Biped arduino code
There seem to have been some formatting issues with my biped arduino code. You can download it directly from this file instead. Put it into arduino (it has a c-extension, but is an Arduino sketch really).
Servo library for MSP430 Launchpad v2
I’ve made a second servo library for MSP430 Launchpad. This one only supports 2 servos, but is far more accurate than the one supporting more servos. The code is on inventortown.
3D printed simple biped with 4 servos
Here’s a simple biped I’ve printed using my Makerbot. It’s printed in clear PLA, which I think looks quite nice. The design is rather poor, but it walks ok. This one here runs with a standard radio control, but I’ve tried it with Arduino and Launchpad MSP430 also. Maybe I’ll fix it up to look a bit better.
It uses 4 cheap servos from Hobbyking, and a cheap remote from Hobbyking. You can easily build this robot with wooden sticks or similar, without a 3D printer. There are several examples on Youtube of this. This version is not as complex as my other biped, but this one is much simpler to build (and control). It uses a 2 cell LiPo battery and an ESC to convert down to 5V for the receiver and servos.
The 3D model is here: http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:11325
Simple MSP430 based 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!)
MSP430 Servo Library
I’ve written a servo library for the MSP430 Launchpad. It’s available here. You may need to be logged into the editor to use that link.
The library allows you to control 4 servos using a simple call Servo(pin,angle), a bit similar to the Arduino calls. The library could be modified to support PWM in general and more servos.
MSP430 Launchpad RF based motor controller
There’s this kid who wants to control a tank from his standard remote control, but it’s been difficult to find the right parts at the right price, so I made a component for him.
It’s basically a motor controller, powered by an MSP430 that takes PWM input from a standard remote control’s receiver. It can drive back and forward. It’s based on the cheap value line MSP430 that comes with the Launchpad.
It receives the two PWM signals from a standard RF receiver, takes the time of the PWM pulse the receiver sends (typically to a servo), calculates whether it should be moving the motor forward or backward, generates two new PWM signals and control signals for a cheap motor controller called L293D to drive the two motors of the tank. It can go backward and forward. I’ve made code examples that uses two sticks, one for each motor, and one that has a more traditional left, right, forward, backward control. The MSP430 code is posted below. Feel free to use the code as you wish. Give me credit if appropriate.
Watch controlled robot
I’ve made a small robot that’s controllable using the Chronos Watch. It also has a robot arm on it. The video and more info is available on a separate page.
Cool robotics web sites
So many cool robotics web sites. This is quite an interesting blog, for example:
Right now I’m working on a ROV (small remotely operated submarine). Will be back with pictures hopefully in August.
Simple two wheel robot
Here’s a simple two wheel robot that is remotely controlled by a TI CC1110 Ev kit. I put together the electronics and my son built the rest of this robot, so I think it can go as his first proper robot.
Walking robot with two legs (biped)
I’m trying to make a walking robot with two legs. I’m making it from basics with a sheet of aluminium. It has progressed quite a lot since this first post. It’s now got it’s own page on the left hand side.
