Welcome to my blog dedicated to my Mars Rover project. I shall be posting designs, videos and related information some of which may be useful to others.

Saturday, June 20, 2009

Update - page reload after deletion!

So, part way through the design i decided to test all the motors, turning circle etc.


These tests were very useful and a little disappointing. I've had to re-enforce the chassis and add a new linkage bar between the front wheels.


I'm currently testing the pf turning motors which are working well. Programming using the RXmux is causing a few issues but i hope that is temporary. The servo's appear to work well but once again programming speed and position isnt as i had hoped for.

Anyway, havent posted for a while so I thought i would add some partial pictures whilst i was testing.

Still to complete, robotic arm, robotic neck (fixing only), integrate RCX and add lego solar panels. I think looks wise this will probably be very good but in practice i have alot of work to do.

I'm think i'm going to have to buy the Tetrix set for the main chassis. But this is very expensive and not available in the U.K.

Let me know what you think! And if you have any experience with the RXMux or NXTServo please contact me!

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

RXMUX

With the help of mindsensors we have discovered that the problems I have been experiencing are with the type of RCX Rotation sensor I have built in my rover.

I have different kind of sensor which is not compatible therefore will have to purchase 3 more! Not exactly convenient but no choice really.

Havent been able to commit much time to the build but have put some time away for next week.

Friday, March 13, 2009

New Set 8184 - Twin X-treme RC


Whilst shopping recently I saw a new set with an unusual part. The part was essentially 2 motors in one with a receiver. The motors were controlled by a Pf remote control. One motor was a regular motor and the other was used as a turning unit.

I think it would be possible to use the main motor to act as a pump whilst the other was used to active a pneumatic switch. Combined with the NXT and IRLink sensor this could be very useful!

Monday, March 2, 2009

PF Extension Wire 20" 50Cm's

Although this cable is available in the U.S, the U.K it seems will have to wait! Not many for those who need this item as even Bricklink is in short supply.

If anyone knows where to buy them at a reasonable price, please let me know!

Friday, February 27, 2009

Need a Part?

I'm no stranger to Bricklink but usually I just order replacements parts as when I know I'm running low. Just recently though I was stuck when constructing and thought it would be great if a certain lego part existed.

An hour later after using Peeron and bricklink I secured quite a few unique parts. They're all lego just not from technic or mindstorms sets and very, very useful.





A good tip, if you're stuck don't always think of re-doing something as chances are a part does exist that can help!

Anyone else have any luck or interesting parts?

Saturday, February 7, 2009

Old Rover Chassis Design

This was a design I was working with at the end of last year before I changed the whole chassis design. I completed the design but it just wasn't workable.

I've revamped the design and considering the drawbacks I've had recently gone for something alot more managable.

Monday, February 2, 2009

Main Rover Body - First Attempt

After a few weeks I completed what I thought would be the main body to my rover but after connecting it to the rover legs it wasn't very good a all. Not sturdy, no strength and it also highlighted that to me I dont think I am going to be able create a rover body based on a differential.



So back to the drawing board!




Thursday, January 15, 2009

My Rover Wheel Design

Whilst finishing off a new wheel design for my rover I thought I'd grab a quick pic and post.

The wheel design uses a mindsensor bracket to house a continous servo turning a Lego off roader wheel. This sits under a turntable which will turn using a medium PF motor. This was the last wheel so all I have to do is attach to the Rocker-bogie!

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