BEAM Robot beginner needs advice

Community General Discussions
1

Hello, I have decided to build a BEAM robot as my first entry into robot making. I find them really fascinating, however I am a complete beginner. I have been looking into these two schematics as a first build: http://makeprojects.com/Project/Trimet-Solar-BEAM-Top/99/1#.UOTXjOTBF8F  and https://www.robotshop.com/gorobotics/articles/robots/how-to-build-a-beam-trimet  . 

 I was wondering If anyone could recommend a good online source for parts, or any other interesting builds that would be suited for a beginner. I am also interested in building a photovore, but have yet to find a good schematic. I know the parts could all be found at solarbotics.com but the shipping seems really expensive. Would some of the solar panels from http://futurlec.com/Solar_Cell.shtml work well with these builds? 

 Any advice is appreciated, thanks !

2

Thanks for the advice

Thanks for the advice Maxhirez. I actually just began gathering up old electronics to scavenge from. 

Being a beginner my biggest challenge from scavenging (besides safety) Is how to identify the exact identity of the parts I actually scavenge. Such as what type of capacitors, resistors, etc. I am actually pulling out. I also need to look more Into how to safely remove them so that they are in reusable conditions.

3

Thanks for the advice

Thanks for the advice Protowrxs. I had read some into using a hot air gun to remove parts safely and was wondering If anyone could recommend it. http://thebitbangtheory.blogspot.pt/2011/11/how-to-scavenge-electronic-parts.html  Looks like I need to read up on how to identify the color bands on the resistors then as well.

 Thanks for the links Ossipee, I will check those out.

4

Jameco

If you need parts, Jameco is a great website! That and Amazon…

 

Edit: Also try visiting http://www.beam-wiki.org/wiki/Main_Page

5

Thanks for the advice

Thanks for the advice drewtoby, I actually read over the beam wiki some a few days ago. Good info. 

I came across a nice explanation on how to identify electronic components from salvage. http://www.uchobby.com/index.php/2007/07/15/identifying-electronic-components/

6

Thanks for the advice James.

Thanks for the advice James. I would like to see the bot you’re working on when it’s finished. 

For the past couple of weeks or so I have been reading up and planning my first BEAM project. I also began the process of gathering some old electronic components. Since I am completely new to electronics however I figure It would be a good idea for me to go ahead and order some parts from an oline source when I begin the project. 

As far as SE choice, I am leaning more toward the FRED type. I would like to try this build. https://www.robotshop.com/gorobotics/articles/robots/building-a-fred-photopopper