I am new to robotics and looking for a all the necessary parts to work with sensors and motors. Do you have a starter kit that goes with the Arduino? I have some basic programming knowledge.
To my knowledge, it all depends on how big you want the robot to be, what you want it exactly to do, and what you would like it to look like.
Once you have these ideas down and or drawn out,etc. then i would get started. Robotics is a HUGE field and requires a lot of knowledge! I am currently doing a lot of research myself on “what does what” w/ sensors, motors and how they are positioned for the outcome of a “joint” so to speak.
My advice is to first design what you want your robot to look like or replicate, and draw/sketch your ideas, then go from there.
In my project/s, i plan on using existing models/maquettes, and prototyping them in large scale. Also known as “mecha’s”.
Infared Sensors or ultrasonic would be a good idea as far as sensors for a start.
I am kind of “getting started” too, by which I mean, I finally have time to. I am thinking of starting experimenting with the Diecimilla, (or maybe just discrete AVR microcontrollers) but before I buy it, I have some technical questions about it.
First, can the board be used to USB-program Atmel AVR microcontrollers other than the ATmega168 for use apart from the Diecimilla board? I know the board lacks the DIP sockets for most AVRs for this kind of thing, so what I mean is, can it be done with a breadboard and some jumper wires? More conveniently, can it be done if I was to temporarily remove the ATmega168 chip from the Diecimilla and connect the ICSP header to another ICSP header on a minimalist target board?
Second, can the Diecimilla directly control servos or servo motors via PWM signal? (Assuming common ground and separate power connection.)
Having no practical experience with anything Atmel-related, I may have (probably) overlooked some obviousness. I would appreciate if someone pointed out to me what I overlooked.
It is important to note that the Arduino is capable of performing various types of communications such as serial (RS232), SPI and I2C, and it can also take analog readings. This should be more than enough for interfacing most of the common sensors out there.
This communication capabilities can be quite useful when interfacing with sensors (a key component in any robot). The DFRobot Sensor Set is a good example of the type of sensors the Arduino can handle.
Also, we have noticed an increase in the interest of detecting tin and aluminum (probably for recycling purposes). When dealing with such metals, it is important to keep in mind that neither aluminum nor tin are magnetic so a magnetic sensor might not be able to differentiate between them.
Given the vast range of products, it is easy to get lost. There are many ways to get started in Robotics and we encourage other users to post their suggestions as well. Consider the following combination of products:
Arduino Diecimilla Microcontroller:
This will connect to your computer and allow you to interface with sensors and motor controllers (which are then connected to motors). The Arduino is very popular because of its cost and variety of different pin types. There is a large online community for Arduino products. The Arduino can also be used to make autonomous robots or expanded upon with two-way wireless communication using the XBee Shield. Remember the USB cable is sold separately.
Solderless breadboard
A solderless breadboard allows you to create and modify circuits easily without the need to solder all parts in place. A pre-formed jumper wire kit uses pre-made wires which correspond exactly with the grid on the breadboard. Normal jumper wires or cable can be used to connect other components.
Component Starter Kit
A basic starter kit includes basic electronic components you can start to experiment with. If your budget allows, consider also an advanced starter kit. When using a solderless breadboard, remember that wires can be bent and/or wrapped to create a contact.
Motor and Motor Controller
If you are looking to get started with mobile robotics, you will need a motor and motor controller. Generally, a microcontroller cannot directly connect to a motor, and a motor controller should always be used (some microcontrollers include a motor controller, though the Arduino does not). Consider also buying a kit which includes a base, motors and wheels (some include a motor controller). The stinger chassis is attractive and versatile and can be combined with the Pololu 9A motor controller.
Sensors
You would need to choose exactly which sensors you want to start with. The “classic” starter sensors are bumper switches or buttons.
Your question is essentially could a Diecimilla be used in place of the minUSB for programming. Most ATMEGA chips are straightforward to program, one needs only to read the manual (starting at page 209, section 20: serial communication). Unfortunately this is considered “hacking” and may or may not be straightforward:
The best way to check if a board can be used as a programmer is to check the schematic. Arduino should be versatile enough to allow you to program other ATMEGA chips, though the pins may (and most likely will) be different. You also need to check the input voltages and anything else that may cause incompatibility between the Diecimilla and other chips.
The Arduino code is open source and can be modified to accommodate other chips, though the basic code specifically requests that the user select the board the wish to interface with (so you may need to use a different program to code and debug). You can also cross-check the schematic for the Arduino miniUSB against the Diecimilla’s. You should check the Arduino forum as well.
You will note that the minuSB is essentially incorporated into the Diecimilla, and as such you should be able to program other chips.