I-Cybie and EZ-B v4 conversion.
Day 1. 23/01/2016
Continuing from my other thread asking if anyone has hacked an I-Cybie, this showcase thread will detail my first EZ-Robot "toy" hack with this little dog. Because of the inner workings and circuitry of the I-Cybie robot dog, the idea to incorporate the EZ-Robot platform in to this little fella will be to completely gut it out, and replace the DC motors with HD servos for the limbs, and a couple of micro servos for the heads pan and tilt action. It will be a tight fit go get an EZ-B, battery, and servos inside, but I think it can be done.
Unlike my previous "Built from scratch" robot builds where I plan out most of what I would like to achieve, and how to go about it, this project I am just going to... well... wing it. I have little idea of the internal layout of the I-Cybie (apart from a few photos I have seen online), so this will involve quite a bit of trial and error.
After posting this, I'm going to break out the screwdrivers and start to take the little guy apart. One of the main things I want to have a look at and test once disassembled, is the existing I-Cybie sensors, and test them with a spare EZ-B to see I will be able to use some of them. If not, I'll replace them with EZ-B comparable sensors. Additions will be to change the eye LED's, add a camera, 4 in 1 sensor, and see what else i can fit inside that will be useful.
I have no idea how this is going to turn out (hence the first picture, lol), but this should be a fun and unique project, and I think this will be the first I-Cybie to EZ-B conversion project showcase. I'll try to remember to take lots of photos of the insides in case anyone else is tempted to do a hack themselves, and I will document my progress with this project. Below are a couple of thread links about possibly hacking an I-Cybie with an EZ-B...
https://synthiam.com/Community/Questions/162
https://synthiam.com/Community/Questions/152
:)confused Let the head scratching begin... confused:)
Other robots from Synthiam community
DJ's Ez-B V4 Dalek
Johnnybib's Ezrobot Elasitc Band Turret
@Steve It's coming on well, and as you said it not just a hack but a complete Rebuild. I like the camera in the nose, but could this be a problem when the head is in the normal position, and the nose pointing to the floor?
I've found a very cheap solution for the battery pack, I have two 6v AA Ni-MH 2800mAh Packs, which I plan to put in series for 12v it makes a simple solution to use a centre tap for the 6v supply. I will put then together in the orgination as the original battery to fit in the I-Cybie. Still waiting for my I-Cybie to arrive!
Chris.
@nomad.
Yeah, it's quite a fun little project. Much easier than working out designs and building larger robots, although I do enjoy that too.
@cem.
Nice idea with the battery, and certainly a cheaper solution, and should give you a really good run time.
In regards to the camera position, you do make a good point. But, you've also got to remember that the little fella is going to be completely reprogrammed using ARC, so I can (and will) have the default head resting position facing forwards instead of pointing at the floor. I've got a sharp IR and a PIR sensor winging their way to me, so these could also go towards motion detection to activate or disable the camera.
Hi Steve,
He is coming along well. I like the head design. Camera in the nose will look good and is my favorite location. I am not a fan of the "gun shot hole in the head" designs. Noses make good places for "eyes"...LOL.. I look forward to your continued progress reports.
Ron R
He sure has a Snoopy looking face..
Cheers Ron.
I used to love snoopy when I was a kid. Yeah, the camera in the nose seemed a better choice for this, and hey, don't dogs kinda see with their very sensitive noses anyway?
Hey, what happend to your Wallmart R2 project?
He is running but I am wanting to get the navigation working. I am embarrassed to show him incomplete just running on a AutoPosition script. I am still waiting for an update on the compass so I can continue. I also will be adding one or more pings, which I want to hide somewhere on him. I let him out once in a while to stretch his legs.. I mean spin his wheels or what ever.
Hey, just a thought, instead of the ears that came with Eddie, why don't you change them to Snoopy ears. That way he fulfills an old memory.
In the mean time "Anton" has taken over my time. He is a talking head which will have moveable eyes, neck functions, a camera installed (in his nose), possibly a moveable jaw, and can control lights, and coffee maker on command. At the current time he has a Cepstral voice, a limited vocabulary and responds to phrases loaded. He will be posted soon. I have some of it built and programmed, but still have more to go.
Some day I want to combine all my robot projects into one. This is a way to develop all the parts and gain the knowledge I need. I am real thankful for the EZB.
Ron R
You and me both Ron. EZ-Robot certainly has reignited my passion for robots.
Thanks for the update. I remember reading one of your threads about the compass, and wondered if that was for R2. No need to feel embarrassed about showing a half done robot, as it's all part of the process.
Your "Anton" project sounds interesting. I'll look forward to the time when you share your work on that. Sounds pretty sweet.
Sorted out the final few boxes from my treasure trove of an attic. I knew I had another one...
This one is in really good nick, still working and has it's remote. I also found an old Commodore 64 computer. No idea if that works. It's like christmas all over again.
Not a bad week all in all.
Keep looking for the cartridges, they must be somewhere... LOL
Looks like you got a second one as a keeper, with remote and now a spare battery and parts.
Ron