The BCM3Bot is an entry-level robot
for BarCampMilwaukee3's
Hobby Robotics Make'n'Take session.
UPDATE: Now available for order!
Successfully
building a BCM3Bot gives the novice robot builder with a can-do attitude a
gentle introduction to practical applications of:
Electrical Schematic Reading
Soldering
Microcontrollers
Programming
Robot Motor Control
Robot Sensors
The components in the kit are easy-to-use, flexible, reconfigurable and widely available.
The kit makes for a great base platform for your future robotic investigations!
Are you completely new to electronics and
robotics?
Click Here for help! |
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BCM3Bot with the ChiBOT Controller
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The Kit
The kit contains the following parts:
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Chassis
Parts |
QTY |
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1" Square
1/16" Thick Foam Squares (15) |
1 |
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4 AA Battery Holder w.
leads &
Built-in Switch |
1 |
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Tamiya Truck Tires (1
Pr) |
1 |
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Tamiya Double Gearbox |
1 |
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Tamiya Universal Plate
Set |
1 |
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Tamiya Ball Caster |
1 |
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Sample
Electronics AVR Programmer Kit |
QTY |
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6 COND. 26GA Multi
Color Wire (ft) |
6 |
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Female Crimp Connectors
(10 pcs) |
1 |
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DB-25 HOOD |
1 |
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SUB MINI D CONN./25 PIN
MALE |
1 |
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360 OHM 1/4 WATT |
3 |
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ChiBOT
Controller, Sensors |
QTY |
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ChiBOT Controller Kit, Including MCU |
1 |
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Line Following Module Kit |
1 |
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Remaining
Electronics & Parts |
QTY |
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40 Pin Square Post Header |
1 |
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.1 UF AXIAL CERAMIC
CAPACITOR |
10 |
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Self-Adhesive Velcro 4
pcs |
1 |
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360 Ohm Resistor
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5
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LED T1 Green
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5
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Normally Open Momentary
Switch
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1
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Bascom-AVR
Basic Compiler for Atmel AVR microcontrollers. The demo version of
Bascom can be downloaded here.
Compiler and
Documentation:
http://www.wrighthobbies.net/download
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The Circuit
The BCM3Bot consists of 3 circuits - the
ChiBOT Controller, the Line Following Module and the BCM3Bot circuit which uses the ChiBOT
controller and the Line Following Module.
Click
HERE to download the ChiBOT Controller schematic (PDF file).
Click HERE
to download the Line Following Module schematic (PDF file).
Click HERE
to download the BCM3Bot schematic (PDF file).
The circuit consists of the ChiBOT
controller, the Line Following Module, and a switch to start and stop the bot.
The Programmer
AVR microcontrollers feature an
in-system programming capability. This makes it easy to modify your code
without constantly removing the chip. There are many different
programmers available but to keep costs low, we will use the most basic
design, the Sample Electronics programmer. Please note that a parallel port is required. Click the schematic below to
see the circuit.
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Sample
Electronics Programmer
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The programmer consists of the
following:
DB25 Male Connector
DB25 Hood
3 360ohm Resistors
6' of 26AWG Unshielded Cable
5 Female Crimp Connectors
5 Position Connector Housing
This programmer will also work with any
other in-system programmable AVR microcontroller, which is almost all of
them.
The Compiler
I highly recommend using Bascom-AVR
to program the ATMega48. MCS Electronics has a demo version
available for free that will compile up to 4k of code, which happens to be
the same amount of flash that the ATMega48 has. There are no other
restrictions except support is limited to the forums at http://www.mcselec.com.
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Bascom-AVR Basic Compiler for AVR Microcontrollers
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Bascom is a full-featured professional
Basic compiler. It has built-in support for numerous peripherals and
simplifies setting up the capabilities of the AVR microcontrollers.
It comes with a large selection of sample programs, I also have many
examples on the web site and you can find a ton of Bascom code examples on
the web.
Code samples in varying degrees of completeness will be
provided at the Make'n'Take session.
What's Needed
Here is the information you will need
to build BCM3Bot. This isn't a step-by-step guide for building a tabletop
bot. It is intended to give you the necessary information and supplies but
let you determine your own destination. A package of parts will be
made available soon.
Documents:
BCM3Bot Documentation
ATMega48
Datasheet
Sample Electronics Programmer Schematic
Bascom Basic Compiler Demo Version
If you are
completely new to electronics and robotics, we recommend that you read through some of
the following tutorials and guides. Some basic knowledge of
electronics, schematics and soldering will help you get started and enjoy
your new hobby even more. An excellent starting point is the book by
David Cook called "Robot
Building for Beginners" available on Amazon.
The actual construction of the robot
will be done at BarCampMilwaukee3 during a Hobby Robotics Make'n'Take building session. You must have ordered
a kit prior to BarCamp! We cannot sell them during BarCamp. A link to the online store will be provided shortly.
The cost will be approximately 50 dollars or so.
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