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Greetings!

I picked up a BUSTER bot which I hope to turn into a real robot.

Since this is my first build, and I have no background in robotics, just a desire to create - I have a ton of questions.

  1. Buster operates on 6 "c" cells located in a compartment between his treads underneath. I would like to replace this and seal up the hole, creating, I hope, more usable interior space. Part of this is due to the fact the door is gone, so I'd have to fabricate one in order to keep using "c" cells, part of this is hoping that there is a more efficient method of battery power (hopefully rechargeable!) So the question is: what would be an equal or better replacement?

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  1. I haven't cracked him open yet, to see how he works, but he runs commands through a wired controller, which is quite thick. I have not been able to get him to power on, but I did read online that he likes high quality batteries, and he was shipped to me with Family Dollar batteries! So I don't know what works in terms of motors and what doesn't.

  2. With this in mind, here are the mods I'd like to make:

Camera to replace "spotlight" in head Separate head from body (it is now stationary) and add geared assembly and motor to enable head to turn. Add sensors front and back - I want to let Buster "feel" his surroundings, not sure if I need active or passive sensors or both EZB Board - so my scarecrow can have a brain! Possible replacement of servos to update those in arms Possible replacement of motors for treads Remote control with voice command capability (Buster has a speaker to allow speech through the remote now).

So, I am so new, I don't even know how to start. The EZB kit I think would provide me with a lot of the parts I would need. I know the motion sensors are available at Radio Shack (passive $9.99, active $29.99).

Can you all recommend parts dealers and ideas on how to proceed (if there are any Milwaukee, WI builders - let me know!). I'm especially eager to solve this "c" battery bank, hoping a pair of RC Nicad battery would be better? Possibly using a solar panel to charge?

If anyone has a manual, I'd love to see it, I'd like to know just what he did. He was sold in 2000, so he's a tween, and you know how they can be!

I use a Gen 1 MacBook Pro, so I'll need some ideas for programming the board with a Mac.

Thanks in advance for your help!
Kent

:)


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#1  

I just started on my own project not too long ago. Here's what I would tell myself:

  1. Order the complete EZ-B kit. You're going to need everything it comes with and more but it'll keep you busy for a while.
  2. Don't worry about how the old robot worked. You're only interested in it for the shell anyhow. Crack it open and take out all the guts. You'll be replacing most of them with stuff that comes with the EZ-B kit.
  3. Don't worry about the existing battery pack. You're going to replace it with you're own battery. Most people seem to get a 7.2V NiMh battery RC car battery. I personally use 6 AA eneloops because I don't need more than 2000 mAhs between charges.
  4. Get the robot up and running on the EZ-B first. Worry about solar power, touch sensors, etc. later. The kit comes with enough stuff to get you started.
  5. Go through the forum and just read a bunch of old posts. Not everything is going to make sense at first but as you progress, you'll remember something you read and you'll know to search for the thread later.

I hope this helps and I hope you have as much fun as I've been having!

#2  

Welcome! I agree with what Choyster said. I also recommend staying away from Radio Shack if you can - you will pay twice as much as other sources. Ebay is always good, All Electronics and Sparkfun are also good. In fact, I got a 6 VDC rechargable battery for omnibot from All Electronics for $10 bucks, and they had a 12 VDC for like 15 bucks. I am using a 7.2 NiMh for the EZ-B and the 6 VDC for my motors and heavy duty servos. Enjoy!

#3  

If you are in the west or southwest, Frys Electronics is good if you don't have the patience for waiting on stuff to ship from Hong Kong when you buy from eBay (seems all the good cheap stuff is there). Less expensive and wider selection than Radio Shack. Unfortunately, there is nothing similar for us East coasters. Every time I travel to California though I take an extra suitcase so I can stock up on parts and toys....

Alan

#4  

Frys rocks! I hit the one in Phoenix whenever I'm there (the inlaws).

#5  

Hello Kent and welcome. I am also working on a Buster. Buster I have done alot of the things you have suggested you would like to do. Please let me know if you have any questions. Best regards, Roger the bookmaker and Buster.

#6  

Great Info! Thanks you guys!

I'm kind of excited to see another Buster! Seems to be a pretty cool bot, with tons of potential.

Roger, did you have plans to sever the head and put it on a track so it can turn at least to the side? Were you mounting the camera in the old spotlight area?

Does everyone use something like JB Plastic Weld to fabricate and re-attach parts?

I have to clear a space in the basement of my landlady's house to build on. I guess I'll do the de-construction until I can buy the kit.

How big is the camera? it looks huge! I was thinking of getting an old cell phone camera, is that too small?

Bret - do you have a B-9 that you've made work? I have to confess that that's the robot that got me thinking a hundred years ago!

Thanks again! Kent

#7  

@cv66seabear - the camera is really pretty small when you remove it from the housing, I have one in my omnibot. I do have a 2 foot tall B-9 I have been working on as well. Right now he just has some cool lights, his antenna rotate, bubble moves up and down, and he says "My sensors indicate an intruder is present" if you get too close. He doesn't move yet as his original drive system was pathetic. I have stripped a RAD robot and will be using the tracks for mobility. But he is on the back burner until I finish my omnibot. As soon as I get back to him I'll post.;)

#8  

He Doesn't say "Danger, Danger, Will Robinson!" ? :)

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