CS 495   Special Topics:  AUTONOMOUS ROBOTS

Winter 2000,  Instructor: Jeffrey Horn

    Assignment 3:  Expert Group Projects

• Handed out Wed. (1/26/00), and due Wednesday (2/2/00)
• GROUPS:  (tasks in bold are the critical, "do right now!", ones, while the tasks in italics are considered FINISHED.)
• Servos:
• Try out the TS-80 BB super servo
• Try out the micro servo
• Try out the Y-harness for double servo
• Install and test the BB modification kit for standard servos.
• Compare.
• Hardware:
• make jumper cables, using the crimper:
• female-female:  4 of 3", 4 of 6", 4 of 9", and 2 of 12"
• male-male:  make 6 of these, that connect two of the above.
• Learn how to:
• breadboard circuits,
• solder.
• Make the appropriate equipment in support of the other groups.
• Processor:
• TWO projects, since this is a large group.  Form your two teams.
• PROJECT 1:  Pick a processor!
• We need something better than a Basic Stamp 2sx, but easier and faster to start programming than the Megatel board running Zentropix RTlinux.
• Possiblities:
• BasicX
• PROJECT 2:  Program the hexapod to use the footpad sensors
• Fabrication:
• Fix legs down left side of hexapod!
• First, replace double sided tape.
• Next, design a "permanent" solution.
• Power:
• Build modular connector cables for battery packs.
• Find us a NiMH battery for the hexapod!  (7.2 V)  and a charger!
• See what Lithium Ion batteries are out there (also for hexapod) and what their capabilities are.
• Find out the current and voltage need for the Megatel board, and figure out how to power it.
• Infrared Sensor:
• Build the I/R Detector kit from Lynxmotion
• Test it, on carpet rover or hexapod.
• Build the I/R Detector kit from Mondotronics
• Implement obstacle avoidance or wall following.
• Force Sensor:
• Put bump sensor on hexapod front legs
• Put  "whiskers" on carpet rover.
• Sonar Sensor:
• Wait for Owl sensor.  When it comes, get familiar with it and test it!