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Voyager Rover
Meet Voyager, my entry into the ExplorerBot Challenge, particularly the Datamine catagory. This rover can seek out objects(using the Ultrasonic sensor), then the controller can decide if it is to probe the object or move on.
In reality, this would be with an onboard camera, but here, you'll have to look at the oject yourself to figure out what to do. The "disk" with a light sensor sticking out of it is a solar collector. I shall explain more about all the features in the following sections:
The Base
The Sensors
Media Files

Posted by:

 Dinoguy7719

Created:

 22 August 2011

Rate:

 

Tags:(?):

 explorerbot, rover, probe, ultrasonic, light, gears, solar, bluetooth, 6wheel

The Base

One thing I try to use in all my projects now is a sturdy base, and this one is no exception. If you look at the outer mainframe, it's reinforced in several places. The NXT is placed sideways, something I don't really like doing, but it opens up other possibilities in building. The 40-tooth gears are positioned just far enough from each other so that the tires won't rub. They also don't have any gearing to adjust speed or power, so the motors have to work a little harder, especially on carpet. The middle tire sticks out from the rest because of the connection between the two 11m beams (see pics.). Next, I wanted to make this robot actually look like more than a "skeleton". So I attached this platform that uses both 15m beams and TECHNIC bricks, creating an almost flat surface.

The Sensors

The Ultrasonic sensor is positioned in this place to avoid missing low objects, while still maintaning clearance of the ground. The Light sensor's only purpose is to detect ambient(non-reflecting) light, serving as a solar collector. The arm above the US is merely representing a probing tool that would be used for drilling and analyzing rocks and any other objects Voyager would encounter.

Media Files

The LDD doesn't have everything put together, so the pic. is to help you fix it. The first .rbt is Voyager's program, the second is the receiver (second NXT). There is one problem with the program, but I can't figure out how to fix it. The robot will run the program normally until it gets to the part where the second NXT chooses what to do about probing or not. Then, after the second time it comes to that part, I press either button for choosing, and it doesn't respond. Please, if you can fix this, go right ahead and either tell me how to fix it or post the fixed program. Please.

Comments

10 most recent comments out of 17  [VIEW ALL]
  • vendetta4567

  • That's one cool project, 5*. Also maybe you should use a rack and pinion steering to make it do corners because I agree withNXTein1996, 6 wheels are hard to make turns with. Anyway good luck and check out my entries!!

  • Posted 635 days and 21 hours ago


  • Tominator0910

  • Have you ever considered using tracks? (if you have any.) Then the skid-steer technique will work well, as effectively there are only 2 wheels, and the structure will still be sturdy and stable. Just a thought

  • Posted 635 days and 6 hours ago


  • badrooster300

  • Olie0: If you mean "how does one see the LDD file" then all you need is to install Lego Digital Designer for free, or, if you have it, make sure it's not in offline mode. (in FILE, turn the checkmark for it off.)

  • Posted 635 days and 5 hours ago


  • Dinoguy7719

  • Yeah, it has turning trouble, and the program's intention is to send a message to Voyager telling it whether to probe an object or move on, but after the second time or so, Voyager doesn't respond. Look at the program, please, and could you guys please rate this a little better?

  • Posted 635 days and 5 hours ago


  • Dinoguy7719

  • Whoo-hoo! I won the Datamine section! Congrats to everybody else who participated and especially to those who won or got honarable mentions.

  • Posted 609 days and 3 hours ago


  • MindstormsMonster

  • YAy you made it!I didn't finish on time but i'll have a project out soon (been busy)

  • Posted 606 days and 7 hours ago


  • Dinoguy7719

  • Thanks, man. If you ever need help in MLN, let me know.

  • Posted 605 days and 5 hours ago


  • idkwhoyouare

  • very cool post more often come see my stuff

  • Posted 482 days and 20 hours ago


  • halhi141

  • Are you going to make more projects? I noticed you haven't posted for a while. I hope you do, I enjoy seeing your work. I'm soon going to post after long inactivity, I hope you will too!

  • Posted 308 days and 19 hours ago


  • Dinoguy7719

  • I don't know, halhi141. I don't know.

  • Posted 291 days and 4 hours ago


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