HexWalker Robot

[ToyMaker]

Here is a mobile robot that I kitted up and sold internationally for a few years. There are HexWalker Mobile Robots wandering around in 22 countrys and 28 states.

It is driven by 3 RC servos and controlled by a BASIC Stamp. I posted a picture in the ftp pictures folder called bug300.jpg

What does this have to do with CNC? There is a LOT of cross-over technology and technique between the two hobbies. Including: software control of motors, control algorythms, electronics, precision mechanical, and feedback systems.

Ten years ago (wow! time flies) when I built the HexWalker I made all the parts with "ArmStrong" power tools . When I get the electronics of my cnc mill up I am going to take a whack at automating some of the parts.

robotic regards,

Tom

[CNCadmin]

Any pics?

[ToyMaker]

The one picture I have is in the ftp/pictures folder. It's named bug300.jpg. If there were interest I could snap a few more or even post the plans.

robotic regards,

Tom

[Mhiran]

I would be very intrested in plans for a hexapod walker type robot!

[ToyMaker]

Mhiran:

OK, I'll see if I can dig up the pdf and post it to the ftp site.
If you would like some details while I'm messing around with this, visit the Milford Instruments site. They bought a HexWalker and several sets of plans from me before they introduced their own version.
I don't remember what they call it (bug-bot or basic-bug or some-such), but it is the entry level 'bot with 3 servo motors and a BASIC Stamp controller.

robotic regards,

Tom
= = = = =
polar sun is a solar pun

[Mhiran]

The Stamp Bug was based on your plans?
Great!

[ToyMaker]

I have posted the plans for the HexWalker Mobile Robot on the FTP site here as pictures/walk.pdf.
Sorry for the long delay, I have changed ISPs and had some non-trivial start up problems (which have now been resolved).
Then I installed a firewall/router and have gone through another round of fault/analysis/fix cycles. But finally all is well.
My system has been rock-solid for over a week with zero faults (aside from various operator errors ).

robotic regards,

Tom
= = = = =
The two greatest highway menaces are drivers under 25 going over 75 and drivers over 75 going under 25.

[BeanO]

Can a 'basic stamp' be programmed as a 'step motor controller'?

I also have a related question you might be able to answer, if you have the time,at :
http://www.cnczone.com/showthread.php?threadid=1971

PS. I too, would like to see all of the pics you have

[ToyMaker]

Yes, a BASIC stamp could be used as a stepper controller but you don't need it. For a machine like you envision (2x2) use your PC as the controller, get drive electronics suited to your motors, and you are up and running.
I agree with NeoMoses advice to go a bit larger than 2x2. Unless your goal is to do nothing but jewelry, and even that might tax a 2x2 machine.
I have built a 6x6x4 (x-y-z travel) machine and am now wrestling with the electronics.

As mentioned in posts above, all the HexWalker robot pictures I have (all one of them ) and the plan book are posted on the CNCzone ftp site.

robotic regards,

Tom
= = = = =
Hate destroys a man's sense of values and his objectivity. It causes him to describe the beautiful as ugly and the ugly as beautiful, and to confuse the true with the false and the false with the true.
- - Martin Luther King, Jr.

[abasir]

Forgive my possible ignorance but where/which ftp site are you referring to?

thanks.

[ToyMaker]

all forgiven
start here http://www.cnczone.com/forumdisplay.php?forumid=99

robotic regards,

Tom

[abasir]

Thanks for both (the link & the forgiveness )