MH2 Mini Hexapod Turning abilities

Hi everyone. I’m strongly considering purchasing an MH2 mini hexapod. I’ve never used a hexapod before, and thought that with it’s smaller amount of servos it would be a bit easier to take on. My only concern is how well it turns, if at all, with the 2DOF legs. I don’t plan on buying the kit; I think I’ll just get the parts I need b/c I already have 6 HS-475’s sitting on my desk and plan to use it with the Parallax Propeller microcontroller anyway. It’ll save me about 175 bucks if I just get 6 more servos, 3 pairs of 2DOF legs, and a main body. I’m wondering if I shouldn’t change it to 3 pairs of 3DOF legs with 12 more servos to get better turning capabilities. What do you guys think? Thanks,

-Patrick

Hi Patrick

As far as i know the only difference between 2DOF and 3DOF is that it gives you the opportunity to walk in a angle or sideways like a crab. Of course does 3DOF give you some more freedom like body roll and body pitch and a more fluent movement overall. But as for turning, they both can turn easily. :slight_smile:

Lynxmotion has got a lot of videos on there site sorted on 2DOF and 3DOF. I suggest that you take a look at those and see which you like most. 8)

Xan

Hi Patrick,

The more degrees of freedom you have then the more fluid the motion will be. A hexapod design with 2 DOF will work and move reasonably well, it will not be up to a hexapod with 3dof, but get the feeling you are more interested in learning ?

I will hold my hands up as not to an expert ( or even close :slight_smile: ) on walking bots, but just built one from spares that only has 4 legs and 2dof and has taught me so much, like you never had a walking one before.

The way I look at it is that by using the minimum ( which takes a lot of work ) it will get easier if I decide to move up … plus I have not spent the money :slight_smile:

Not sure if that came across right, but I have learnt so much about center of gravity,balance and movement from having a physical thing sitting there in front of me that is basically unstable :slight_smile:

My advice would be go for the cheap option … It teaches you a lot more, unless you are doing a degree or are a high level MECHANICAL developer.

Sorry, just my ramblings :slight_smile: