YourITronics

The idea is so original and cool, a box that closes itself ? c’mon :). There is also a website www.leavemealonebox.com but it is unavailable now when I’m writing the article.

Taurus 2 is the second version of the Taurus Robot build by Andrew. The main reason for building Taurus2 was to fix the errors from Taurus, and there were some nasty errors:

• Size Matters - Taurus was too big. The problems I had exponentially increased with the size. Forces were greater, as well as the price of everything. I will limit T2 to about the size of a shoebox.
• Friction - Treads were bad. Caused way too much torque in the system. Bye-bye treads, hello large synchronous high traction wheels.
• Chains, Gears - Bad. Very bad. The main reason for failure. I refuse to use them again. Ever. Servos have built in gear boxes, and are easily controllable. I will use them.
• Terrain - Taurus did not conform to terrain as expected (partially due to tread failure). T2 will have a dynamic terrain conforming system. And it’s a simple design as well.
• Steering - Treads made turning nearly impossible due to friction. Ive decided to independently control each wheel for T2.

And here is what Taurus2 will feature:

• zero degree turning radius
• near omni-directional movement (singularities at maximum servo rotations)
• simulated rack and pinion movement
• dynamic terrain conforming

The project is really great, and Andrew provides all the source files and CAD designs so you don’t have to worry about anything, you just have to start the project.

Taurus2 a reborn-ed robot: [Link]

Sivan Toledo writes:In this project I created an infrared (IR) link that provides bi-directional communication between the NXT and the new Power-Functions system, which consists of a battery box, motors, a remote control (an IR transmitter) and an IR receiver that controls the motors.I previously built an IR transmitter for the NXT which used an MSP430 microcontroller and which was able to send Sony IR commands (the specifications of this protocol are widely available). So why the need for a new IR transmitter ? Well Sivan wanted to achieve a couple of new goals:

• To analyse the Power-Functions IR protocol, for which no documentation is publicly available.
• To build a system that could not only send IR commands, but could also receive and decode them.
• To experiment with AVR’s, another family of microcontrollers.

So he build the project, and he published it with lots of pictures and details on he’s page for anyone who wants to build it.

AVR IR Remote Control System: [Link] - [Via]

The first prototype UAV is built on a Lite Machines 110 remote control helicopter. The choice of the LM-110 is an ideal platform for debugging both the autopilot and the command and control software. It has nearly indestructible, full flapping plastic rotor blades and can take nearly any abuse from “software bugs” or Pilot Error. Unfortunately, the 0.061 cubic inch (1cc) engine only produces about 0.1 horsepower.

This is no where near enough power to lift the airframe, engine, embedded computer, servo controller, attitude gyros and camera. However, the larger aircrafts are very expensive to crash, so they are cost prohibitive for testing. So instead of having all of the hardware on board, the prototype has the servo controller connected to a laptop via a light serial cable. This tether limits the functionality of the UAV, but allows for easy debugging and off loads the underpowered LM-110. It can barely carry the camera, full fuel, servo controller and battery.

I must say this is a very complex project, but its opensource  and many hobbyist’s  will benefit from it when it will be finished.

Autopilot Helicopter project: [Link] - [Via]

The BitESC is a small electronic speed controller for those little RC cars like the MicroSizer / BitChar-G. It can be used in a small RC plane to have some control over the speed of the motor. The speed of the motor ramps up or down, depending on which of the buttons on the transmitter you press. If no button is pressed, the ESC will ramp the throttle down to a stop after a few seconds. This safety net comes in handy when the plane flies out of transmitter reach.

BitES a very small speed controller: [Link]