Robotics 2015

Week 1
Our first week involved setting up a simple ultrasonic project to which we added a sound application using a peizo.
Matt, Rose, Tessa, Beka and Aaron all chipped in on our first week.
Parts
Arduino UNO R3 or compatible board (We are using Sparkfun Redboards)
One (1) HC-SR04 Ultrasonic Sensor
One (1) Red LED
One (1) Green LED
Two (2) 220 ohm  Resistors
Half Breadboard (300 pin)
Male/Male hookup wires
One Peizo

Using our Ultrasonic we were able to measure distance and make a light and sound component activate on our project. This will be the backbone of our obstacle sensing robot.

Mbot code
The code this week introduced us to the "if then" loop.
In natural language the code says:
Create a variable called "distance"
Take a reading on the ultrasonic and make this reading the value for "distance."
If the value for "distance" is less that 10, flash the light and make a sound. Otherwise flash the other light and make a sound.
A good little introduction to the ultrasonic sensor can be found here.​

​Lets Build a Robot / Robot Boot Camp 

School Holidays saw us offer a two hour "build a robot" program. The robot we created used an ultrasonic sensor and two 360° servos to wander around avoiding obstacles. The kids learned basic electronics concepts such as circuits, wiring, testing and coding.

Parts: 

• Ult​rasonic Sensor (we used the HC-SR04 because it is cheap)
• SparkFun RedBoard (many Arduino Uno comaptible boards will do)
• USB to USB Mini-B cable 
• 2x 360° Servos (or convert 2x 180° servos)
• 1x mini breadboard
• 2x Wheels (60mm by 8mm)
• 1x 9V Battery
• 1x 9V Battery Snap
• 1x Battery Pack for 4AA Batteries
• 4x AA Batteries
• 2x 2 Pin 2.54mm PCB Universal Screw Terminal Block Connectors
• 6x Male/Male Breadboard Jumper Wires 6"
• 1x 20mm M3 Hexagonal Standoff Mounting Kit
• 3D printed materials with full credit to StartRobot at Thingiverse

Stores:
We used a variety of places to source parts, including:

• http://littlebirdelectronics.com.au
• http://www.jaycar.com.au
• http://au.element14.com
• http://www.ebay.com.au

if you are unsure about purchasing any item, please contact us and we will see what we can do to assist.

Design:
3D printed materials with full credit to StartRobot at Thingiverse
If you do not have access to a 3D printer feel free to contact us we may be able to assist.
​
Programming: 
Mblock programming (Software Available at http://www.mblock.cc/)
Test Code using Arduino software : Ultrasonics and Servos

Instructions:
Assembly instructions
Wiring Diagram