Launchpad Servo Robot
This is a very simple robot to make, with cheap components:
- 1 x Launchpad MSP430: $4.30 (plus shipping)
- 2 x cheap Hobbyking.com servos: $1.98 (plus shipping), easily modified for full rotation.
- 2 x wheels. I 3D printed mine, but you can make these from many other things
- 2 x light sensitive resistors (LDR). < 1 USD each.
- A battery pack with 3 rechargeable AA NiMH batteries, totalling 3.6 volts (Don’t use alkaline!)
The source code is available here (Google login required).
Program the Launchpad, connect one servo to pin P1.0, one to P1.1. Connect the two resistors in series with VCC and GND in each and, and connect the middle point of them to P1.5. Then connect the power to the servos and to the VCC/GND of the Launchpad. Add a power switch for convenience. 3 x NiMH AA make 3.6 Volt which is fine for the Launchpad. If you use Alkaline batteries, the voltage may be too high, and Alkalines aren’t very good for robots anyway.
This robot can be modified for example to a line (black tape) following robot, quite easily.
Here’s the circuit, leaving out the power and ground connections to the servo:
Here’s the video:
can i ahve its circuit diagram .. am a bit confusing with connections
I’ve added one on the post above now.
Are you using a castor or just a pointed 3D printed frame? How do you find the rubber tape?
I’ve made similar and have been using ‘Plasti-Dip’
It’s made using a 3d-printer for the wheels. The two servos are just taped together forming the base. But I guess you can use anything round for the wheels. I’d love to use a castor… if there was an easy way to make a diy one
The tape is self-vulcanizing rubber tape. I just got it at a car shop.
Lars!
This is awesome! I’m Adrian from the MSP430 team in Dallas, and wanted to let you know that we love your project!
Would it be at all possible for us to get one sent to us? We’d love to bring it around and show off on demos, conventions, etc! If you would like, put a URL on the silkscreen as well and we’ll point folks to your blog
Let us know! And keep up the good work!
Adrian
Thanks,
Lars