With many of our projects, we set them up with simple RC control for initial testing. This lets us verify the robot’s mechanical features and power distribution are functioning properly before implementing more advanced control methods and/or autonomy. We tend use Spektrum brand remotes and receivers for their ease of use and reliability. Depending on the receiver they can bind two different...
Read More »
So we wanted to make a simple remote control for a robot. We could have used a Spektrum remote, but they are kinda bid and clumsy and only one way comms. So in this tutorial we show how to hook up the nRF24L01 2.4GHz Wireless Transceiver Modules. The remote will have a simple analog 2-axis joystick. The robot will be attached to a Sabertooth 2×32. When the joystick is moved, the motors will t...
Read More »
Serial communication is a major backbone in embedded electronics and it is exceptionally common to have two embedded devices to talk to one another. For example, you may have one Arduino reading joysticks and sensors and another wired into a robot to command motors, servos, relays, etc. Today’s Tech Thursday will walk you through basic Arduino to Arduino serial communication. Schematic Below...
Read More »
Do you have a 3D printer? Try this to make higher quality parts with different materials that probably can’t print with your 3D printer. 3D printers are great for prototyping but when it comes to make a part that needs to be durable they usually struggle. You can, however, use them to print a mold of a part and then use a two-part urethane, epoxy, or any other curable liquid material to cast...
Read More »
We’ve uploaded new example code for the Roboteq SDC2130 to our Github account. This example code demonstrates simple motor commands and ramping and was tested on our Programmable MLT-JR Development Robot (TP-220-002). If you have any questions or comments regarding the provided code example, let us know on the forums. Links: SDC2130 Example Code User Manual SDC2130 Datasheet
Read More »
We are a little early with this posting, but wanted to get it out before the holiday. So for our third installment of Technical Thursday, we figured we would honor Thanksgiving by provide a cool project idea of making a remote control turkey. If you hunter, this makes a great remote control decoy. Click on the image below to watch a quick movie. So the idea is relatively simple. Take a MLT-JR RC c...
Read More »
There are many motor applications where a full motor controller just isn’t needed. Sometimes all you need to do is to move a motor one direction and then the other without controlling speed. We’ve compiled a short list of a couple basic options for your project. Motor Control using a DPDT Switch In this application you can control the direction of a motor using a simple DPDT (double-po...
Read More »
Very often when designing some sort of mechanical assembly you want your widget to move a part across a specific area. But moving too far, it could damage itself. This is why linear actuators are popular. You can apply a voltage to it and it will extend all the way out but not far enough to damage itself. Inside of every linear actuator is a gear motor, a threaded rod, and a pair of limit switches...
Read More »