Synopses & Reviews
CREATE A ROBOT THAT GOES WHERE NO ROBOT HAS GONE BEFOREImagine it -- a tough robot that travels where you can't (even in total darkness), sees what lies hidden from your eyes, reports back instantaneously with live color video and audio, and can even converse with the carbon-based life forms it encounters -- all for less than $200!
It's no dream. Once again, it's Brad Graham and Kathy McGowan to the rescue! The imaginative creators of the most original bike-builder's guide in the universe now bring their beginner-friendly, budget-savvy, heavily illustrated, and creativity-packed methods to the exciting world of robotics.
Inside Build Your Own All-Terrain Robot, Brad and Kathy help even total newcomers to robots and home workshops to construct a rugged, video-controlled, talking, seeing, interacting explorer 'bot with a range of over a mile for under $200!
This book may be the easy way into the world of video-controlled robotics, but it delivers exciting results! It gives you all the help you need to:
* Follow easy plans, illustrations, and instructions to build a talented, versatile, and rugged off-road robot
* Make your robot your alter-ego -- see what it sees, hear what it hears, and speak with anyone it meets
* Control you robot from a block away using a video link
* Customize the chassis to suit your own needs -- several design ideas are presented with a variety of options
* Develop an explorer robot with serious scientific capabilities
* Teach your robot to think for itself with free software
* And much, much more!
BUILD "EARTH EXPLORER"!
Whether you have serious scientific objectives or just want to surprise your pals, you don't have to dream of owning a video-controlled robot anymore. You can build a sophisticated 'bot for less than you ever imagined!
Synopsis
Publisher's Note: Products purchased from Third Party sellers are not guaranteed by the publisher for quality, authenticity, or access to any online entitlements included with the product.
Remotely operated robots are becoming increasingly popular because they allow the operators to explore areas that may not normally be easily accessible. The use of video-controlled technology has sparked a growing public interest not just in hobbyists, but also in the areas of research, space, archeology, deep-sea exploration, and even the military.Significant changes in the technology marketplace have made the creation of an all-terrain, video controlled robot accessible to even the amateur robotic hobbyist. There are many robotics project books currently on the market, but most are targeted to hobbyists, and are strictly for indoor use. This book has the ideal mix of "brains and brawn," making it appealing to hobbyists and interested professionals alike.
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Earth Explorer overview
What is a ROV (remotely operated vehicle)
Examples of ROVs in the real world
Basic technologies used in this project
Chapter 2: Building The all-terrain base
Choosing the motors and wheels
Calculating gear ratio and RPM
Building the frame
Batteries
Balance and Stability Chapter 3: Remote control technology
Basic RC fundamentals
PWM VS relay control Chapter 4: Motor speed control
H-Bridge or relay control?
Converting RC signals
Choosing a motor controller
Chapter 5: Video and audio transmitters
Available technologies
Transmitter kits
Getting longer range
Chapter 6: Camera control
Servo motor basics
Pan / tilt camera base
Chapter 7: Controlling accessories
Making a relay board
Adding devices
Chapter 8. Body design
Choosing a body material
Simple fiberglass molding
Chapter 9: Going further
Robotic arms
Computer control
Autonomous operation
Chapter 10: Recommended Reading
Chapter 11: Internet Sources
Chapter 12: References