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Originally Posted by Mike
Heh, kinda forgot about this thread =X
As far as my design goals, I want...
- Fast speed isn't necessary, a top speed of 4-5fps
- The terrain wouldn't be too tough. I'd say the average New England backyard area. Mostly grass, some dirt/gravel... a few sticks here or there.
- It will be carrying a pretty large payload of sensors. Cameras, ultrasonics, infrareds, etc.
- In the beginning, it will be fully autonomous. Once I get the money to buy a transmitter/receiver kit it will have rudimentary I/O
- Doesn't have to be too big. I'd say about 1.5' long by 1' wide.
- Right now I'm saving up for a car... so I'd like to keep costs to a minimum. However I am willing to spend enough if it's good quality. Lets say maximum of $150 for the frame/wheel setup/motors.
What I am doing is creating a robot that will be able to autonomously travel to a dynamic waypoint. I'm going to create a module that emits some kind of signal (ultrasonic, infrared... still deciding) and fits in a snug little package. I'll then go and put that module in a hidden spot and have the robot find it. The robot will have to figure out where it is and plan the best direction to head, avoiding all obstacles.
I recently saw the Rogue ATR base this is pretty much exactly what I'm looking for... but a tad too small. It is 8x4.5", I want to at least double that. However the frame looks pretty simple, could a mechanical guy look at this for me and tell me how possible it would be to make it enlarged with wood?
Thanks,
Mike |
Excellent!
And thanks for the picture - that helps alot.
So, to boil this down to a few items, in order of importance (in my mind)...
- Simple
- Cheap
- Large area to mount sensors on top
- Ground clearance for irregular objects (say, approx 2" tall)
- 1.5' by 2' or there abouts
Re-order, add, subtract, or whatever. I picked this order because:
a) You don't seem to want to mess with a complex build. You only have a few tools. And you want to get on with the sensors.
b) You want to keep it under $150, with motors, and save the real money for sensors (and wheels, man.)
c) Got to have a place for the sensors - that's the whole reason for the project. Unless of course you have a place for sensors on a $1000 base that MIT students couldn't put together. (That's why simple and cheap are first...)
d) I suppose if you had to you could run it on a parking lot or gym floor.
e) Really - whatever size that hits the above targets should make you happy - this is just a guide.
Anyone have any other ideas? Mike, any other ideas or comments? I'll be the first to admit I might not have this all right. I did just come in from a few hours of yard work and I'm tired...
If this is about right, let see what some of the gearheads can come up with. I'm guessing we can get a wood base with wheels and motors in a simple enough package. Maybe some metal sides to re-enforce it. I say we target under $100 for frame and wheels. Not sure if that's possible, but it's a good target.
I'll check back here in a few days to see what came up, or add my own simple/cheap design. Good luck!
*EDIT*
What about speed controllers? Where is that included in your budget?