New Robobuilder for me!!!

[Ketchup]

Woo-hoo!
I just ordered a Robobuilder 5720T-S02!

Is there a way to keep the lights from coming on, or do they always come on? I should get my kit in a few days.

I'm so excited!!

[ED209]

I picked up the same kit about a month ago.

I would like to know the same thing... about the LEDs.

Ketchup, I'm sure you'll have this question too: Is it possible to adjust the volume?

It would feel less like a kid's toy if there were options to deactivate both the "light-show" and loud female voice. I wish there had been an option to get this kit (which I believe is the latest version, with the integrated distance sensor), but in black.

[Ketchup]

Ed,
It looks like you can turn off the lights!!

Look at this Youtube video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MOzJXxhzgpY

The beginning of it shows they are off. Then when it starts the kicks, they go on.

I'm sure I'll have a ton of questions. Seems like there's more people with Robobuilders on this forum than on the Trossen Robotics forum.

I hope the firesale they were having doesn't men that Robobuilder is going out of business.

[l3v3rz]

The lights can be turned on and off when you create a motion using the software that comes with the robot. Its called motion builder and there is a "Port" setting for the lights. This means you will have to load alternative motions for the built-in ones though if you don't want them to flash.

Another way of course is to load customer firmware - there is an open source project running on this - and it will then enable you to customise the start up sequence including voice.

I don't see anyway to control the volume though. From the circuit diagram (created by i-bot) the volume seems to be controlled purely by a single pin PWMSND - which suggests its either off or on. (although may be you could control volume by duty ratio ?) in which case adding into the homebrew os could be possible.

cheers

l3v3rz

[ED209]

l3v3rz, thanks for the answers to our questions.

Would you happen to know if the movements users create with MotionBuilder can be used by ActionBuilder? Basically, the "Motion Play" combo box in ActionBuilder would need to be dynamic and somehow allow for more motions to be added to it.

I've used ActionBuilder to play around with the various input and output options. For example, I created a small script that allows the robot to walk around and avoid obstacles. It would be nice if I could use my user created movements (once I get around to making some) with ActionBuilder.


Ketchup, Thanks for the video. I wonder if its possible to get access to the motions demonstrated in the video. I'm interested in the movement that involved doing the splits to get up and down. The kicks were cool, too. I guess it's possible for someone to create their own motions just by pausing the video every 0.5 a second, or so, and positioning your own robot the same way with MotionBuilder.


I just need to find more time to try out MotionBuilder. After I experiment with the supplied software, then I'll feel more comfortable with trying a custom firmware.

[l3v3rz]

I thought you could use your own motions - assuming they've been downloaded - but not used it myself as I don't use actionbuilder

There is a thread on downloadable motions : - http://robosavvy.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3301 which may have want you want (includes some kick and basic motions)

cheers

[i-Bot]

The standard motions cannot be edited, so the lights cannot be changed. The motionbuilder code for the standard motions is available, so you can create the same motions without the lights.

The new motions will be downloaded to the number buttons using motion builder or better using the download tool.

The motions can the be called from Actionbuilder using the assigned number button.

[ED209]

l3v3rz, Thanks for the links!

i-Bot, Thanks for the info! I'll have to give it a try. I'll report back to confirm that I got it to work.

Ketchup, Sorry for hijacking your thread

[Ketchup]

Hey, no sweat, ED209!
This is info I'll need, too!

Mine should be delivered this Friday so I think my weekend will be spent indoors!

[ED209]

Mine should be delivered this Friday so I think my weekend will be spent indoors!

I recommend performing the assembly in a well lit area and with the instruction manual and the videos (one for each step) in front of you.

For each step, I used the manual to determine which parts and how many of them I needed. Then I mainly used the video to see how to do the assembly; I needed to pause and rewind it at key points. It helped me determine the orientation of each servo, etc. Also take note as to how the wires are tucked away or wrapped around parts.

While you are putting the limbs together, you can make sure the core unit is ready to go as soon as you're done by recharging it in advance. Take note that to recharge the core unit, it isn't just a matter of connecting it to the AC adapter. You need power on the core unit, and then press the PF1 and PF2 buttons (on the core unit) at the same time. (See page 91).

Good luck!

[Ketchup]

Thanks for the insight! I do want to make sure nothing gets pinched and I'll make sure to have a notebook next to me while I build for the vids.

My other hobby is radio controlled aircraft (many helicopters, too). They have a ton of small parts and I have a great place to build and manage the tiny bits so I'm in luck.

How long does the battery last that it comes with? (How many cells and what's the capacity? NiMih, I assume?)

I also have a bunch of assorted small 2 & 3 cell LiPo packs. For the LiPo "upgrade" does it use the 3 cell packs? (I saw the LiPo firmware update)

[ED209]

Thanks for the insight! I do want to make sure nothing gets pinched and I'll make sure to have a notebook next to me while I build for the vids.

My other hobby is radio controlled aircraft (many helicopters, too). They have a ton of small parts and I have a great place to build and manage the tiny bits so I'm in luck.

It sounds like you should be all set.

About two months ago I got into r/c planes. I can see how both r/c and robotics hobbies complement each other: both use servos, the latest battery technologies, etc.

Here's an prime example - r/c heli parts used to create a simple bot:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NoICzQpVCeA


I'm starting out with an EasyGlider Electric. It's pretty fun. My many years of video gaming has definitely helped me pick up the controls. Although, I can't imagine piloting a heli; the EasyGlider can be a handful on a windy (OK... breezy ) day.

How long does the battery last that it comes with? (How many cells and what's the capacity? NiMih, I assume?)

I also have a bunch of assorted small 2 & 3 cell LiPo packs. For the LiPo "upgrade" does it use the 3 cell packs? (I saw the LiPo firmware update)

I haven't opened the core unit, and I haven't really investigated the battery. I believe it's a NiMH.

The battery seems to last between 15 - 30 minutes.

[Ketchup]

OK. I think I found info on the battery. It looks to be a 7-cell NiMh 100mAh pack. If I can't find one, I'll have to make them.

I just noticed that the place I bought it from isn't selling parts for it and I can't seem to find any other US retailers for Robobuilder.

Does this mean Robobuilder is going out of business?

Tell me this isn't so!

[ED209]

... I just noticed that the place I bought it from isn't selling parts for it and I can't seem to find any other US retailers for Robobuilder.

Does this mean Robobuilder is going out of business?

Tell me this isn't so!

I purchased mine (at the full price ) not too long ago from http://www.robotshop.us/. After purchasing it, I noticed that they haven't had it in stock since. Granted, they don't have many of the other kits in stock either.

It's possible Robobuilder is about to announce a new version to compete with the new Bioloid, and the retailers know about it; hence the lack of stock and price-cuts. Although, you'd think they wouldn't stop supplying parts for the current models. Hmm.

BTW, I'll be keeping a close eye on the new Bioloid kit over the coming months... I might have to pick one up, eventually.

[Tyberius]

Just to shed some light on this:

Trossen Robotics is no longer going to carry the Robobuilder line, however this is not in response to the company going out of business. We're simply no longer going to stock the products. As far as I know, they are not discontinuing any of their products.

You can still find the full line of products here at Robosavvy however! =)