So I’ve never used robotics, but I have a project that I am trying to somehow animate. Basically, its a moveable headpiece that I was HOPING to have move in several directions (to make the head look at you). Functions would be up/down left/right, or a full range preferred. It has to be out on a little bit of an arm (because it extends out beyond my face), which brought me to the robotic arm kits. But, I need to be able to either program it to REMEMBER and REPEAT a key set of functions? Or somehow be accessible via a wearable device- remote control if ABSOLUTE worst case. I suppose I could build an attached remote into the headpiece if necessary and maneuver it with my face.
Any ideas??? Looking at OWI kit (actual piece to be moving will not be THAT heavy) fairly lightweight and made out of foam sheets that will be painted.
I need something simple that is easy to build… and relatively quickly. Since I completely procrastinated.
2 servo joystick servo controller
Lynx motion large pan/tilt kit no servos
5V battery backup
USB to 5.5mm barrel jack
Is this a complete list of everything I need to assemble? Will be probably overnighting this as I need to start this project ASAP… So does the no servos mean that I have to purchase them?? Or they are not needed?
Sorry- completely clueless as to where to start or put it together
The battery backup is the only one we have with a 5V output - if you find one locally which is higher capacity and can output 2A continuously, that’s a bit better.
That should be all you need. Don’t put too much torque on the servo - the lighter weight the head - the better.
If you find it’s drawing too much current or “dies” (meaning not enough available current), then you’ll need a larger battery and a voltage regulator.
I’ll have to add those on to the order I just made. How many of cables or motors would I need? Also if I decide to change up the voltage what is the regulator?
I just placed my order- how long do I have to change it? I paid for overnight shipping
Each servo extension is 12", so you would measure between where you plan to have the joystick versus where you have the pan/tilt. Best estimate, 8x cables (four for each servo).
You can call to change the order.
You would not change the voltage - you would opt for a battery which can discharge at a higher rate (for example 3A continuously).
The other approach is to choose a 7.4V LiPo and regulate it down to 5V using a voltage regulator which can handle at least 3A.
Ok THANK YOU. I’ll call in a bit to add those in. Can you please post a regulator? I have a ton of backups that I think do 12V. Most are 5. Do you sell the regulators too?
Also- how do I assemble this? Is there instructions somewhere?
There are no instructions - you’re doing something custom, so BE SURE of the circuit before you make any connections, especially with a LiPo battery pack (dangerous!).
If you know someone who is adept at electronics, be sure to consult them first. This is why we suggested a LiPo power pack first.
Ok. I ended up cancelling the order all together to think this through a bit (although I really need the parts by Wednesday latest). I need something that will work- not something that may or may not… I do not know anything about circuits or anything, I’ve never even so much have touched robotics and sadly don’t have anyone to help. I can of course research but still worried it’ll be an expensive mistake that I’ll be fumbling to fix by next week. Which is making me very nervous. It seems like the original plan was a plug/play sort of deal, is that not the case even if I use a 5 volt? Will it still be able to move around for a while with the 5V pack?
How much more powerful will this be than the OWI robotic arm edge? Seems like it’d be easier and cost much less. But I need functionality. Which is why I’d love the pan/tilt.
The first approach should ideally work provided the torque is not high (which leads to high current). It is important to properly think through a custom robot, especially when LiPo batteries are involved.
Yes, it is much more of a plug and play approach, except the current for your setup is not known.
Yes, that’s the idea.
The OWI edge is a plastic arm where you have no control over the position - the pan/tilt uses motors which are quite a bit more powerful.
Ok- this makes me feel better. So the toque is dependent on what? Just how it is moving? Or the weight on what is placed on it? How much weight do you think the first set up could hold?
If I just read correctly, what will be mounted will be way less than probably 2 lbs. and I may be able to configure lighter- definitely.
So to confirm: new order will be: (I have the 5V charger block)
1-2 servo joystick servo controller
1- lynx motion large pan tilt kit no servos
1- USB to 5.5 mm barrel jack adapter
8- sea 03 servo extender cables 24"
And how many of the following do I need? 2 of each? Is it one for pan/ one for tilt?
Hs805BB giant scale servo motor
Hs 645 mg servo motor
I believe I actually fixed the order so you can disregard the text above. If i did the research correctly it does look very minimal for assembly. I have a 3.4V output charger and may try that on it as well.
Unit will not function. I’ve done everything according to instructions found on lynxmotions website, bought everything you said to, and even overnighted for shipping. Controller turns green- and thats it. Everything is plugged in, and attached. Unit does not move when joystick is moved. Very disappointing considering my project is now more than likely scrapped because I had a very short deadline.
This no longer seems like a plug and play that was initially described. I’ve spent nearly $200 and have a bunch of worthless parts in front of me. Hoping that someone will have some advice to hopefully make it moveable prior to my trip departure?
I can hear the current in the servos… and also tried a few micro servos and it wouldn’t power that with anything either. Am I supposed to hook it to something to tell the servos what to do?
At this point I’m limited to anything that Micro Center in Michigan, Radio Shack or Frys near Goodyear AZ has since I will be traveling all day tomorrow.
Oh ok, that’s why I tried using a charger that would be higher voltage like the 12V to see if it made a difference. I don’t know much about them which is why I’m lost on the subject. I need a portable power supply though- something I can literally completely walk away and around with. Then looking at the description of the microcontroller I thought that it couldn’t go above a certain power index? So does that scrap that concept?
I’m sorry to be a pain- this is my first go at any of this so it’s a major learning curve.
The original user here told me it would power off of a 5V- so I think that’s where the confusion came from, my apologies.
