Next Hack - Robot B9

bret.tallent

USA
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Now that I have finished B.O.B., my get your feet wet bot, I have begun my next hack. This next robot will bridge the gap between Bob and my ultimate big robot. I am starting with a remote controlled B9 toy from Trendmasters. It was very limited in what it did, and the drive section was pathetic, but it was B9!

Before Pics:

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Note: the front "lights" in the chest plate is actually just a decal.

Here is what B9 looks like now:

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I have mounted clear LEDs in the appropriate colors in the chest at the bottom of the decal and have a flashing circuit that will blink them in the combination as seen on the series. Where the two large round circles are (white domes on the big guy) I will have my ping sensor. I have mounted pager motors in the antenna housings to turn the "sensors" as seen in the TV version. I have mounted red El Wire to his voice plate to emulate the original as well. I have also mounted a series of blinking LEDs to the "brain" section in the bubble.

Next is to work on the rotation of the bubble and torso, articulate the arms and claws, and make a real functioning tread section. For the tread section I am adapting the base from my RAD robot. I will keep you posted with pics as I proceed.

Thanks,

Bret

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#137  

Pulled these from a couple of computers they were scrapping at work. They work well and should cool something...

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#138  

Ha ha ha , those are huge , you could cut them smaller to size though.

#139  

I just tested out EZ-B control of my antennae, lights, camera, and neck servo. It all works great! The LED circuit looks like it needs a little more juice than it is getting from the EZ-B so I think I will run the power right off the battery (6V).

My new motor controller came in but the Radio Shack by me didn't have any heat sinks so I will have to try some other stores tomorrow. But with a nice long weekend I should be able to get him moving. I'll post some video when I do. I've also started working on the arms. First, I am epoxying some PVC in the arm holes of the torso.

#140  

I bet 1 " corregated PVC.tube would make a great arm. I have a design for you of you want one uses two.servos the other 3 and uses Teflon tube and wire to move the arms like on the show.

#141  

That's sweet, I would sure like to see your ideas. I have some of my own but I am definitely interested. Thanks!

#142  

Cool , ill try to draw it to illustrate those couple of ideas. You have your camera already.moving around , ugh , kicking my butt again lol. Are you.using ezb camera? I can't wait to see you try the motor controller out , that should be more than enough power for you. Remember the motors normally run on 7.2 v , input voltage raises torque but own (pulse width modulation) controls speed. So if you need more torque you know what to do:) I don't plane on running any of my servos from ezb power , it seems like it can't give servos what they need. So I'm just gonna use one of my step down modules to get regulated 6v direct from power supply. So Brett are you going to give your bot a few IR LEDs to see in low light conditions so motion tracking still works? , my house generally is dark in bedroom , hallway and living room area so I'm going to have like 8 IR LEDs maybe more fitted in eye sockets , maybe you could drill like two or four 5mm holes on each side off the came and glue in water clear IR so they completely blend in and they are always pointed where the camera is pointed. I have several flat top LEDs I could send you but its best to have directional focused LEDs.

#143  

Hmmmmm. IR LEDs is a good idea... I think I have some. During the day my house is okay for light, but at night.... Yeah, I'm gonna tie all my servos to separate power too.

And the only reason I'm farther than you are is mine is not nearly as complicated. You are doing so much with your bot it is truly amazing.

#144  

Okay, first arm test not so good - back to the drawing board.