Mapping Robot - update 3

Progress since last week

• I added two ultra sonic sensor to my robot (one facing the front of the chassis and the other facing the right of the chassis).
• My robot can follow a wall on the right side and turn right when it see's an open path or turn left if threes a wall. 

Here is a picture of my mapping robot so far

A short video of it's operation (preset distance)

Problems/Difficulty encountered

• I realized that my encoder outputs were faster then my Arduino micro controller could read it when I had multiple serial print statements which was basically was taking longer than the encoder was switching states. Since i removed them from the loop that i was using to count how many times the encoder change state,  the accuracy greatly improved and stayed mostly constant with 1 or 2 state changes every now and again.

Proposed progress for the coming week

• Well since i completed my progress two weeks in advance, ill spend some time working on  future proposed progress or improving what i did so far.

Mapping Robot - update 2

Progress since last week

• I got both my proximity sensors (ultra sonic and infrared) and both are working. (i'm still testing both to see which ill use for measuring distance).
• headers for my graphic LCD (haven't soldered it on yet).
• I can now move my chassis with the arduino micro controller using the motor controller because my jumper wires came in.
• I can measure my distance traveled with the use of the encoders that came with the chassis.

Problems/Difficulty encountered

• I haven't gotten the current (amps) reading that each motor is using to work yet
• I had a problem with my LI-PO batteries because I didn't realize i had to buy an adapter to charge it it, so, I improvised and used jumper wires with alligator clips to charge it.

Proposed progress for the coming week

• Get my robot to dodge basic obstacles

Mapping Robot - update 1

Update 02/12/13

Progress since last post
A little more than half of the  parts that I have ordered came.
These are the parts so far...

Rover 5 Robot Platform (4 DC motor, 4 encoder)

9V Battery Power Cable for Arduino

Mini12864 Blue Backlight Dots Graphic LCD Display Module

Dagu 4 channel motor 4 encoder control unit ( 4A Stall Current)

Analog Servo Motor w/ Arms & Wheel, 360 degrees, 4.8V

Solder-less Flexible Breadboard Jumper Cable Wires

Rover 5 Expansion Plates

             Wide                                       Narrow

I also brought some batteries for the AA batteries for the motor and 9V batteries for the arduino for testing it when it is not connected to my computer.

I got the servo motor working using the arduino micro controller servo library, now all in need is my sensor to put on top of it to see if i'm going to use it or not to move sensor depending on the results of it..


Problems/Difficulty encountered
I haven't had the chance to get the chassis moving because I didn't realized when I ordered the motor control shield, it has to be connected with female jumper wire and unfortunately i have only male to male jumper wires. I'm also waiting on my male header for my graphic LCD so i can solder it on to it, so i can conveniently add it or remove it from a bread board.

Proposed progress for the coming week
Depending on what parts come in, will determine how much work I can actually do for the next update...