Playing around a some with Actobotics bits-n-bobs last night and tonight a bit. Marked-up a claw and boom bot with some parts. Not sure if this will be the final design, but it works ok this way just moving the arm up an down. I may make or buy a gear box for it, unsure now as of yet. I may even use a tentioning spring. Just something to do to pass the time! :)
UPDATE: 07/11/2015
Test of design #2 of boom. Changed from 9" channel to a tube boom, moved servoblock connection back 1.5" and added makeshift counter weight. I think it still needs a gear box on the servo.
A video of it here.
Moved the boom further back to the rear for better stabliity.
Have it with an Arduino/Bluetooth and Pololu serial servo controller running the show. Still need to wire up the motors and get the gripper servo hooked up. The boom is weight neutral now with the three wheels on the rear.
UPDATE: 07-14-2015
Have all the electronics mounted and the boom counter balanced. I may change to a 1" steel ball for the caster, not sure yet. I want to test in an open area first before I decide. Working a bit on the Python code I did a while back for better and easier control. Planning on adding speed control settings to the app as well and a 180deg turn left or right. I'm going to get an old Andriod phone to play with BT control from there as well. I have found I really like the Pololu servo controller a lot. Simple and no fuss! (see above for link)
Latest pics:
The Python control app:
