Entry in the toy car contest
@ March 26, 2008
Drives around, looks for bright light, goes to the side that is brightest
Cost to build:
$50
Time to build:
3 hours
- Control method: autonomous, kinda
- CPU: picaxe 18x
- Power source: Standard pack for data, stock pack for car
- Programming language: Basic
- Sensors / input devices: one LDR
- Target environment: indoors
Well folks,
Here is not only my first picaxe project that sorta worked but also my entry in the toy car contest. I have no idea what the car used to be but it is actually still remote controlled! I found it was easier to hack the remote rather than the car itself. I am using an 18x in an axe090 board and a darlington driver to talk to the old remote. The "drive tword the light" code could use a little work but the concept is sound. I think I have a side-job sold so a ping sensor and the IR remote should be in my future -maybe even a proper base and tracks, etc. I think this is a good first step, I am learning more each night and mad thanks to fritz for all the wonderful code. More to come soon!
@ Sat, 2010-01-30 05:51
Wow! you've come a long way!
@ Wed, 2008-03-26 10:47
That is an exciting approach!
Instead of changing the car, set a Microcontroller to control the remote.. And place the remote on the car!
Cool :)
- If you have a LEGO Dirt Crusher that cannot easily be opened / altered; Just gently open and hack the remote.
- If you have an RC that is driven on petrol, it can be hard to hack that with a Microcontroller - Hack the remote!
For more standard RC's it is actually possible to buy extra remotes or use "all-around-remotes" - and these can also be hacked, and so you can keep your vehicle intact :).. And if you place solar-cells on your robot, and place it on a East / West - road, the guy will chase the sun till the end of the road (or day) ;)
Thanks for sharing!
/ Frits