Category Archives: Uncategorized

Minigris test matrix

Since minigris did not perform as hoped, I’ve had to go back to basics and rebuild the circuit, testing at each stage. Hence a test matrix, where I build the circuit with a component added, write a test program, test … Continue reading

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AtMega Ohmmeter Designs and Auto-Off Function

I drew up some alternative designs for the casing, like so: The design on the left is a laser-cut version of the robot case. The box design on the right is the utilitarian model, of course. Now for the pushbutton … Continue reading

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ATMega Ohmmeter

As I get older, it’s harder to read the color bands on resistors, and frankly, sometimes it’s hard to tell the oranges from the yellows and reds, the greens from the blues, and even the browns from the blacks. Taking … Continue reading

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Minigris wiring revisions

Well, I did notice that the servos were going to nine volts rather than five on yesterday’s schematic, so I fixed that. Also deleted the connection to AREF per this. But I couldn’t even get the LED to light up … Continue reading

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Mini gris on a mini breadboard

Here is the wiring diagram for the mini gris mini breadboard. As soon as I post it, I’ll realize there’s something wrong. So we may as well get it over with.

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Minigris Assembly Begins

I went to Metrix this afternoon (Thursday) and got the acrylic cut, and then I rushed home and attempted to assemble the robot. Here are the pieces with the protective wrapping still on them: Ten minutes later, I’m still peeling … Continue reading

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Grisbot test rig

When I finished assembling this test rig on late Tuesday night, I sat back and stared and realized that maybe I’ve actually accomplished something. Such a weird feeling! The test rig is mounted on a small kitchen chopping board that … Continue reading

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PC to Arduino to LED Control, Source Code

Due to popular demand, here is the source code for my blog entry, “PC to Arduino to LED Control.” First the Processing Source code: // ButtonProc // Make a button on the screen that can be clicked // and cause an LED to turn on and off in synch on  // the Arduino.  Used in conjunction with ButtonArd. //  import processing.serial.*; Serial myPort;  // Create object from Serial class int val; // … Continue reading

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Robot assembly order is important

When I attempted to assemble the first laser-cut casing for grisbot, it was a learning experience. In particular I learned that design has to accommodate the assembly process. So that’s what I’m trying to anticipate with minigris. For example, in … Continue reading

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Mini Grisbot with tabs and slots

Here’s an expanded view of mini grisbot. I tried to learn from previous experience and incorporate design changes accordingly. Indeed, this design is probably going to change as well. Just so we’re clear, minigris is a very small robot:

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