My first navigation bot

I have made my first robot with my dad not long ago. My dad wrote the program as I'm not EXACTLY sure how to use the ADC, which I need to interpret the analog output of the sensor. However, I think I am very close to writing my own programs.

Anyway, here it is; my first navigation bot:

Ok, I admit its chassis is quickly pieced together using a construction kit thing similar to Lego, called K'nex.

General construction:

• Reflective infrared distance sensor with analog output
• Two K'nex tracks driven by K'nex motors
• AVR ATtiny26

Unfortunately his sensor only seems to detect obstacles at 6-10cm. I'm thinking of making a similar bot with a "proper" chassis.

Sensor held with clamp                                                 Motor unit and wiring (rear of bot)

K'nex motor (view from bottom)                                      Robot "peripheral board"

Updates:

2009/01/26

YAY! The robot is complete!

2009/01/27

DOH! I thought I had blown my ADC because I was attempting to write my own program, and the sensor suddenly stopped working. However, after some careful observation and multimeter tests I found I had forgotten to reinforce the ribbon cable going from the sensor to the board with hot glue, so I had some short-circuits or something. Well, at least that's easier to fix than a microcontroller's ADC.

2009/01/31

Ok, I've now got the robot up and running again, although I would like to improve the range of the sensor somehow.

Next Project (Muhahahaha!!!!!!!!!):