cv66seabear
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.
- 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?
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.
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
:)
Not yet, but he will....
Hi Kent, I mounted the camera in a ball that sits in the old spot light hole and moves up and down and the head moves horizontally so I have both axis. As Bret said the camera is really small and fits well. No plans just kind of went with the flow. I use a hot glue gun for most hacks but a little epoxy when it needs to be a little stronger. When I cut Buster's head off I simply put in a support for the servo and mounted his head on the servo. Good luck to you and let me know if you have any questions or need any help. Regards, Roger
"I mounted the camera in a ball that sits in the old spot light hole and moves up and down..."
@Bookmaker - Oh! So that's how you made that look so slick! cool I've watched that Buster video over and over because it's so cool and also to try and figure out how you made the camera mounted in the spot light hole look so professional.
If you have or could maybe post close up photos of how you did that with the camera mounted in a ball, I'd love to see how you did it. Thanks!
Here is Robot B-9 (24 inches tall) on ebay for a good price http://www.ebay.com/itm/120843463561?ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1426.l2649 This is the same model I am modding and hope to have pics up soon.
JT, Here is a picture of the back of Buster's head with the back cover removed.
I just cut a few holes in one of my dog's play balls and placed the camera in with a little packing foam. I attached a mini servo on the left and a pivot on the right.and here is the front with the shield removed. Note how perfectly the sonar sensor fit the duel ports on Buster's right side. Just dumb luck!!
Let me know if you have any questions.That is slick! I find that most of my robotics is just dumb luck haha.
Hay Bret, What is inside the arms on the B-9? Do they move on the toy? Does he walk?
You can push the arms in and they lock with a spring like a dart gun. A button on the back releases them. The robot does have two drive wheels with two motors and moves okay. The original remote he moved forward and turned in reverse like a cheap radio control toy. But you talk through the remote and he does have some voice tracks. I plan on putting mine on the RAD drive section to have actual tracks and servos in the arms to make them move around and have the claws work (they are spring closed now).