My Son Is Applying To Mit

Question

Hey guys this is my first post. My son is applying to MIT and has several projects going all at once. I need assistance. We don't have any money or at least not much. He and I are getting the SOY kit and a few other things to go along with it. He has until April of 2016 to present it. Right now all we have to work with is an old 90's RAD robot. Can anybody assist us with something better with a low cost?

vulcangodoffire2000 · Answer

Umm..diy kit. .. I can't seam to edit

DJ Sures · Answer

Ha - roger that. The SOY DIY Kit - it's the healthy choice Well, good news is there are a few RAD robot builders on here. I have one as well! It won't cost very much, so don't worry about breaking the bank. 1) Get a hot glue gun from walmart and lots of hot glue sticks 2) Get a Dremel or knock-off dremmel from a Home Depot/Rona 3) For cutting, i use the Sheet Metal Drill Cutting Bits. They look like a drill bit, but let you cut sideways. It's just the way the cutting edge is on the bit that allows you to do this. Rather than using a cutting disk, which i've never been very fond of. 4) Have him start learning the DIY kit by building some small cardboard robots first. Use the wheels, servos and camera to make something similar to the BoxBot. here's links Part 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qeM_A2ANaas Part 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_0VyYphG57A Part 3: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RSA_IRnNan4 5) Once he's ready to build the RAD - he will need a motor driver. This allows the motors on the RAD to be used with the EZ-B v4. A motor driver is necessary because motors draw more current than a computer like the EZ-B v4 can power. Here's a link to the motor driver: https://synthiam.com/Shop/AccessoriesDetails.aspx?prevCat=9&productNumber=14 6) Power might be a slight concern. I would recommend the LiPo batteries when he's ready. Here are links: Battery: https://synthiam.com/Shop/AccessoriesDetails.aspx?prevCat=9&productNumber=41 Charger: https://synthiam.com/Shop/AccessoriesDetails.aspx?prevCat=9&productNumber=42 DIY Kit Adapter: https://synthiam.com/Shop/AccessoriesDetails.aspx?prevCat=103&productNumber=103

vulcangodoffire2000 · Answer

Thanks for all of those sugestions.... we will start there.

Nomad 6R · Answer

vulcangodoffire2000 USA i can provide you the batterie/charger/diy kit adaptor. and maybe the 2.5 amp motor controller. i have to ask and talk to james about the cost. would that be helpfull for you. can you gif your adres to james,so he know where to send. you can find james see ubove products click on that, see right bottem,there is james.

vulcangodoffire2000 · Answer

Um... that would be helpful.. im not sure how to do what your asking.? Im hapoy to provide my address here if necessary.

vulcangodoffire2000 · Answer

Happy...wow. this no edit stuff. Lol

vulcangodoffire2000 · Answer

I only have a phone, so I think I don't see what others do on a computer.

Nomad 6R · Answer

am not sure what you mean.i dont need your adres but james he has to know, where to send it to. dj can you help here.

Nomad 6R · Answer

ah.you have ARC on your phone?

DJ Sures · Answer

@Vulcan, english isn't nomad's first language - so sometimes it can be difficult to understand. I think he's saying that if you contact us to have items added to the order, james will be able to arrange that. This is because James is the Customer Support person for EZ-Robot. James is the guy on the other end of the contact us page. Nomad speaks with James often. As for the "no edit stuff". The edit button is there. It's above each post - it is a blue button that reads "Edit".

DJ Sures · Answer

Here is a screenshot of the forum view from my phone. Now, you don't have a delete or user details button because you're not an administrator like I am. But what you do have is a button that reads Edit.

Nomad 6R · Answer

what i mean ,i wanna support vulcan with donate the batt/charger/diy adaptor wire.and if possible the 2.5 amp motor controller. if he wants to except.i think he does. am only asking myself ,he dont have a pc how he gonna use the ezbv4?

DJ Sures · Answer

Oh, man you're such a thoughtful guy nomad As for the PC, I suspect the son has one - and Vulcan is merely using his phone on the forum.

Nomad 6R · Answer

ah ok.so he can gif his adres to james ,so he know where to send it to. james can send the invoice to me.

vulcangodoffire2000 · Answer

Wow. Thanks guys. Im kinda having an issue tonight . I had to get here from email post. No computer... ?? this is dificult on a phone. Lol..... so who or how do i contact? Vulcangodoffire2000@yahoo.com. or txt...801 347 3169

Nomad 6R · Answer

i try to reach you

Nomad 6R · Answer

ok he has win7 and win10 i think he downloaded ARC and is try to connect his phone nexus5 sofar we are.

Rich · Answer

Skipping the middle of this topic and going back to the RAD. I have a RAD which I stripped down for building a new robot (it didn't get far because I had about 2,500 other projects going at the same time). The RAD is an awesome base for a robot. The drive train is by far the best of all toy robots that I've played with. The RAD itself is a nightmare to take apart carefully. Every wire is soldered so no unplugging looms, just cutting (or de-soldering wire). But provided you don't want to use any of the original electronics that's no issue. The drive train will run very nicely from a 2.5A motor controller/H-Bridge. The one EZ-Robot sells fits nicely in the base too, along with a decent sized LiPo battery. The original motors, if in good condition, will handle the 2S LiPo voltage without issue but may be too fast, I used PWM to lower the speed. I did mine with the old V3 which fitted in the base nicely. The V4 should fit too however may need removing from it's plastic case. Here's my original build topic. Hopefully it's of some assistance as far as stripping down and fitting new electronics in is concerned. It's a RAD 1.0 but the 2.0 is pretty much the same other than the head from what I understand.

Nomad 6R · Answer

rich i left a message for you on the previous topic of me. rich

vulcangodoffire2000 · Answer

Wow thanks guys... and nomad...that's amazing of you to do. Thank you for your generosity. That means a lot. And my son will really appreciate it.

vulcangodoffire2000 · Answer

Rich. Thanks for the info on the rad...that will help. My son has pledged at lease 2 hours per Sunday to work on the robot.. and at lease 5 hours a week working on what he wants to create with the software. So this should end up cool. He's gona do most of the work on trythe bot. As nd ALL of the programing.

Nomad 6R · Answer

hi vulcan how did it go with connecting the nexus5 to wifi

vulcangodoffire2000 · Answer

I don't know yet. My son will be working on an Android app... i think what will have to happen is this. He will need to make an app with ez. that transmits via wifi. The nexus 5 is small enough to fit in the back of the robot. I think he will be able to figuer it out... he is way smarter than me...

Nomad 6R · Answer

i can hardly wait with what he comes up in de video.

anthony · Answer

This is Vulcan's son. Thank you nomad. It means alot. And thank you everybody for the extra help.

Nomad 6R · Answer

anthony nice to meet you ,and welkom. if possible keep us updated with pics or video.

anthony · Answer

Okay will do and I will also start a blog with updates. I'll post the link once I have it set up

Nomad 6R · Answer

anthony dont forget to do the tutorials here and check them when you have read them. they are in the learn section ubove this page.

James Graham Hu · Answer

@vulcangodoffire2000 could you send me an email to james@ez-robot.com with your shipping information? This would include telephone number and shipping address. Once I have that I can get Nomad's order for you moving. Thanks!

vulcangodoffire2000 · Answer

Sent

vulcangodoffire2000 · Answer

A little concerned here...my sons package is coming. I get china does everything. But 35 bux for 3lb ? And I'm sure it's less than 3 lb. I've had 10 lb shipped for 6 dollars from china..many...many times. You guys should find a different solution. Especially for those of us on a short budget.

DJ Sures · Answer

Thanks for your feedback - if you wanted to ship cheaper without any insurance and have it take 3-4 weeks, a $6 fee for regular post could be applied - but you would have to sign a waiver with us to waive insurance and it's at your own risk. After all, you are purchasing the most high-tech piece of equipment that you own. Insurance is incredibly important. If you'd like, we can increase the price of the product to decrease the price of shipping? (that was jokingly, of course!)

vulcangodoffire2000 · Answer

I don't even know how to reply to that. sigh.....

DJ Sures · Answer

I'm being cheerful to put a smile on your face and let you know the shipping price is validated To make sure the robot gets to you. You've also had a great experience, on this forum - including people offering to purchase components for you! I'm quite certain that you should be smiling!

Dunning-Kruger · Answer

@vulcangodoffire2000 It is being shipped DHL insured.... EZ Robot stuff is not cheap Chinese electronics here... About six months ago ez robot reduced their price on all of their products. The Developer's kit used to be $199 or $229, not sure. Now it is $179. At any rate when your son gets the kit you'll forget all about the shipping cost. Personally I would pay double (and almost do with the sad Canadian dollar) for shipping because I know first hand just how good this product really is... I am not encouraging this, but to be honest DJ doesn't charge enough for ez robot stuff.... Think about it.... He gives the software away for free, but the software is the absolute most important component of ez robot....

Nomad 6R · Answer

here in belgium we pay double for chipping. the was 229 dollar in the begin for the kit. be happy for you and your son.

vulcangodoffire2000 · Answer

Thanks guys....I was just stressing

vulcangodoffire2000 · Answer

So..I'm eating a little crow tonight. I ppoligize for the complaint. I expected it in a couple more weeks... it's here today. My mistake for mentioning it. My son is super excited.

thetechguru · Answer

Yeah, it takes a while for EZ to ship, but once DHL gets it, typically 2-3 days to the US. I ordered an adventure bot and some parts early last week, and I ordered the 4in1 sensor from Brookstone the next day since EZ was out of stock. Sensor arrived today, and just got a text from DHL that the adventure bot will be delivered tomorrow. Other good thing with DHL other than insurance is that you can redirect to another location the day before delivery, or have them hold it for a day. My last order I originally planned on having it go to my office, but I redirected to my home when my wife got hurt (bike accident) and I had to stay home for a week to care for her. No other shipper does that without charging extra. Alan

vulcangodoffire2000 · Answer

Ya its all good.. to the admin and all, again my appoligize

Nomad 6R · Answer

vulcangodoffire2000 awesome you have the kit.yeach stressing is a part off robotics. dont worry about it.

vulcangodoffire2000 · Answer

Thanks...and I also got the parts donated today. He's picking them all up sunday. I can't wait to see what he doesvwi th it all.

Nomad 6R · Answer

same here,very curious

anthony · Answer

So finally got around to taking the base off of the robot. i plan on putting the ez-robot brain to near the front of the base. Thank again for all the help.

vulcangodoffire2000 · Answer

sorry its been so long life gets in the way. i have a few pics to post later tonight.

i need to find out how to get a replacement data cable for the hbridge to ez 4 either has been misplaced or we didn't get one. either way my mistake for not noticing earlier im happy to pay for it as i have to order a camera extension cable anyway.

thetechguru · Answer

HBridges is not one cable but a bunch if jumper cables. This kit has way more than you need, or you can pick up at virtually any hobby shop, Fryes or Microcenter: https://synthiam.com/Shop/AccessoriesDetails.aspx?prevCat=9&productNumber=24

Alan

vulcangodoffire2000 · Answer

cool thanks. ill order that when i order the camera extension

vulcangodoffire2000 · Answer

Anybody know what the equivalent servo is that comes in the DIY kit? The metle gear one. Is it similar to an mg995? Need to build a pan tilt.

DJ Sures · Answer

It's right here HDD Servo

vulcangodoffire2000 · Answer

Yes.I ment what is the equivalent? I need to get a 3rd party pan and tilt so i need to know the equivilant size ..i already have the servos frim the kit..what size are rthey ..equivalent modle number....

DJ Sures · Answer

The servos designed by ezrobot for the ezrobot products and included in the developer kit can be found here: HDD Servo

vulcangodoffire2000 · Answer

So i still haven't figured things out yet....is there a way to upload pics directly from my phone to show the progress made over the last while?. I f ont have a url to upload from. To be honest I dont know how to do that. Anthony isn't available to assist. ps...he got a free ride to SLCC for 2 years....first step to MIT.

thetechguru · Answer

You can upload pictures from your phone by scrolling down past the area you type your comment to the "file upload" area. First press the "choose file" button and your phone's browser will open a dialog box where you can navigate to your picture gallery. Once the picture is selected, you then press the "upload file" button. The picture will be uploaded to the ez robot servers and a link will be inserted into your post. You can do multiple files in one post. When you then hit post or reply (depending on whether you are creating a new thread or replying to this one) the pictures will be visible in your post. The "add image" and "add youtube video" buttons are for adding links to hosted pictures and videos that will display in your post. You must do this for videos, but for pictures ez robot will host them. Alan

thetechguru · Answer

Oh, and congratulations on the free ride. Very impressive. Alan

anthony · Answer

Here are some images of the progress We Added the camera here:  This is the on/off switch

anthony · Answer

This is some of the pictures taken while installing the motors to the rad:

vulcangodoffire2000

Upgrade to ARC Pro