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Originally Posted by Darkswordsmith
So every time i surf on CD i see people posting threads about all these sophisticated systems and programs like the PS2 controllers and an alternative shifter gearboxes, etc.
I'm the electrical person in our team but after 2 years of that i've only learned about wiring and the operating concepts behind the devices we actually used (spikes, victors, etc). So now i'm wondering where can i learn more about robotics, for example the principles behind sensors, robot controllers, calculators and generally various gadgets.
Also, can anyone suggest a reading-list for improving knowledge on designing gearboxes, robot controllers and programming? What i've learned in school (AP physics and programming), though provide really good therotical knowledge, does not supply enough information on the actual application of them (ex. how does a computer chip work exactly...step by step?).
I appreciate any help or suggestions in advance. I'm really frustrated that our team did not come up with any major fundemental innovations (conveyor belts and shooter aside) and that i have not learned as much as i wanted through robotics. I really hope i can prepare myself over the summer for next year's competition and college as well.
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I think it's great that you want to do this. Although you may be at a disadvantage due to a team not willing to try new and great things, you are surely at an advantage over those that do not have as much initiative as you.
Being a programmer, I'll provide you with some good robotic-related things relative to programming. Hopefully we'll get some mech/electronics/etc. guys in here to help you with everything else.
There are two distinct types of programming, console-based (computer/web development) and real-world (robotics). With a console-based programming language, you do not have to worry about such details as air pressure, friction, mechanical malfunctions, etc. With some rare exceptions, if it works in theory, it works on computers.
Assuming you want to work with robots (who doesn't?), it may be a little pricey. Some older sensors may be taken from your team (with their permission, of course) which will bring the price down. Maybe they'll even give you an old controller. So the first thing I'd do is ask your team for any old parts that they don't want anymore. Now, you need to purchase everything else.
For a controller, I'd recommend an Atmel STK-500 Development Kit. This is a development board (includes pin headers, programming/power circuit, etc.) that is used with the Atmel AVR series microprocessor. The AVR series is slightly different than the PIC series (the kind used in the IFI RC), but it shouldn't be a huge change. It's similar to the difference between a Chevy engine and a Ford engine. This will set you back $80 on Digikey, but includes everything you need for controlling sensors/output devices. I personally think they're worth every penny.
Now the STK has an array of LEDs and buttons that you could make do all fancy stuff, but eventually you're going to want to make something
move. This is where the fun starts. What you need now is a motor. The big CIMs that we use on our competition bots are probably not in your best interest right now (unless you're willing to plunk down $100+ for a speed controller per motor), so I'd go with a small 5 or 7.2v DC motor. These should be fine for a small robot. Servos also will work, it all comes down to your application.
So you can make a robot move now, but can you make it smart? This is where sensors come in. Depending on what you want to do, there's virtually a sensor for every purpose. We have simple boolean switches and high end LIDAR/stereoscopic vision. It all comes down to your application.
If you're willing to trade flexibility for ease of purchase and (probably) price, I'd go with a kit. They don't let you do as much, but you will learn about the basics and maybe figure out what you really want to spend the rest of your money on. From what I've heard, the BoE Bot is pretty good. It's a BASIC Stamp (eww, but it works) controlled robot that has two wheels and a caster. It can be assembled with hand tools in about an hour and will teach you basic programming skills. Out of the box you can have light detect, wall following, servo control and basic motor control.
So I hope I helped some. I think it's a shame when someone has initiative such as yours and isn't being taught enough. If you ever need any help or have any questions, I'm on AIM at MikeWasHere05. Here are some links for some late-night reading/browsing:
Jameco Robot Store
BudgetRobotics
Pololu
Lynxmotion
Seattle Robotics Society
Atmel STK500 Information
AVR Enthusiasts Forum