ARobot

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On This Page Features Basic Stamp II Uses What You'll Get What You'll Need Expandable 'For Dummies' Book Expansion Kit Specifications Programming Book Pricing

The ARobot (pronounced "A robot") is a computer controlled mobile robot designed for Experimenters and Educators. Ages 14 and up (younger with help) can enjoy unlimited experimentation by programming the on-board Basic Stamp II control computer. Learn about computer programming, motion control, sensors, path planning, object avoidance, and more. Easily assembled in a few hours using common hand tools (no soldering required). Connect ARobot to your personal computer for programming and begin your adventure.

You won't find a more powerful, expandable, programmable robot for the money!

• Rugged aluminum frame (no plastic or wood)
• Dual front whisker sensors
• Rear wheel steering servo motor
• Front wheel DC gear drive motor
• Optical wheel encoder for distance measurement
• On-board coprocessor handles all motor control
• Controllable Red and Green LED's
• Sound output transducer
• Two user defined push button switches
• 3 User-defined RC servo control ports
• Serial communications port
• Expansion connector
• Socket to accept a Basic Stamp II controller chip
• Dimensions: 10" x 10", 5" tall, 2-1/4 lbs
• Runs on 8 AA-cell batteries for 5 hours or more

The Basic Stamp II is a small, self-contained computer controller manufactured by Parallax Inc. This easy-to-use system is programmed using a Basic-like language called PBasic. Programs are written on an IBM-style PC then downloaded to the Basic Stamp II for execution. Large libraries of programs can be created and saved.

ARobot's controller board accepts the Basic Stamp II (purchased separately) which controls motors, LED's, buzzer, and other devices. The Parallax Web site provides complete information about the Basic Stamp II including the programming manual. You can purchase the Basic Stamp II from us at a discount and save time.

See the Basic Stamp II installed on ARobot's controller board.

Attention Teachers:
See how to teach Basic Stamp Programming in class.

• Robotics education
• Artificial life experiments
• Science projects
• Navigation research
• Maze solving
• Security
• Robot contests
• Publicity
• Fun! Fun! Fun!

• Quality aluminum robot body and frame components
• Controller circuit board - completely assembled
• Diskette containing programming tools and example programs
• Wheels, drive motors, steering motors, encoder, cables
• Construction and user guide
• Technical support via web site and email

• Common handtools - screwdriver and pliers
• Your choice of spray paint (if desired)
• Personal computer running Windows and a serial port
• Common understanding of computer usage
• Moderate understanding of Basic programming or a willingness to learn
• 8 AA batteries. (over 5 hours of continuous run time)
• Basic Stamp II programming information -available free on the net, or purchase the book
• Internet connection for getting the latest information
• A never-ending desire to experiment and play with robots!

Construction normally takes about 3 hours. - or more for exotic paint jobs!

ARobot's controller board has the ability to control 3 additional RC (Remote Control) servo motors which are commonly available at KITSUSA for less than $20 each. These motors can be used to create a small robot arm or a moving head. The body contains openings to mount 2 of these RC servo motors.

The controller board also provides a connector to power a small DC motor like the one used as the drive motor. This connector can also be used to control other high-power devices such as a light or horn.

An expansion connector is provided to allow the user to add many special devices. Access to all of the Basic Stamp's I/O signals is provided and unused pins can be wired as needed.

Additional circuit boards can be stacked on top of ARobot's main controller board. Mounting holes and dimensions are the same as the prototype boards (RS Catalog #276-170) and breadboards (RS Catalog #276-174) found at KITSUSA. This makes expansion easier and cheaper.

See our project page for ideas such as using a sonar range finder and interfacing to a smoke alarm.

Endless possibilities prevent boredom!

• Frame: .062 aluminum - cut, punched, and formed
• Configuration: 3-wheel, front wheel drive, rear wheel steer
• Dimensions: 10" x 10", 5" tall, 2-1/4 lbs
• Payload capacity: 3 lbs
• Wheel size: 3.25" diameter
• Drive Motor: 12 volt DC gear motor, 1.6 amp max
• Quality machined wheel coupling and bearings
• Optical wheel encoder for distance measurement
• Encoder: 20 counts per revolution - 2 per inch of travel
• Motor driver: H bridge - 1 amp max
• Speed control: Pulse Width Modulation
• Controller PCB size: 2.1" x 6"
• Steering Motor: Standard size RC servo motor
• Power source: 8-AA cells in removable pack
• Runs on 8 AA-cell batteries for 5 hours or more
• Current draw: 50ma at standstill, 200ma with motor running
• Coprocessor: PIC16F84 for motor control
• Expansion connector - 40 pin (2x20) IDC .1 centers
• See the Schematic
• See the PC board component placement

For the tinkerer in all of us - Robot Building for Dummies gives you a solid understanding of robotics with a decidedly hands-on method. The book takes you through building ARobot then expanding it by adding speech, video, motion sensor, temperature sensor, and remote control.

Click on the book image to go to our special website for this book.

This expansion kit provides parts needed to build some of the expansion projects for ARobot described in 'Robot Building for Dummies' including the temperature sensor, light sensor, motion detector, and movable head.

List of Parts included:

• 1) Expansion cable & Connector
• 1) Head perf board
• 1) RC servo motor for head
• 1) PIR motion sensor
• 1) Expansion perf board
• 1) Light sensor
• 1) Temperature sensor
• 2) Capacitor, .1uf
• 2) Resistor, 220ohm
• 2) Spacers and screws for mounting servo motor
• 4) Spacers for mounting expansion perf board

Learn all about programming the Basic Stamp II controller using the PBasic Language. Easy to read and understand with plenty of examples and experiments. Get this book if you're new to Stamp programming.

Batteries (8) AA required