Infrared Detector by Replacing the Panasonic 4602M

'Infrared Detector'. - One of the Infrared Detector is by Replacing the Panasonic 4602M.  The Panasonic PNA4602M is discontinued and is difficult to buy. Fortunately, the Vishay TSOP4038 is a compatible (if not a superior) drop-in replacement. Both modules are three-pin through-hole components that detect continuous infrared signals modulated at 38 kilohertz.

 The PNA4602 was popular in robotics for obstacle detection and navigation. I’ve used it for mini-sumo (Bugdozer, Have A Nice Day, No.2) and room exploration (Roundabout). Officially, the intended purpose of the PNA4602 is as a remote control receiver demodulator (Streamhawk, Jet).

In fact, I relied on that sensor so much that I was despondent when I discovered the PNA4602M was listed as obsolete. At first, it seems like there are lots of comparable sensors that can be substituted, but it turns out they only accept bursts of signals instead of a constant 38 kHz emission. This is acceptable to many electronic projects controlled by a microcontroller, as they can turn on the signal, read the detector output, and then turn off the signal. Unfortunately, simpler circuits with a 7400 NAND oscillator or 555 oscillator are difficult to add intelligent quiet periods to. Thus, most infrared detector modules are incompatible for continuous object detection.

Fortunately, you can swap the TSOP4038 for the PNA4602M in almost all situations. The Vishay TSOP4038 can be purchased at Mouser Electronics (782-TSOP4038 $0.70).

Comparing PNA 4602 to TSOP 4038

Both infrared detector modules have a similar package, with the TSOP4038 case being 33% smaller. 

Figure 2. Panasonic PNA4602M and Vishay TSOP4038 pinouts

Continue from original source: http://www.robotroom.com/PNA4602M-Replacement-1.html

Mike Senna Make Wall-E Robot Being Real

 Figure 1. Real Wall-E Robot 2012

'Wall-E Robot 2012'. - Do you still remember with Wall-E Movie?Mike Senna Make Wall-E Robot Being Real. Wall-E Movie to be popular because show character from smart robot with the name Wall-E. A tiny robot who becomes the main character in the film made ​​by Pixar, Disney has now made ​​manifest by a man. From the appearance, movement, until the sound made ​​as closely as possible to the character in the film.

According detikinet (08/04/2012) reported that Mike Senna, one of the robot maker from California who often appeared with the work of riveting. This time he showed off a robot as a concrete manifestation of the character of Wall E.

The robot can move, speak and interact with humans via romote control. But the coolest thing is, all the movements and sounds made ​like a way as to look a lot like Wall-E. Even the emotional side of this robot can be seen from appearance.

Although to be assembled from the smallest, but the manufacturer's Wall-E quite short. Senna spend 25 hours per week with total reaches 6 months of pursuit. All this he did on the basis of a hobby and use the budget of his own pocket.

make a robot from the animated character is not the first time carried out by Senna, in 2003 ago he also had time to make a robot replica of R2-D2 character from the movie Star Wars.

To know more Wall-E robot 2012 from Mike Senna, please watch this video bellow:

Video Wall-E Robot First Project (Source:Youtube)  

Kuratas Robot 2012, Advanced Combat Robot

 

Figure 1. Kuratas Robot 2012

 

'Kuratas Robot 2012'. - New advanced combat robot in this year is Kuratas. Suidobashi Heavy Industry Company based in Tokyo, creating a large-sized robot named Kuratas. Shaped like a robot combat is frightening. With Kuratas you can enjoy it so like a giant robot pilot in the film and your desire can be realized now. A company has created a giant robot that can be controlled by the people in it.

As reported from detikinet (07/31/2012) that Kuratas Robots have advanced weapons system that is claimed to be firing 6000 rounds per minute. Pilots who are in it to control such weapons.

These robots will be sold to soaring prices, USD 1.35 million. But can be controlled directly in it, can also be controlled remotely with a smartphone like the iPhone is connected to a 3G network.

Kuratas robot is not always black. Buyer can order up to 16 colors as you wish.

Kuratas developed since 2010. He has four legs that can reach speeds of up to about 10 kilometers per hour. Regulation does not explain how later use to remember this robot equipped with weaponry.

So if you like with this robot you can see prototype of Kuratas Robot with women drive this robot. It is like something in hero movie. 

 Figure 2. Women Drive Kuratas Robot 2012

Sensor and Detector: Laser Pointer Triggered On/Off Switch

 

 Figure 1. Left: Controlling a presentation with a laser pointer. Right: Turning on/off an alarm clock or lamp from bed.

'Laser Pointer Sensor'. - Remote control is commonly performed with either modulated infrared emitters or radio-frequency wireless transmitters. During a boring presentation, it occurred to me that the presenter could control a slide show by aiming their laser pointer at a list of commands with bullet-point targets. Alternatively, someone lying in bed could set the clock alarm/snooze (across the room) or turn off lights by simply aiming the laser dot at the correct spot on the desired object. This would eliminate the need to have special remotes for each manufacturer. 

This article demonstrates a simple circuit with two off-the-shelf logic chips to allow a laser to turn on and off an LED. Obviously, the electronics would need to be expanded to control an appliance or support additional sensors. However, this example project is perfectly functional for controlling a low-voltage DC device, such as starting a robot.  

Schematic of the Laser Pointer Sensor

The full circuit is divided into two parts for learning purposes:

1. Detecting a laser aimed at either the “on” or “off” sensors.
2. Setting the correct output state, and keeping that state even after the laser pointer is turned off.

Here is the first wiring diagram that handles laser detection: 

 Figure 2. A schematic showing two sensors, two trimpots, and a TI TLV3702 comparator chip.

IC1 is a comparator chip that compares the voltage across R2 (a light sensor) to the voltage across R22 (a potentiometer). When the laser hits R2, the sensor’s resistance drops, which causes the voltage across it to drop. When the laser is not targeting R2, the sensor’s resistance increases (to normal) and the voltage follows.

If the voltage of R2 is lower than R22, then the comparator chip pin 1 outputs low (0 V). If the voltage of R2 is higher than R22, then the comparator chip pin 1 outputs high (5 V). Incidentally, if you wanted the opposite result, you could just swap the inputs to pins 2 and 3. 

Continue to read more from original source in: http://www.robotroom.com/Laser-Detector-Remote-Control.html

Project Mobot 2007 Line Follow Robot Tutorial

 Figure 1. Project Mobot 2007 Line Follow Robot Tutorial

MOBOT 2007 Robot Competition
 

This robot was built for MOBOT 2007, a very difficult line following competition held every year at Carnegie Mellon University. By documenting this robot I can at the same time teach you how to build a line following robot. 

So MOBOT is really really hard . . . but me being a bit crazy and only starting a few days before, I decided to accomplish the line following with one photoresistor. Yes, just one! I also decided to use the exact same edge-detecting algorithm as that used on my Stampy robot. I could do the course with a single non-scanning photoresistor, but decided the scanning servo will allow it to work a bit better.  

Design in CAD

As usual I always first design my robot in CAD. Below are a few selected side-by-side comparisons of my CAD images and actual images of the robot. As you might notice, the CAD images dont take into account the optical distortion caused by distance from the camera. You will also notice small inaccuracies between both because I took shortcuts in CAD (functionality over pretty-ness). 

In the back you will notice my AVR programmer mounted by use of velcro, wedged right between two long spacers. I left it out of CAD from laziness and last minute planning . . . Also, obviously I didnt CAD in the wiring, but when you CAD, always make sure the wiring fits. Its often a mistake I make . . .  

Continue to Read More from Original Source : http://www.societyofrobots.com/robot_mobot_2007.shtml