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

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

2 11-3-2005