Pioneer 2 / PeopleBot - page 17

ActivMedia Robotics
Deck(s) and Console
The original Pioneer 2-DX, -CE, and -AT Decks are one piecethe top plate of the robot.
The new DXe and AT models now have hinged top-plates which let you much more
easily access the internal components of the robot.
The robot’s Deck is simply the flat surface for mounting projects and accessories, such as
the PTZ Robotic Camera or a laser range finder. The PeopleBot’s have lower and upper
Decks.
Feed-through slots on each side of the DX, CE, and DXe
Deck let you conveniently route cables to the accessory
panels on each side of the robot. A removable plug in
the middle of the Deck on all models5 gives you
convenient access to the interior of the robot.
Figure 10. The Console is in
the left column of the
Performance PeopleBot.
In general, you should try to center the robot's payload
over the drive wheels. If you must add a heavy
accessory to the edge of the Deck, counterbalance the
weight with a heavy object on the opposite end. A full
complement of batteries helps balance the robot, too.
The Pioneer 2’s or PeopleBot’s Console consists of a
liquid-crystal display (LCD), MOTORS, and RESET control
buttons and indicators, and an RS232-compatible serial
port with a 9-pin DSUB connector. The Pioneer 2 and
PeopleBot V1 Consoles sit at the front of the Deck. The
Performance PeopleBot’s Console is in the left column.
Attached directly underneath the Console is the robot’s
microcontroller. Operations details are provided in the next chapter, Quick Start.
Figure 9. Pioneer 2-AT Console and hinged Deck
11
5 Lower Deck of the PeopleBot’s.