[Brian_Lim]

Our team is trying to decide whether sensors are really necessary.

If we decided that all we wanted to do was bring the robot up the ramp in the 15 seconds, are sensors really necessary? Would it be possible/reliable to do it entirely with programming, eg. have a counter than increments to a certain number and use if statements? Since the curve is 4-ft radius/diameter (I forget which), it makes sense to make it constant rather than fool around with sensors.

If we do decide to use sensors, how do they actually work? What kind of input do they give? The optical sensor MSC will be shipping (correct me if I am wrong) later, what kind of input will it give, will it be a range from 0-255? Are the sensors plug n play like the touch sensors from the EDU-BOT?

One of the problems I have is that so much seems to follow the "black-box" mentality. I have no idea how any sensors work, just that they plug in and give some sort of value. If someone could provide some useful links to read up on, would be appreciated. (Links on basic/intermediate electronics would also be appreciated, the more specific to sensors and simpler the better).

907
Brian Lim