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09 Dec
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Adventures in Science: Using a Magnetometer as a Compass

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A magnetometer is any instrument that can be used to measure magnetic fields. Developments in semiconductor and microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) in the past few decades have afforded us digital magnetometers that can be used to take precise measurements of these fields. Because the Earth acts as a giant magnet, we can use magnetometers to find the direction of the Magnetic North Pole. This could be extremely useful on robots that need to determine a heading to, say, autonomously navigate a course.  

09 Dec
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Adventures in Science: Combat Bot Weapon Types

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For the first time in the history of SparkFun’s Autonomous Vehicle Competition (AVC), we’ll have a separate 1 pound plastic ants division. These are combat bots made mostly out of plastic (the intention is for competitors to 3D print their chassis). We have combat bot veteran, Jamie Leben, help explain the different types of bot weapons and chassis types as well as give us some tips for making them out of plastic.  

09 Dec
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Adventures in Science: Mixing RC Controller Inputs for Arcade Drive

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We read 2 channels from an RC hobby receiver and mix them together to give steering to our robot. We use 1 control stick to move the robot forward and back as well as turn left and right in a control scheme known as “arcade drive.” Additionally, former AVC combat bot competitor, Erik Josh, joins us to talk about his cardboard box-based bot.  

09 Dec
0

Adventures in Science: Plastic Ant Combat Bots Chassis Design Tips

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We bring back Jamie Leben (IT Works, Loveland Creatorspace) to talk about some of the design considerations for plastic ant combat bots. He covers some of the basics, like being able drive upside down, and gives us some good tips on where to place most of your weight and how to design a cover. Jamie even provides a wedge bot 3D model for anyone to modify and print!  

09 Dec
0

Introduction to Arduino

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Go from blinking an LED to virtual prototyping in seven hours and still have time to eat lunch! This class is for anyone who has never played around with Arduino before and those who have played around a little bit but aren’t entirely sure what it’s all about. It’s easier than you think! We’ll put together basic single component electrical circuits that will teach you about analog and digital, input and output, and basic programming concepts such as “if” statements. We’ll also practice basic serial communication, and briefly cover basic virtual prototyping using Fritzing (www.fritzing.org). In case you haven’t noticed,…

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