[chbot] Which robot kit update.

[Wes Edwards]

DFRobot (www.dfrobot.com) has the Romeo which is an Arduino with built-in
motor driver and headers which enable much easier connection of sensors
(Power, Ground, Signal on 3-pin headers). Also has some on-board buttons
which can be useful.  They also carry a good range of sensors designed to
plug into the Romeo board and they have some chassis options.

I have used the Romeo and I think it is good.  I have also used some of
their sensors which are good.  I had some issues with their 4WD platform
with the plastic motor axles breaking, possibly due to the loads on the
wheels and axles in a 4WD setup, but haven't had any issues with them in a
2WD platform.  The motors are cheap and easy to replace, but you could
consider the smaller 2WD platform with micro metal motors.  I also have one
of those but haven't used it enough to give any real comment about
durability.  Some of the documentation is a little light, but easy enough to
work out; and I don't have any complaints about their service and their
shipping is good.


-----Original Message-----
From: chchrobotics-bounces at lists.linuxnut.co.nz
[mailto:chchrobotics-bounces at lists.linuxnut.co.nz] On Behalf Of Andrew
Errington
Sent: Friday, 2 March 2012 3:59 p.m.
To: Christchurch Robotics
Subject: [chbot] Which robot kit update.

Hi all,

Thank you again for your suggestions.  So far my plan is to go with Arduino
as the 'brains' and some kind of dual-motor chassis.  I can get this stuff
from Korean suppliers, as well as a lot of pre-made sensors and other
modules.

Having looked at what is available here it seems I need an Arduino and a
motor control shield to drive the motors.  Is there an Arduino that has this
all built in to one board?  There are so many variants that it's hard to
choose.

I guess my other options for motors are a modified servo or a stepper motor.
If I use a modified servo then I don't need a driver board.

Again, I plan to buy one unit and evaluate it with the teachers here, then
get a small number for the students to use.  Any comments/criticism/advice
welcome.

Thanks,

Andrew


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