SRS Labs SRS Robot Level 1 Kit Getting Started, Computer Requirements, Recommended Equipment

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Getting Started

Getting Started

Congratulations on your purchase of a Seattle Robotics Society Level 1 Robot Kit!

Here are suggested steps for getting your robot assembled and running.

Read through the “Computer Requirements” and “Recommended Equipment” sections to be sure you have the materials you need.

Compare your kit’s parts with the lists in the “Kit Contents” section to verify that you can correctly identify each of the parts in the kit.

The sections after that work well as a tutorial, with step-by-step instructions for assembling the controller board and chassis, guidance for setting up the programming software on your computer, explanations of the basics of programming the Atmel ATmega16 microcontroller, and an introduction the programs. The programs themselves contain comments to explain the concepts in more detail.

The sections at the end, “AVR Robot Controller 1.1 Hardware Description” and “AVR Robot Controller 1.1 Schematic,” are included for reference.

Computer Requirements

To program the robot, you will need one of the following connections:

a DB-25 parallel port -- this will work with the programming cable included in the kit. (Note that it will most likely not work to use a USB-to-parallel converter; they do not provide full parallel port functionality, just what's necessary for printing!)

a DB-9 serial port and an AVR-ISPprogrammer -- the AVR-ISP can be purchased from Digi-Key (part number ATAVRISP-ND) for $29.

a USB port with a USB-to-serial converter and an AVR-ISPprogrammer -- USB-to-serial converters are available from a variety of places, including Fry's Electronics; the AVR-ISP can be purchased from Digi-Key (part number ATAVRISP-ND) for $29.

To communicate with the robot, you will need either:

a DB-9 serial port, or

a USB port with a USB-to-serial converter.

Recommended Equipment

The robot is powered with 6 AA batteries, which are not included in the kit. We recommend rechargeable batteries (NiMH or NiCd).

The following items will be necessary (or useful) for construction. Please bring as many of these items as possible to the workshop sessions. There will be a small quantity available to use during the workshop.

Safety glasses

Scissors

Soldering iron

X-acto knife

• Solder (e.g. 60/40 0.032" dia rosin core

Ruler

solder, Radio Shack 64-005)

• Small file for smoothing circuitboard edges

Wire cutter/stripper

Masking tape

• Side cutters (for trimming leads on soldered

• Pen (for writing on masking tape)

components)

Multimeter

Needlenose pliers

• Cardboard (scrap is fine)

Pliers

• Magnifier may be useful

• Small screwdrivers (Phillips and slotted)

• Extension cord/power strip may be helpful at

Small adjustable wrench

 

the workshops

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11-3-2005

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Contents SRS Robot Level 1 Kit Recommended Equipment Getting StartedComputer Requirements USB port with a USB-to-serial converterKit Contents Qty Vendor Part ARC Board Connection KitVendor Information Soldering Overview AVR Robot Controller 1.1 Assembly InstructionsPreparation Solder Components Prepare BoardsController ‰ Resistors and diode‰ Switch and resonator ‰ Small capacitors and LEDs‰ Sockets, headers, and jumper Cleaning and InspectionAttach Connector to Battery Holder ‰ Large capacitorsInstall Chips Serial CableAVR Robot Controller 1.1 Software Tools Programming CableWinAVR avr-gcc on Windows Tool OptionsBascom on Windows Customizing the Microcontroller Avr-gcc on Mac OSResources Http//sourceforge.net/projects/winavrChassis Assembly MotorsLight Sensors Bottom PlateTop Plate Final Assembly Wiring Connections Leftover PartsATmega16 Programming PartATmega16 Programming 11-3-2005 Part ATmega16 Programming 11-3-2005 Part ATmega16 Programming 11-3-2005 ATmega16 Programming 11-3-2005 Part Sample Programs Creating New ProgramsProgram ProgrammingProgram Descriptions BumpNGo RemoteControlProgram Turn AVR Robot Controller 1.1 Hardware Description PowerPins Physical Functional Input Connection Pin Name Output HeaderLeft and Right Analog Inputs Left and Right Motor ConnectorsExpansion Headers JP3 and JP10 Left, Center, and Right Floor Sensor InputsProgram LED output Power SourceIn-System Programming and Option Select Servo outputAVR Robot Controller 1.1 Schematic