What controller or add ons should I buy with the Devastator. I was thinking the Romeo all in one controller. Do I need to buy a controller for the Rover V2? Do you mind suggesting any ad ons for whichever one you prefer? He would like to do the coding and controlling from his iPhone or iPad if possible. Thank you
As you saw, the Devastator doesn’t include any electronics etc. The ROMEO is an excellent choice, and there are several versions of that as well.
Both robots are very similar in terms of complexity and programming required - both are considered suitable for custom robots, and as such, there is no clearly defined step by step manual which explains everything needed to do what he might want to accomplish. Her will need to learn how to program in Arduino.
In terms of add-ons, there are many, many options. You indicated he’d like to control if from a smart device, which would require a Bluetooth connection as well as a compatible application. Unlike “educational” robots, neither the ROMEO nor the DFRobotShop Rover have a custom application. There are apps which can be used to control the rovers remotely via Bluetooth, but he will need to take the time to understand them and modify them accordingly. Search for “Serial Bluetooth Terminal”, “Arduino Bluetooth Controller” and variations of these. Normally there are many more options available on Android rather than Apple devices (Android is much more “developer friendly”). As such, the Bluetooth version of the ROMEO might be more appropriate, as would the Bluetooth version of the DFRobotShop Rover.
As for general accessories, the DFRobotShop Rover Bluetooth kit includes a LiPo battery (there is an onboard charger via USB), whereas wiring a battery to the ROMEO will need a little bit of electrical knowledge. Both kits are Arduino-based and can be used with additional sensors (distance, line following etc.etc.). The ROMEO has pins all broken out and easy to connect, whereas the DFRobotShop Rover could use a shield like this:
Additionally, you might consider at least one distance sensor, perhaps a line follower. Without knowing any objectives, and if budget allows, both rovers can be used with a general sensor kit: https://www.robotshop.com/en/robot-sensor-kits.html
For example a kit which includes easy to use sensors:
Hope this helps and if you have any additional comments, questions or ideas, feel free to ask here.
Just saw your other post - if this is for a combat-type robot, neither is suitable. There are very, very few commercial combat robots available largely because no warranty could be offered since they are meant to be damaged. This goes against most consumer protection requirements for a warranty, which might need to extend up to a year in certain countries.
