Lynxmotion

About Lynxmotion

Think of the Lynxmotion series of servo brackets as a variety of different modular parts for servos that essentially allows you to build your own custom robot. Lynxmotion is known best for its modular metal brackets that are used to make the frames of a variety of different robots.

These components are extremely versatile, making virtually any mechanical arrangement possible. The brackets are available in black anodized or brushed finish and easily connect to several standard servo motors (note that not all servos will fit the brackets). The ball bearings that come with specific components provide for precise low friction movement. The tubing, hubs and hub connectors are precision fit and really expand what is possible to build. They are made in the USA from high quality aluminum alloy. Lynxmotion also haa a series of laser cut Lexan chassis, torso, and electronics carriers that truly complete the set.

Lynxmotion has developed their own electronics, but also uses other off the shelf components to make the robots work. Unlike many custom kits where the user must purchase parts only from that manufacturer, Lynxmotion electronics such as the popular SSC-32 servo controller can be interfaced with almost any other electronics components such as microcontrollers, motor controllers and sensors.

Software

Lynxterm

GoRobotics Blog Change LynxTerm is a free downloadable utility. LynxTerm makes it easy to quickly test all functionality of the SSC-32 Servo Controller.

Lynxmotion RIOS SSC-32

RIOS (Robotic arm Interactive Operating System) is a Windows 95/98SE/2000/XP/Vista program for controlling the L5 and L6 Robotic Arms with the SSC-32. With RIOS, your robot can be taught sequences of motion via the mouse or joystick. This extremely powerful program uses external inputs to affect the robot's motion for closed loop projects. External outputs can also be controlled. 3D image capture is possible with a GP2D12.

Lynxmotion Powerpod

PowerPod is a free downloadable utility. PowerPod makes it easy to quickly create custom Basic Atom programs for your H3/H3-R robot. The control options are: autonomous, PS2 remote control, and TTL serial control from a PC, PDA, or any other microcontroller. Many other control parameters can easily be modified with this utility.

Lynxmotion Visual Sequencer for SSC-32

Lynxmotion Visual Sequencer is a Windows 95/98SE/2000/XP/Vista program for controlling anything you build using up to 32 servos using the SSC-32. The main screen allows you to add servo control boxes, and position them on a grid. This visual representation of the robot makes it easier to position the servos for each sequence. Lots of other features. The program will even generate Basic Atom and Basic Stamp 2 code as well.

Project Ideas

If you can read a pictorial schematic and follow step by step instructions, you shouldn’t have trouble. High school students do well with Lynxmotion kits. These are just some of the many sample Lynxmotion projects. Lynxmotion provides several dozen examples of custom robots on their website for items ranging from robot legs and balancing two wheeled vehicles to hands and humanoids.

How do you make it?

The basic components behind this custom robotic arm are the Lynxmotion MAB-01 Metal Arm Base, the Mini Gripper, the SSC-32 controller, and a variety of servo brackets and tube connectors. Additional degrees of freedom can be added easily but be sure to use the robot arm torque calculator to ensure the servos can provide enough power.

How do you program it?

The Lynxmotion RIOS SSC-32 software is the best choice for programming a multi degree of freedom robotic arm. Advantages to making a custom robotic arm include choosing your own servos, link lengths and gripper.

How do you make it?

The Lynxmotion hexapod is made up primarily of a laser-cut hexapod base coupled to an aluminum chassis. Main components include Lynxmotion C-channels, tubing and tubing connectors, as well as 6 leg kits. The SSC-32 provides more than enough connections, so you need not worry about modifying the design by adding additional servos.

How do you program it?

There are two programs that can be used to control 18 degrees of freedom: Lynxmotion PowerPOD, and the Lynxmotion Visual Sequencer for SSC-32.

How do you make it?

This humanoid has the look, feel and walk of a sumo wrestler. A humanoid is one of the more complex robots to create because of their dynamic stability. Lynxmotion provides assembly instructions on how to make a variety of humanoid models using the Erector Set. Instead of aesthetic hands, Lynxmotion provides a choice of two functional grippers.

How do you program it?

The Lynxmotion Visual Sequencer for SSC-32 is the best software choice for bringing this humanoid to life. Combined with the SSC-32 servo controller, building and programming a complex humanoid with the Lynxmotion Erector set is fun and easy.

Curriculum

There are many user-submitted projects available on the Lynxmotion website including some programs and assembly guides. Lynxmotion also provides a sample project for high school students using their L5 and L6 arms.

Competitions

The Lynxmotion Erector Set can be used create many competition-ready robots. View a complete list of robot competitions.

What to Buy

In order to determine what to order, you need to have an idea what it is you wish to build. For example, you may want to build a multi degree of freedom robotic arm that looks something like the image below:

Before purchasing parts, it is best to make a list of all the components you will need to make your robot. Below is an example as to how you might go about making the custom robotic arm shown above. The arm can be split up into the following components:

• 1x RB-Lyn-48: Lynxmotion Mini-Grip with servos - Two servos included
• 2x RB-Lyn-81: Lynxmotion Multi-bracket - Two per pack
• 2x RB-Lyn-82: Lynxmotion large C-Channel -  Two per pack
• 1x RB-Lyn-83: Lynxmotion L-Bracket -  Two per pack
• 1x RB-Lyn-84: Rivets - 25 per pack, 16 used
• 2x RB-Hit-29: Hitec 645MG high torque servo - Shoulder and elbow joints
• 1x RB-Hit-27: Hitec HS422 standard servo - Wrist join

In addition to these components, you may also want to have the base rotate:

• 1x RB-Lyn-211 : Lynxmotion base - (does not include a servo)
• 1x RB-Hit-27 : Hitec HS422 standard servo

To control the arm, you would need the following electrical components:

• 1x RB-Lyn-100: Lynxmotion SSC-32 Controller (any 6+ servo controller can be used)
• 1x RB-Lyn-157: 2" servo cable
• 3x RB-Lyn-158: 24" servo cable
• 1x RB-Inx-05: Serial to USB adapter (for ease of use)
• 1x RB-Phi-36: 6' USB cable

To power the arm, you would need a 6V power supply or battery (capable of supplying 4A+) to power the servo motors, as well as a separate 9-12V power supply for the SSC-32 controller (a 9V battery is recommended). You can use black electrical tape or tie wraps to neatly arrange the cables (making sure they can still follow the full range of motion). Note that just because the image shows large C-channels, you are not restricted to these components. Instead, you might have used the Lynxmotion offset servo brackets (RB-Lyn-103) to give it a different look and ability. Another option would be to use two servos at the base instead of one, to give it more lifting capability. This would be done using the Lynxmotion Dual Servo Bracket (RB-Lyn-182). This procedure can help you make legs and arms, chassis and more.

Chassis and Accessories

In this category you will find all of the Lynxmotion custom bodies, as well as legs, grippers, feet and other more specific items.    

Sensor, Wheel and Motor Mounts

Looking to mount a motor or servo? Many of the hubs and connectors are Lynxmotion erector set compliant, using standard servo horn connections.  

Servo Brackets

You will find most of the erector set in this category. These parts connect to each other and to servos. These parts are ideally suited to making joints of all types joints

Tubing and Connectors

Tubing and connectors can be used a variety of ways, and are perfect for making the skeleton of your robot (including one idea of using them to make fingers on a multi-degree of freedom robot hand).

Hardware

Many Lynxmotion parts come with applicable hardware (nuts, bolts, screws), though these parts can be purchased separately as well. One part that is indispensable is the plastic rivet which allows you to easily connect the servos to the servo brackets.

Hitec Servos

Not all servos are the same size, so not all will work with the erector set. The two most popular servos are the Hitec “standard” HS-422 and the Hitec 645MG (metal gears and highest torque for its size).