What do you recommend as a good first robot? Ive never built a robot before and i was looking for something good and simple to built and use, but nothing too simple. I was originally really attracted to the CH3-R hexapod. It appeared, by what ive seen in the assembly guides that it would be fairly easy to built. I have moderate computer knowledge and some contruction knowledge. Thanks.
It all depends what you mean by “not too simple”.
In my opinion, nothing is too simple when it comes to programming the robot and complexity can be added very easily depending on what you want your robot to do.
The hexapod is maybe a little too complex for a first. Just think about how you are going to program the robot to move around. Again, that’s based on my personal experience.
I would recommend a rover, mounted with sensors. It is simple to build, but is very flexible in term of complexity. You can add an arm or a gripper, cameras for stereo vision, etc…
lynxmotion.com/Category.aspx?CategoryID=30
If you are more interested in walking gaits than rover navigation, I would recommend the Biped Brat
lynxmotion.com/Category.aspx?CategoryID=97
Just my 2 cents.
Amir.
Thanks for the help, and i believe you would be right, six legs would be much more complicated for a beginner compared to 2 legs or wheels.
I agree with Amir that a lot of it really depends on what your interests are. Both of the areas (Brat and Rover) he has pointed you to are great starting robots.
However if your truly interested in the CHR-3 Hex Robot, we should not completely scare you off from it. As Amir stated, 6 legs are a lot more complex to deal with than two legs or 2 wheels. However a lot of this complexity can be handled for you by using the Powerpod software that you can download for free. This software generates code for you that handles walking, turning, etc. It is also configurable, such that you can control the hex robot with a PS2 controller or through a serial port, or it can be used to create code for you to run it autonomously.
I hope I did not confuse you too much.
Kurt
Why dont you consider the servo erector set. This will allow you to work on constructing a brat - later you can then purchase more pieces and do a hex using some of the brat parts, i.e. the brackets, controller, and the code snidbits you created for the brat.
I’m sure others will have other ideas, but I would suggest starting out with a two wheeled rover. I started out working on my W.A.L.T.E.R. rover last August and am still having a great time with him now. I did NOT start out with a BOE-Bot though, because I knew it would be way too small for all the stuff I wanted to put on it. I was right!
I started out with the Octabot II kit from Budget Robotics. At this point, the only original parts of the kit are the decks and the caster. 
I have added a bunch of stuff from Lynxmotion to W.A.L.T.E.R. and you can read more about him in a thread in the Rover section. 
8-Dale
I Agree with Amir,
Just programming a microcontroller to turn on and off a LED can be challenging for the beginner.
I would start with something simple and build on that experiance and knowledge.
But if you want to go with a 3DOF hexapod, there’s always the free PowerPod program, to do your H3 or H3-R program for you. 
There is no reason not to build the CH3-R if that is what interests you. There may be simpler or easier robot, but if you are not excited about the robot, then what’s the point. We have developed this particular robot to the level that I consider it to be relatively easy to build and operate. The assemby guides and tutorials are the best we have developed. But help, if required, is as easy as a phone call, email, or forum post. Good luck with your decision.
Thanks for all of the help everyone. How exactly does the robot act in autonomous mode? Do you have to program it to do something or does it just do random things all by itself?
An autonomous robot uses sensors such as IR or Ultra Sonic which when sense something trigger a programmed command and the robot carries out that command. Bassically, the robot wanders around and does stuff its been programmed to do when its sensors see something. It is only as smart as its programmer
Absolutely! If it isn’t fun, and doesn’t interest you, then there isn’t much point in doing it. I’d love to build a CH3-R one day, but perhaps an eight legged version instead of a hex, just to be different.
8-Dale
I agree and I agree
I’ve already designed some round decks for such an eight legged critter.
8-Dale
your always one step ahead of us!
I also have the material to cut four decks from, four sheets of the same stuff W.A.L.T.E.R.'s current decks are made of. They are 12" x 12" sheets. I just need to get the decks cut, but have not found anywhere to do it for me for a reasonable fee yet.
8-Dale
These are wise words. You’ll end up with an expensive dust collector if you don’t build the robot that really gets your juices flowing. Look, if it’s a little challenging, all the better, because it will keep you engaged.
If you want a toy robot, then get a toy. If you want a fun hobby, then get the CH3-R hexapod and GO FOR IT!
Good luck!
I wish MY robots would do random things all by themselves
An autonomous robot, should be able to make decisions on its own based on information it gets from its environment.
For example, by using sensors it can determine where (how far) obstacles are and avoid them.
You need to write a program that you download on the micro-controller for it to do that. Once the robot is turned on, the program will execute and the robot will do what it is programmed for. It doesn’t need an external assistance (like an operator, or a computer) to perform.
The hexapod is a very good kit and if that is the one you like, then go for it!
My point was just that I have seen a lot of people (including myself) starting a project, getting super excited about it, and not being able to complete them because they were too difficult or because they under-estimated the difficulty.
However, you will get a LOT of help on the forum, if you get stuck. The important thing is to set yourself some goals and achieving them will give you incentive to keep going.
I agree. I am working on buying a robot myself, but cant seem to decide which one to chose. I know the hex is a bit more advance than what I probably should start with(since its my first robot). What stops me from buying a robot is mainly credits. I am 18 years old and I do not have a steady income yet. I’ve been working the entire summer, almost, and I am sure I will manage to get a total of 1000 us dollars.
Another thing I am a bit afraid of is that I will get tired of the rover really quickly. Considering the price of a robot, plus 200 dollars in shipping … I feel that I might as well buy something a bit more advance right away. After reading on the forum I see that all of you are good at helping each other out, which is good as I think I will be using this forum alot if I once get to buy a robot.
I just hope I am as interested in this as I want to be. It’s alot of money, at least for me.
Edit:
Good post! I really like your spirit. 