Radio Shack Mobile Robot manual Introduction, About ARobot, Basic Stamp II Control Computer

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Introduction

Congratulations for purchasing the ARobot mobile robot. This manual should answer all of your questions. We suggest that you read and understand all of it before using your new robot. If you have any questions, please view our web site at www.robotics.com/arobot

The software provided is designed for use with IBM-style personal computers. This manual assumes the user has full understanding of how to use their computer and operating system. Refer to the documentation for the computer for additional information.

ARobot is designed for the beginning robot hobbyist, but if it looks beyond your skill level, please return the unit before going any further.

Parents: If you’re buying ARobot for a young person, be prepared to help them.

About ARobot

The ARobot (pronounced "A robot") is a computer controlled mobile robot designed for hobbyists and educators. Ages 16 and up (younger if helped by an adult) can enjoy unlimited experimentation by programming the on-board Basic Stamp II control computer. Learn and use concepts such as computer programming, motion control, sensor reading, path planning, object avoidance, and more. Easily assembled in a few hours using common hand tools (no soldering required). Connect ARobot to your personal computer for programming and begin your adventure.

Basic Stamp II Control Computer

The Basic Stamp II is a small, self-contained computer controller manufactured by Parallax Inc. This easy-to-use system is programmed using a Basic-like language called PBasic. Programs are written on an IBM-style PC then downloaded to the Basic Stamp II for execution. Large libraries of programs can be created and saved. ARobot©s controller board accepts the Basic Stamp II (purchased separately) which controls motors, LEDs, buzzer, and other devices. The Parallax Web site at www.parallaxinc.com provides complete information about the Basic Stamp II including the programming manual.

ARobot is a versatile system that can perform a variety of tasks. Here are just a few examples:

￿Hobby robotics projects.

￿Education and training.

￿Research in artificial intelligence, A-life, etc.

￿Science projects.

￿Testing platform for navigation algorithms.

￿Simulation of planetary exploration.

￿Maze solving.

￿Contests.

￿Publicity.

￿Fun, Fun, Fun!

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Contents Assembly and User Guide ARobot Mobile Robot Connectors About ARobot IntroductionBasic Stamp II Control Computer Feature List What You’ll NeedTechnical Specifications Precautions Component Locator ControllerGlossary of Terms Glossary of Terms Glossary of Terms Assembly Overview Quantity Description Used For PartsAbout Screw, nut, and washer sizes Parts Motor Brackets Painting SandingPaint Primer Finish CoatSummary WhiskersHow it Works Whisker Detail Full Scale Whisker Wire Pattern Drive Motor and Brackets Encoder Sensor Front Wheel Assembly Steering Motor and Rear Wheels Steering Motor Mounting Wheel and Axle Steering System Controller Board Don’t install batteries yet Battery PackSummary Don’t install batteries yet Body Cable Finishing Up About the Controller Board Basic Stamp II InstallationProgramming Cable to your PC PC Editor/Downloader SoftwareUSB Port Programming NoteSteering Adjustment Program STRAIGHT.BS2 ProgramsTest Program TEST.BS2 Wander Program WANDER.BS2About the Controller Board Reset Button Power On/Off SwitchBatteries LED indicators SpeakerPush Buttons and Jumpers switches Drive Motor and EncoderSteering Motor Coprocessor Command Summary Example !1M11200E7RC Servo Motor and Steering Motor Control Coprocessor Communication RulesHexadecimal, Binary, Bytes, Words, etc Battery Connector J9 Body Connector J8Serial Port J12 PinoutRC Servo Motor Connectors J2-J5 Drive Motor Connector J10Powerful Connector J11 Voltage 12 volts Maximum Current 500ma PinoutExpansion Connector J1 Expansion Port RC Servo Motor SignalsExpansion Port Circuit Examples Switch Input Example Digital/Power OutputDigital Inputs Sensor Input ExampleAnalog Inputs Basic Stamp II light sensor example codeCoprocessor Network Expansion CommunicationsUsing ARobot’s controller as a coprocessor Using Other ControllersCabling between ARobot’s controller and another controller Suggested Reading Component Suppliers Sava Industries Small PartsStock Drive Products SuperCircuitsInternet Robot Resources Web SitesInternet News Groups Newsgroup NameDescriptionTroubleshooting Warranty Information Arrick RoboticsRobotics.com
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