Arduino?

[Kusha]

Originally Posted by EricH

Seeing as you already have the CD-drive motors, you should be able to use those. Mounting and gearing, though, are for you to figure out (hint: glue might work pretty well for mounting, depending on type).

You could also check a local RadioShack to see if they have small motors--there are some decent ones, if you get the "hobbyist" type of RadioShack instead of the "consumer electronics" type.

I have no idea how to gear them, but mounting wouldn't be that much of a problem. I have a radioshack near me, 5 minute walking distance I'll go tomorrow after school to check it out.

Originally Posted by DonRotolo

Your choice of motors depends on two factors: Speed and cost. Powerful (=fast_ motors are more expensive than less powerful (=slower) motors. CIMs are what I'd call "expensive" and the Denso window lifter motors can be had for much less.

CD drive motors are not a bad option.

I always keep my eyes open for sources of motors. On trash day look for things that might be useful. Most appliances have AC motors, not useful, but treadmills have large, powerful DC motors free for the taking. If you live in an area where they have cars, look for a salvage yard (aka Junkyard) - you can buy window motors for $5 each or less, maybe even free if you explain nicely what you're doing with them (the 'poor high school student building a robot' routine works well). Just learn how to get the door panels off a car, as they'd like for them to be in sellable condition when you leave...


You asked of the cold cathodes would kill your battery? Not much, they are not very power-hungry. Once you connect one, measure the current (you do have a multimeter, right? If not Harbor Freight sells then for $3)

Your post gave me a great idea, I can go to a thrift store and check around for some rc cars without controllers or something of the sort. Thanks for the tips tho. I will go around and look for motors creatively.

I'm very skeptical about the cd drive motors working that big of a robot...
I'm all for it if you guys can provide me a little guidance. How would I gear up a cd drive motor?

As for the cold cathodes I decided that I will give it a shot once I get it to light up more than halfway using a transistor(still doing my research on it)