I would like to build an outdoor rover based on the DAGU 4WD Thumper Mobile Platform.
I would like it to be Arduino controlled via xbee but also be able to avoid obstacles using ultrasonic and IR sensors. i would like to send it a command to move and then have the obstacle avoidance system override the instruction if the rover is in danger.
I am beginning with robotics so i would like to know:
Exactly what arduino do I need to run this kit with Xbees?
Exactly what motor controller I will need to run the motors on this kit
Are there step by step tutorials on similar projects with this kit? I haven’t found ones for this platform as yet…
Thank you for the information.
I have read the manual for the Sabre shield and I am wondering how different the code will be for this kit as opposed to the Arduino Compatible Tracked Robot (for which there is sample code to get started?) I would like to just try to get the robot to run the motors in a straight line at the first stage.
Any Arduino will work with XBees, but for easy connection, choose one that is shield compatible, so you can add an XBee or IO shield to connect the XBee module.
You need a DC motor controller capable of 7.2V at ~2-3A per channel (therefore a dual 5A+ controller such as the Sabertooth will work well). The controller can be analog, serial, I2C or PWM (your choice since Arduino has them all). PWM may be easiest (one pin per channel for direction, and a PWM pin per channel for speed); you need the serial line for XBee communication.
The 4WD Thumper platform itself is already setup - it’s up to the designer to add (and know how to add) whatever components they want.
If you want to get it up and running quickly, use the analog voltage method. Note that since these products are not produced by the same manufacturer, there is no easy assembly guide and you will need to read through all relevant manuals before making any connections and learn to code.
