Build your own all-terrain robot

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Remotely operated robots are becoming increasingly popular because they allow the operators to explore areas that may not normally be easily accessible. The use of video-controlled technology has sparked a growing public interest not just in hobbyists, but also in the areas of research, space, archeology, deep-sea exploration, and even the military.Significant changes in the technology marketplace have made the creation of an all-terrain, video controlled robot accessible to even the amateur robotic hobbyist. There are many robotics project books currently on the market, but most are targeted to hobbyists, and are strictly for indoor use. This book has the ideal mix of "brains and brawn," making it appealing to hobbyists and interested professionals alike.

Author Notes

Brad Graham is an inventor, robotics hobbyist, and founder and host of the atomiczombie.com Web site, which receives approximately 2500 hits a week. He is also the co-author of Atomic Zombie's Bicycle Builder's Bonanza, perhaps the most creative bicycle-building guide ever written. A computer and network professional with Freedom 2000 Complete Technical Services, which he co-founded with partner Kathy McGowan in 2000, Mr. Graham specializes in computer network setup and maintenance, custom programming, data storage and recovery, and security services.

Kathy McGowan provides logistical and marketing support for many robotics, bicycle, computer, and publishing projects through Freedom 2000 and atomiczombie.com. She also manages the daily administrative operations of both companies and provides personal computer training, sales, and technical services. Additionally, Ms. McGowan is co-author of Atomic Zombie's Bicycle Builder's Bonanza.

Preface	p. ix
Acknowledgments	p. xi
Chapter 1 An Introduction to Video-Controlled Robots	p. 1
Meet the ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle)	p. 2
Examples of ROVs in the Real World	p. 14
Chapter 2 An Overview of the Technologies Used in This Book	p. 27
Electric Motors	p. 28
Motor-Speed Controllers	p. 31
Remote Control Transmitters and Receivers	p. 34
Audio and Video Transmitters	p. 38
CCD Video Cameras	p. 39
Chapter 3 Choosing the Right Parts for the Job	p. 43
Planning Your Overall Design	p. 44
Finding Suitable Wheels	p. 49
DC Motors and Gear Boxes	p. 51
Choosing Adequate Batteries	p. 55
Steering and Drive Train Considerations	p. 60
Chapter 4 Planning and Building the Frame	p. 69
Everything Has a Place	p. 70
Mounting the Wheels	p. 81
Adding a Battery Compartment	p. 93
Installing the Motors	p. 101
Transmission and Gear Ratios	p. 108
Housing the Electronics	p. 116
Chapter 5 Remote Control Operations	p. 125
Basic Hobby RC Fundamentals	p. 126
Decoding Hobby Receiver Signals	p. 130
Other RC Possibilities	p. 134
Chapter 6 Motor-Speed Control	p. 141
Basic RC Fundamentals	p. 142
Pulse-Width Modulation Motor Control	p. 153
Shaft Encoder Basics	p. 163
Chapter 7 Video Cameras and Transmitters	p. 171
Video-Camera Basics	p. 172
Video-Transmitter Basics	p. 178
Getting Longer Range	p. 182
Chapter 8 Camera Control and Lighting	p. 187
Pan and Tilt Using Servo Motors	p. 188
Movable Head with Lights and Camera	p. 191
Using Night Vision	p. 217
Chapter 9 Safety and Obstacle Avoidance	p. 223
The Basic Bump Switch	p. 224
Ultrasonic Sensors	p. 226
Adding a Kill Switch	p. 228
Chapter 10 All-Weather Body Design	p. 233
Planning Your Cover Design	p. 234
Using Wood and Fiberglass	p. 237
Making a Cover From Sheet Metal	p. 255
Chapter 11 Houston, We Have a Problem	p. 273
Common Problems and Solutions	p. 274
Ideas for Your Next Project	p. 278
Chapter 12 Sources for Parts and Information	p. 283
Where to Find Parts	p. 284
Internet Sources	p. 289
Index	p. 293

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Author Notes

Table of Contents