IR sensors

[dmellich]

Ok, we found the "hardware" for the IR sensor. However, we're not sure about the mounting board shown on the instructions. Is it the one that is in the padded envelope? If so, do we cut it down to a smaller size? Any help is much appreciated.

[Kevin Watson]

Originally Posted by dmellich

Ok, we found the "hardware" for the IR sensor. However, we're not sure about the mounting board shown on the instructions. Is it the one that is in the padded envelope? If so, do we cut it down to a smaller size? Any help is much appreciated.

I think the piece of vectorboard is used to make the beacon (make sure you read the thread about the schematic error before you build this). The sensors are meant to be directly soldered to the end of a PWM cable or inserted into a connector that you build (this is what I did).

-Kevin

[Jay Lundy]

Originally Posted by dmellich

Ok, we found the "hardware" for the IR sensor. However, we're not sure about the mounting board shown on the instructions. Is it the one that is in the padded envelope? If so, do we cut it down to a smaller size? Any help is much appreciated.

Yeah we just used a bandsaw to cut our PCB to the exact size they had in the instruction.

By the way, remember that the instructions from the kit are wrong when it comes to wiring the transistor.

http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/sh...ad.php?t=23878

[dmellich]

Thanks for the help, we're going in the right direction now although we need clarification/help on the rest of the IR system.

As described we understand the IR sensors on the robot "seek out/home in on" the sensor(s) located near the 10 point balls. Did we receive the parts needed to create the "sensor" at the 10 point ball location? Are they the square "reflectors" (look like bicycle reflectors w/wires- 4ea) in the kit? If so, what are they connected to? Given Kevin's posts relating to "code" for these sensors (at the balls) it sounds like there is some type of "controller" (computer?) running this end of things. Correct?

Again, thanks for the help.

David M. Ellich
Coach, Team 1251
TechTigers/The Revolution
"Technology for the 21st Century"

[CPUguy387]

I also was wondering if the PWM connectors and the short wires depicted on the diagram that came with the beacon instructions are in the envelopes, because the one I have doesn't include them. Are they possible in the other envelopes for the other sensors. Also, Kevin, I'm not exactly sure how to wire up the sensor for our robot, such as you depicted. What does the sensor connect to? And, how does that connect to the controller? Thanks

[KevinB]

Originally Posted by dmellich

As described we understand the IR sensors on the robot "seek out/home in on" the sensor(s) located near the 10 point balls. Did we receive the parts needed to create the "sensor" at the 10 point ball location? Are they the square "reflectors" (look like bicycle reflectors w/wires- 4ea) in the kit? If so, what are they connected to? Given Kevin's posts relating to "code" for these sensors (at the balls) it sounds like there is some type of "controller" (computer?) running this end of things. Correct?

No, the "bicycle reflectors" you are referring to are the Team Color lights that must be mounted to your robot. These will flash red or blue depending on which side of the field your robot is assigned to.

The IR Beacons were shipped in pieces and must be assembled per instructions. You are correct to say that a controller is needed -- Code is provided to use the EduBot controller for this purpose.

[Phil_Lutz]

You were given enough parts to make 2 Beacons.
In the sensor bag you will find Printed Circuit board x1, IR Transmittors x10 resistors x8, switches x2, and connectors x2.

Print out the document http://www2.usfirst.org/2004comp/Inf...ng_diagram.pdf
And it will assist you in the parts identification.

Phil

[Kevin Watson]

Originally Posted by Phil_Lutz

Print out the document http://www2.usfirst.org/2004comp/Inf...ng_diagram.pdf
And it will assist you in the parts identification.
Phil

This document is still incorrect. Pin 2 and 3 of Q1/"HexFET" need to be reversed for it to work.

-Kevin

[dmellich]

Originally Posted by KevinB

No, the "bicycle reflectors" you are referring to are the Team Color lights that must be mounted to your robot. These will flash red or blue depending on which side of the field your robot is assigned to.

The IR Beacons were shipped in pieces and must be assembled per instructions. You are correct to say that a controller is needed -- Code is provided to use the EduBot controller for this purpose.

Let me see if I have this straight.

The IR beacon parts in the kit are enough to build the two units (one for the robot and one at the balls). The EDUrobot controller is used with the beacon unit at the balls. Only thing left to do is use the appropriate code for each side.

[CPUguy387]

In what direction do the resistors neeed to be placed? And which part is the FET?

[Kevin Watson]

Originally Posted by CPUguy387

In what direction do the resistors neeed to be placed? And which part is the FET?

It doesn't matter which way the resistors are attached. The MOSFET looks like the picture on the front of the data sheet.

-Kevin

[CPUguy387]

THANKS! I just wanted to make sure, since I really don't feel like desoldering (it's such a pain!) Also, thanks for reminding me to switch pins 2 and 3, I never would've known (except when it didn't work!) Thanks again

[Kevin Watson]

Originally Posted by dmellich

Let me see if I have this straight.

The IR beacon parts in the kit are enough to build the two units (one for the robot and one at the balls). The EDUrobot controller is used with the beacon unit at the balls. Only thing left to do is use the appropriate code for each side.

No, there is a beacon on each side of the field, both driven by one EDU-RC.

-Kevin

[Phil_Lutz]

You have enough parts to build 2 beacons. Those beacons are placed on the center line of the playing field. Build one and power/controll it via your edubot.

That's the transmittor.

You then need to build the receiver for your robot.

[CPUguy387]

Where can I reorder another FET? One of the ones I had broke when I was trying to desolder it and switch pin 2/pin 3