making a robot can be an incredibly rewarding experience. It’s the perfect combination of creativity, engineering and problem solving. However, if you’re just getting started in robotics, it can also be overwhelming. To make things easier for those who are just starting out, we’ve put together some tips and tricks to help makers bring robots to life! From the basics of assembling your robot to software implementation, these pointers will give you everything you need to get started on your robotic adventure!
Weekend Projects – Projects in Motion
Complete instructions for this episode of Weekend Projects can be found at
http://makeprojects.com/Project/Projects-in-Motion-Control-Three-Types-of-Motors-with-555-Timers/2036/1
Learn to control three different types of motors – DC, Servo, and Stepper – using a breadboard, resistors, diodes, transistors, and some 555 timers (along with a sprinkling of CMOS logic). These motor drivers are the basis of many robotics and other motor-control applications.
Weekend Projects – BEAM Solar Chariots
Complete instructions for this Weekend Projects can be found at
http://makeprojects.com/Project/BEAM-Solar-Chariots/1939/1
BEAM is a type of robot design that allows you to create little robot/robot-like critters and vehicles mainly using basic analog components (resistors, transistors, capacitors, diodes, LEDs). The challenge is to try and get as much robot-like behavior using these components. BEAM is an acronym for “Biology, Electronics, Aesthetics, Mechanics” and these four elements serve as inspiration in all BEAM design.
For these two projects, we’ll use what’s known as a “solar engine” (Type 1 “FLED” variety), some store bought and scavenged electronics, and laser-cut and gold-leafed wheels to build some stylin’ little Solar Chariots. Let the build begin!
Maker Faire Bay Area: Hotshot the Robot Interview
Over the past seven years that we’ve been putting on the Maker Faire, we’ve made countless new friends and have been endlessly amazed by the creativity of the maker community. The wonderful thing about the maker movement is that everyone is invited, and of course this includes robots, like our good friend Russell the Electric […]
Build a Fun Solar Roller or Symet BEAM Bot This Weekend
Inspired by nature and driven by solar light, BEAM Solar Chariots are both simple and fun to build – and move all on their own!
Optically Tracking a Robot Arm
I loved reading Tom Larkworthy’s recent post on Edinburgh (Scotland) Hacklab’s blog on his experiments with building an OSHW robot arm with a reach of 1m, positionable to within 0.1mm and able to lift up to 2kg. Rather than sourcing expensive components, Tom’s goal was to develop an optical tracking system that would allow the […]
KegDroid Smart Tap
In an attempt to make brewing his small batch beer even more fun than it already is, Android hacker and home brewer Paul Carff created KegDroid, an NFC/RFID enabled smart tap for his home bar. Presenting the device with a MiFare-based RFID/NFC compatible tag will cause it to authenticate the user and pull up their preferences on an Android tablet.
