The Green monster

Robot – work in progress

By epicjr77 @ Mon, 2008-04-28 21:08

Cut Grass

Cost to build:

$540

Time to build:

120 hours

URL to more information:

http://myweb.wit.edu/ricardij/

Weight:

165 grams

Actuators / output devices: 2 servos, wheel chair motors, 2 cycle engine
CPU: Parallax BS2
Power source: 12V SLA deep cycle
Programming language: Basic
Sensors / input devices: Snoanr and Bumper switches
Target environment: Out door

Description:

It is a RC lawn mower project that I just finished. I used it once t(here is a link to the video on my web site), and blew up the cutter motor. The one I bought apparently was to small. I used solidworks and cosmos to design it, once again there is info on my web site. I am working on getting a microprocessor so I can make her a real robot. I am also looking for a good cutter motor if any one has any suggestions. I would rather stay away from gas just becuase I want it to be fully electric. It currently has 2 wheel chair motors to drive it and a deep cycle SLA for power. I am using a Sabertooth 2x25 motor driver and the thing is awsome.

Web site: http://myweb.wit.edu/ricardij/

By TigPT @ Mon, 2008-04-28 21:25

Really nice, I wold love to

Really nice, I wold love to know more about the motors, and this controller you use..

Go on with this project, I'm waiting to see this cutting grass or something autonomously :P

Good luck with this project =D

PS - bad that video link is broken, please edit it.

By BaseOverApex @ Wed, 2008-07-16 22:14

Me too

I want those motors. This looks like a metal version of Big Chaser, only with an extra motor and a whirly blade!! Mine is currently R/C. Does your motor controller take teh R/C receiver inputs direclty? Mine measures the pulse widths in software.

Yeah. Offer to publicise you robot in the local press and tell the supplier that it's free publicity for them. You might get lucky.

By epicjr77 @ Wed, 2008-07-16 23:22

link to the motor driver

link to the motor driver people

http://www.dimensionengineering.com/Sabertooth2X25.htm

By epicjr77 @ Mon, 2008-04-28 22:15

I am hoping for some

I am hoping for some sponsors so I can complete the project as I am a broke college student. Dose any one have any ideas where to look? The motor driver is really cool becuase it has a great price, can handle up to 25 amps, and can be controlled with RC, microcontrollers, and more. Link to web site is http://www.dimensionengineering.com/Sabertooth2X25.htm. I got the wheel chair motrs of of ebay. I am working on the video.

By TigPT @ Mon, 2008-04-28 22:20

Thanks for the info, i just

Thanks for the info, i just saw your video, it really looks cool =P

It have a nice power, nothing comparing with my litle bots.. i'm new with dc motors.. maybe soon i can do big machines like yours =P

Keep it going, think about Picaxe or Arduino to use as a brain for it.. they are powerful microcontrolers, and easy to use.

By jklug80 @ Mon, 2008-04-28 22:23

Ask the manufacturer for

Ask the manufacturer for parts. If you get a professor to write a letter on univeristy letterhead they may donate parts. Offer to add their link and logo in videos of the project. The university can write them a letter for tax deductions.

By TigPT @ Mon, 2008-04-28 22:28

nice trick.. didn't know

nice trick.. didn't know that.. i need search if that work on my country too.. =P

By TigPT @ Mon, 2008-04-28 22:38

with this second video, it

with this second video, it looks like it is a explosion engine.. whats that noise dud?

By TheCowGod @ Tue, 2008-04-29 04:45

I think the noise that

I think the noise that sounds like a combustion engine is actually the sound of the cutting blade spinning under the machine. Sounds scary :)

Dan

By GroG @ Mon, 2008-04-28 22:55

Great project ! You might

Great project ! You might consider putting on a computer? maybe someones throw away? I've had good luck from friends upgrading :) .

Now its fairly easy to power one off of 12 volts,

mabe this will give you some ideas ...

Keep on buildin !

GroG

By epicjr77 @ Mon, 2008-04-28 23:05

The nosie is a loose nut the

The nosie is a loose nut the fell of and hit the blade then went flying across the room, if you look close enough you can see it. Thanks for that tip I am going to try it. I have played with a basic stamp controller and might consider getting one because it was so easy, hopfulley I will have my hands on one with the next couple weeks.

By TigPT @ Mon, 2008-04-28 23:20

i have a BS2 here to, ya..

i have a BS2 here to, ya.. its really easy to program it, but sooner or later you will fell the need of something better.. its a bit of expensive for the low time of application.. at less i would not advice it to anyone..

I'm making a Arduino how to, hope to add some nice things soon, take a look at it before you buy a BS2, if you can get one lended.. then is the better.. so u can learn with it wioth spending money..

By TheCowGod @ Tue, 2008-04-29 04:44

Hehehe, the mark of a good

Hehehe, the mark of a good robotics video is ending with the words, "oh, shit" and then a quick cut. Also ideally fire.

Project looks good. My lawn is getting alarmingly high, I've been grumbling about how I'm gonna have to spend money on a lawn mower. It's tempting to just build a robotic one instead, but by the time I finished it, my lawn would be taller than my house :)

Dan

By epicjr77 @ Tue, 2008-04-29 04:59

yes I have another video

yes I have another video that ends in fire, I smoked the cutter motor. It is a lot of work but this is my first robot plus I am a slow learner. This project shoud be done by july, I am going to use a reel cutter so I dont have to budge for a nother cutter motor. I love the way it sounds but I am afriad of that blade comming at me.

By GroG @ Tue, 2008-04-29 05:59

Lawn?

Lawn Bah !

Epicjr77 has obviously found a much better way to clean the house. Just think of the space saving capabilities it has to offer... For example, clothes on the floor? - not enough closet room? No problem - turn that pile of clothes into a new shag carpet.

Mice? Annoying pets? not a problem.

GroG

By jip @ Tue, 2008-04-29 13:06

You know, grog... It kinda

You know, grog... It kinda scares me that you know how to build robots ;-).

When humanity is eventually enslaved by robots I'm sure you will be the one to blame :-D

- Jimmy

By epicjr77 @ Tue, 2008-04-29 16:58

I sure it even works with

I sure it even works with annoying little brothers/ sisters! hahaha

By GobliZ @ Wed, 2008-07-16 20:43

What algorithm did you use

What algorithm did you use to make sure the whole floor is covered?

By Casca @ Thu, 2008-07-17 00:56

This is an AWSOME bot! I

This is an AWSOME bot! I can't wait to see it when you have it autonomous.

BTW... BaseOverApex - if I changed my name to ArseOverTits we'd have both sides of the pond covered!! Were you able to download a CAD package? If you have Corel Draw, that works extremely well and Google's Sketchup is quite nice and easy to learn as well. I believe it has some add-on modules to allow the export of DFX, DWG and such.

By BaseOverApex @ Thu, 2008-07-17 17:58

Got CAD

Yes. it's a matter of finding the time too learn it. Do you want me to change your name to AoT? Just say the word.