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
:)
Hey Roger,
DOH! I didn't realize you had included the link to your Buster!
He is totally awesome! I wish I knew how to fabricate arms like that! Did you buy aluminium stock and drill holes for servos, etc., or did you actually machine parts? Would you share drawings later?
I was considering buying some kind of alternative arm, or a hand that would grab, since, as you know buster only as the ability to "clap" and pick up things with both hands.
Really an amazing job - and your first build?!?!?! I absolutely love how cool he is, and he does everything i want mine to do! Do you have distance sensors? Are the lights on his left side LED's?.
My Buster didn't come with the stabilizing wheel on the back - do you think this is a necessary thing? I think it would be very easy to fabricate if it's a necesasry thing, perhaps a ball wheel (like a Dyson) to make turning easier?
I am a children's librarian, and hope to also earn how to use servos to make puppets that will talk to kids and change expressions, etc. It would be fun (and more like a soft-skinned robot, than a puppet!
I'm reading the Robot Builder's Bonanza, hoping I get some good tips there, but I have to say - you guys (and gals) building here, are amazing! Thanks for your help, now I have to try and read every post on the site!
Kent
You could also use PVC pipe for the arm structures.
Kent, I made the arms using aluminum tubing and solid. I machined everything myself and made allot fit into what came with Buster. Sorry, I didn't do any drawings. You can see the sensors mounted on the right side of his head in the picture above. I put LED's in the holes on the other side. I am working on a movie showing off his arm and hand. I am also working on the finishing touches for his left arm. As far as the back wheel goes I didn't use it until I increased the voltage and he would fall over backwards if I took off to fast. I would see how it works and only use one if you need it.
Yeah...I was looking at your "ball turret" mount, and then noticed the sensor post! The LED's are so bright! So the ball is a hollow plastic ball, or rubber? as long as your dog doesn't get jealous and smell his scent on it and go after Buster!
Did you add a base to the head? Can you send a pic of the rotating mechanism? Do you have the one sensor? Or are there more in the lower body?
I really love the way he works. I can't think of anything to add!
@Bookmaker - thank you very much! Truly inspiring work. cool I really appreciate the insight to your Buster build. Gets the brain juices flowing for my Robie Sr.
One of your dog's play balls, huh? I also hope your dog doesn't secretly have it in for Buster or at least his eye!
Well, the ball is similar to a ping pong ball. And as far as my dog goes, I don't think he will miss it.
Kent, I did add a piece of wood to the upper torso for a base to attach the head servo.
LOL! Yeah, maybe he won't miss that one toy... ! (Can the deduction be made that you have no children - but a very happy dog?)
So the head servo is under the wood? the camera is small! looks like a piece of felt to help the head glide quietly as it turns, very smart!
What range of motion does it give his head? Got a closeup of an arm? Did you use wires to create "tendons"?
What kind of tools did you use in the arm fabrication - anything special? (like a metal lathe or something, or just regular tools, drill, hacksaw/dremel, etc)
Did you use a Dremel to sever the head, or is the speed to high, and it will melt the plastic?