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1.
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The computer section is an "Irregular Octagon" built from 1 inch by 1 inch Spruce Beams.
The Octogon shape is so that sensors mounted here would point all around the robot.
These photos were taken before the control panel was mounted.
This early version has only six power switches on the front of the power section.
The newer version has ten switchs and each switch contains an LED.
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2.
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Octagonal Computer section mounted atop the drive section.
The red "E-Stop" switch can be seen mounted on the control panel section.
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3.
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Empty computer section and almost empty control panel section.
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4.
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Inside the computer section, is a DC-DC converter, an Arduino 2560, a Phidgets 888 I/O board and the PC. The PC is a "Carputer" ( It runs on 12 volts DC)
See the "Parts" page on this site for additional info.
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5.
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The Computer is mounted on a panel, that sits on a foam rubber cushion. This is to avoid any shocks to the computer generated by rough terrain or crashes.
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6.
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DC DC converter, inside the Computer section.
You can see the cable connections mounted to the rear of the PC. The cables then pass through a "Strain Relief"
device, that protects the connectors from "Bounces"
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7.
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The Arduino is mounted on a hinged side panel that can be opened for easy access.
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8.
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The Phidgets I/O card has 8 digital output ports, 8 digital input ports, 8 analog ports, and a 6 port USB hub.
Below the Phidgets card is a small board containing resistors, and then connections to 8 LEDs ( One on each octagon face. The LEDs are to be used to tell me if the ultrasonic sensor detects an object blocking the path of the robot.
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9.
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Each face of the octagon contains an LED and an Ultrasonic range finder.
As of June 2023, the little red LEDs were replaced with larger, amber truck marker lights.
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