Versabot

Remote controlled with a Sony Infra-Red Remote Control. Based around a modular Picaxe system, 'bolted' together. Next: responding bumpers and a line follower.

Cybot and TOM out of retirement

While we are waiting for our new facilities to be prepared, we are revisiting the robots from the "Real Robots" magazine: one Cybot in 'racing colours' developed up to the end of Phase 2, one fully developed Cybot in original 'plumage', and one fully developed TOM. Even though they are ten years old there is still much to explore.

Looking for a new venue

With the demise of the old CC6, we are hoping to find a new home for the group.

Our Robot Arms are 'Famous'!

While talking to Feedback PLC it transpired that our arms were originally bought by Guinness! "I wondered where the Guinness arms were now!". Apparently, they were bought to 'star' in one of their adverts, but were never used!

Computer controlled slot racing - progress!

Problem one has been that as the car passes over the magnetic sensor, the pulse length is too short for the interface box to detect. An old modular bistable is triggered, the the box can read it at its leisure! Timing has also been a problem. In standard configuration, after passing over the magnetic sensor, the car takes over half a lap to react. Two changes: trace speed set to fastest, in advanced options read speed changed from 200 to 70. These changes allow the box to react more quickly, as the video shows.

Robot Arms sent off for refurbishment!

Our two Mentor robot arms are being repaired. After 30 years of use, they were showing their age and the faults were multiplying. They were bought when IBM PCs only had monochrome monitors!!
Feedback PLC in Crowborough will be fixing them; surprisingly the arms are still being manufactured.

Trains in close-up

Two engines individually controlled, by virtue of the track being split into 3 sections. The 4 digital outputs used from the box control the 7 sets of points, 2 of the analogue outputs controlling the engines. 20 reed switches triggered by magnets fixed to the engines providing positional feedback to the program.