Hi!
I am completely new to the concept of handwriting robots (like the " AxiDraw V3 Personal Writing & Drawing Robot" or the " MakeBlock XY-Plotter Robot Kit v2.0"). My question is this: what do I need to purchase in addition to the robot? I’m looking to mass-produce marketing postcards for my business. Do I just need to buy the robot itself and then the pen and whatever postcards I’m going to be using?
Thank you so much in advance for your help!
Greg
Hello @grtalk
Those two are nice options! Let me give you some information about them so you can choose between those.
The AxiDraw comes fully assembled and ready to use, right out of the box. A universal-input plug-in power supply is included with the AxiDraw, as is a USB cable, and an optional paper-holding easel. Assuming that you’ve installed the software first, you can be up and plotting within minutes of opening the box. To operate AxiDraw, you will need a computer with an available USB port, plus internet access to download the necessary software. Pens and paper are not included. (You can use your own! AxiDraw does not require proprietary pens or paper.)
AxiDraw is normally controlled through a set of extensions to Inkscape, the excellent, popular and free vector graphics program. Basic operation is much like that of a printer driver: you import or make a drawing in Inkscape, and use the extensions to plot your text or artwork. It’s all handled through a graphical user interface, and works cleanly on Mac, Windows and Linux. You can see more information about this plotter here https://shop.evilmadscientist.com/productsmenu/846
On the other hand, the MakeBlock XY-Plotter Robot Kit v2.0 requires assembling, the instructions for this are included in the user guide, it uses the mDraw software to control the plotter and it is also compatible with Windows, Mac, Linux, the user guide also explains how to use it (it is pretty straightforward). In order to control it you need to connect the robot to your computer via USB cable (or Bluetooth). You can find more info in the Useful Links section here https://www.robotshop.com/en/makeblock-xy-plotter-robot-kit-v20-electronics.html
I hope that information helps you 
If you have any other questions feel free to ask
Hey @grtalk
Welcome to the RobotShop Community!
You would simply need to purchase the robot itself and the pen + postcards you will be using.
You will need a computer, and the Inkscape software if you are choosing the Axidraw. The MakeBlock XY-Plotter uses the mDraw, which is similar.
A notable difference between the two kits is the Axidraw is all assembled while you do need to assemble the XY-Plotter.
