Status: STARTED 6/9/2007 ***
| A VEX, LEGO NXT, iNex chalenge to create a vehicle to race twards a wall (with eggs as backstop) to see whom can reach the wall and touch without damaging the eggs. The kit is being designed for schools and groups who would like to have a robot competition without the excess cost. The kits and couse materials for about 5 race teams (4 to 6 pit-crew/builders each) and track will run around $700 and up. |
Material Used:
| Items | Qty | Unit Price |
|---|---|---|
| WTDIO-WeedTech Digital I/O controller (for Dual Track) | 1 | 59.00 |
Associated Links:OFRS-INEX-ATMega8-MicroCamp , OFRS-INEX-RoboPICA , OFRS-LEGO NXT
| Course | |||||
| Microcamp ATMega8 Kit | |||||
| PICAXE Controller | |||||
| Track | |||||
| Dual Track | |||||
| iNex | |||||
| RoboPICA | |||||
| IR Distance Sensor | |||||
| LEGO NXT | |||||
| Vex | |||||
| Colors: | No Work | Started | Completed | Canceled | |
(10/6/2007) [phase:Course-Track-Dual Track]
The dual track was accomplished with a WeedTech I/O board. To setup the dual track, 9 DIO (Digital Input/Output) lines were needed. 3 outputs are needed to control the Red/Yellow/Green of the lights, while 6 inputs are needed for the 2 Start lines, 2 Finish lines, and the Time Keepers 2 controls Start/Abort. Using visual basic 6, the communications to the controller setup for the DIO lines to handle the requirements, and communicate back the engagement of the switches within the track.
(10/6/2007) [phase:iNex-RoboPICA-IR Distance Sensor]
The distance sensor (objector) gave a digital signal back when an object is within 5 inches. So the control of the software needed to start the braking sequence within the 5 inches of travel. The unit can only warn that it is within the perimeter and cannot tell how far.
(9/1/2007) [phase:Course]
A dual track and 3 units (LEGO NXT with gearing, INEX RoboPICA, and ATMega Microcamp) where testing and made available for people to check out and compete. One of the switches, the start button, was sensitive to touch so it will be replaced after the competition.(8/7/2007) [phase:Course-Microcamp ATMega8 Kit]
Making a serial port cable (does not come supplied with) for communicating to unit in order to receive results and status. 5 pin connector on board.
(8/7/2007) [phase:Course-Track]
A photo of the track
(7/31/2007) [phase:Course-Microcamp ATMega8 Kit]
Microcamp kit is built and programming of timer is being programmed. Interface to PC may need to be wired and programmed. Need for input to scoring program since the unit does not have a LCD display.
(6/9/2007) [phase:Course-PICAXE Controller]
Tested controller attached to wall hugging mouse and created a basic timing program with start, stop, and reset. Added code to show correct time. Coding and instructions will show how to make minor time adjustments
(6/9/2007) [phase:Course]
Course will utilize line tracking and distance sensors for controlls. Only user intervention is at the start. Course will have two combined times for the race time, reaction (time from green to unit sets off start switch) and time from start switch to stop switch. Also if end point is wall point, determin if eggs have been broken
(6/7/2007) [phase:iNex]
A PIC based iNex tank was constructed. Need parrallel port to program. Has ir detectors for line tracking.
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