Hi,
My son, 18, as always been interested in robots. He is currently studying at ENA to become an aircraft construction technician.
I am looking for a robot kit that will be at his level (not to simple, but it is still his first kit). Ideally, the kit should be expandable with additional accessories if he decides to continue further in this hobby.
Your catalog is very rich and I am not familiar with all choices. Are DFRobotShop Rover Arduino Compatible Kits a good choice?
I am willing to spent 200$ to 250$, including all required accessories for a first working project.
Thanks
Hello Coleman
thank you for your prompt reply. I looked a little more into the DFRobotShop Rover description. Am I correct that there is not much mechanical assembly required and that this kit is more aim to learn robot programming?
I have no experience with Arduino, how difficult is it to learn (tough question, sorry)? Do you recommand a book in particular?
If we are looking to get started with Arduino, would we need any other Arduino starter kits besides what comes with this robot kit, or are the starter kits redundant with this kit? Does this kit have the most up to date Uno R3 board?
thanks
Jordan
Please let me know if there are any additional parts that must be ordered to complete this kit:
DFRobotShop Rover V2 - Arduino Compatible Tracked Robot (Bluetooth Kit)
Also, what are the major differences between the different versions of this kit.
thanks very much
Jordan
There are no additional parts required, but you can certainly add almost anything you want such as sensors, shields, servos etc. It’s a complete Arduino microcontroller after all. The Bluetooth kit even includes a LiPo battery and USB cable.
XBee = potential for long range communication, but needs to be controlled from a computer
Bluetooth = short range but can potentially be controlled from any Bluetooth device
You can see the assembly video and judge for yourself.
The gearbox requires assembly, the tracks require assembly and a good part of the chassis requires assembly It’s also a lesson in minimalist designs.
Aside, there are so many surface mount components on the PCB that we felt it should only be sold fully assembled. The only component you would need to solder would be XBee headers if you purchase the XBee or Bluetooth versions of the kit - and if you really don’t want to solder, then you can purchase an XBee shield for ~$12.
Arduino is intended for beginners - there’s a lot of material on the Arduino website itself arduino.cc
We would only suggest a book after you have played around with the Rover a bit and want to start building custom robots.
You can easily add sensors, motors etc. simply based on the information on the website.
Step 1: Understand what pins are available and each of their roles
Step 2: Understand the basics of coding
Step 3: Upload sample sketches and try to understand them
Step 4: Add a sensor etc.
Yes, you actually chose the robot we would have suggested. The DFRobotShop Rover is based on Arduino and as such is very expandable. We would suggest starting with either the XBee of Bluetooth kits so the robot can be controlled remotely via the computer. If budget allows, you can also purchase some additional sensors such as: GP2 distance sensor plus sensor bracket and cable, IO shield and perhaps a sensor kit.
The main reason to getting started with Arduino is that it’s really the start of custom robotics. Unlike a construction kit where there are specific sensors made by the same manufacturer, specific wires which connect them to the microcontroller and detailed instructions, custom robotics is much more open ended. The DFRobotShop Rover takes a bit of the confusion out of building an Arduino-based mobile robot, but as far as sensors etc., it’s still on a case by case basis.
We can get you started with some ideas which will be fairly easy to work with:
1x Lynxmotion Aluminum Multi-Purpose Sensor Housing MPSH-01
1x Sharp GP2D12 IR Range Sensor - 10cm to 80cm W / Cable
This is a distance sensor which mounts to that bracket.
This fits right on the front of the DFRobotShop Rover.
1x DFRobot I / O Expansion Board for Arduino v5
This is not necessary, but makes connecting sensors easier.
1x Encoder Pair for Tamiya Twin Motor Gearbox
This allows you to better gauge distance traveled.
1x DFRobot Sensor Set
Additional sensors to play with (not really connected to mobile robots, but good experience)
