Bits and Pieces

Well I've completed the first part of my Rover and its big! Alot bigger than I had planned so parts have become an issue. Thanks to bricklink I have managed to secure everything I need for the next phase.

I hope to have some pictures online at the weekend. Dont want to spoil too much though!

I have also adapted my PF Battery case so it can receive power from a solar source. Quite easy to do once you have the case open. I'll add these pictures too!

PF Battery Box and NXTServo

Philo has provided a nice hack to the PF Battery pack to power the NXTServo. Very nice hack if you want to try and keep it lego and not use the battery pack provided by Mindsensors.

Check the hack out here -

http://philohome.com/alimservo/alimservo.htm

Mindsensor stuff at Active Robots

Active Robots are now selling a select range of Mindsensor products including the NXTServo, Acceleration Sensor and Pressure Sensor.

Good news as this means easier to get their products in the U.K!

http://www.active-robots.com/products/mindstorms4schools/mindsensors.shtml

Hitec Continuous Servo

When deciding how to move my rover i had to decide what with? Large PF motors or an alternative. I made the decision to go for a continuous servo because of several advantages over other types of motor:-

• NXT Servo supports 8 servos (6 x wheel, 2 x tbc)


• NXT Servo could be powered by a battery / solar charger


• Servos include rotation sensor for precision control

Mindsensors don't (as of yet) sell a continuous servo so I had to buy from Active Robots. They did however deliver a prototype mounting kit which fitted perfectly.

These will provide the movement and accuracy I need for my rover - Model purchased Hitec HSR-1422CR.

Solar Powered PF

I'm in the design stages now and thanks to a few (my brother the sparky & Justin Fisher) i am close to a prototype. Essentially i hope to make the Pf battery case into a solar battery charger including 6 batteries (maybe 5) and a small capacitor bank.

Pictures to follow!

New Hitechnic Sensor

NXT EOPD

Quite new out, i'm not too sure how this will fit into my new project although it could replace the need for ultrasonic sensors for terrain mapping.

As i'm not ready to implement this yet if anyone has one and give some feedback i would be very grateful!

Tetrix Robotic Base Set

A new robotic base set compatible with the Lego Mindstorms kit is available in the U.S but it will cost you! $399 excluding delivery, wow!

Active Robot in the U.K are looking at selling this set but they have advised not until the new year. As strength and weight are an issue with my project i'll be investing in this kit as soon as it's available in the U.K.

Click below for more information

Tetrix Robotic Base Set

Lego Ed sent me a break down of the parts in the kit. This is not available on the Lego or Pitsco website.

NXTLOG 5,000 Winner 2008

Hi all,

I was fortunate to be chosen as NXTLog's 5000 winner for my Mars Rover and Lander. My project was rushed and ultimately didnt satisfy my original plans due to a factors e.g. lack of parts and design knowledge. Also its cost alot to purchase the right parts!


A short video clip of my Rover is below:-





Here's some close up pics of the rover.

My project has continued and is the build stage. So far plans are to have:-

• Rocker-Bogie Suspension
• 6 wheel drive and steering
• Solar Power to power certain rover functions
• Video camera
• 1x NXT, 8x small PF, 8xServo, Solar Powered PF, Multiple Sensors and maybe 1xRCX depending on weight.

I hope to have a test model within the next month.

Hope you like the blog, let me know if you are interested in the same thing!

Mezza