newbie almost sold on a robonova, just one question

[weebaldy]

hi guys

Having played with RC cars, planes and Helicopters over the years I recently found this site and boy am I hooked !!!.

I think I have narrowed my choice down to the RoboNova but I just wondered how hard/easy it is to get to grips with the programming and modding etc. I dont want it to be too easy as what I am looking for is a robot that will give me a chance to learn the basics and will keep me learning for quite a while.

I guess what I am asking is how long will the kit Robonova last me before I need ti upgrade or replace.

Thanks for any advice you can give

Cheers

[Gort]

I think that it is easier then it sounds. The hard part is coming up with moves that are cool and making them work with the limitations of your robot. Check out this class guide-tutorial to see how easy it is to program the RN.

http://www.robot.uji.es/lab/plone/event ... torial.pdf

The hard part is getting it to do a move without falling down.

[Gort]

You will want to upgrade it as soon as you are done building it. I always tell people that my robot is never done.

[quickster47]

Each time you finish something on your robot is the beginning of the next adventure with your robot. It is never ending as the mind is always thinking, "I can make that better even though it is the best right now."

Carl

[weebaldy]

Thanks for the advice guys, I kinda thought that the upgrade fever may strike quite soon after buying the base kit

Gort, that link is very helpful thank you.

It looks like, with your help, I have made up my mind, now where is that credit card...............

Wb

[Zoid]

Weebaldy,

If I may ask, what other kits have you considered, and what struck you about RN? I'm in the same situation (pondering this new hobby).

--Chris

P.S. I actually am leaning toward a different kit, but I won't spoil it. I'm curious to hear your thoughts.

[weebaldy]

Hi Zoid

I guess my main considerations are as below.

1- Really only interested in Humanoid at the moment so the other close contender , the bioloiod seemed to be more a muliple format kit.

2- Liked the idea of the Aluminium framework as opposed to plastic.

3- I have used HiTec servos in my RC cars and helies and think ther are very good

4- Liked the look of the RN

5- Finally and most importantly the support and knowlege base on this forum seems excellent.

I get the sneakin suspicion that whateverr I buy will not be the last one but for me I think the RN ticks all the boxes.........I would be delighted to hear your thoughts on what other kits you were considering tho. As this post is in the RN forum you may want to PM me.

Cheers

WB

[quickster47]

To add my two cents again, my reasons were pretty much the same as weebadly but I also asked my wife to give me her opinion, and sort of an approval, and she picked the Robonova over the Kondos, Bioloids, and all others. So for me that was good enough. After all, we've been married 40+ years and she knows me pretty well.

However, just last week I also ordered a Bioloid for Christmas. Hmm, I think I'm up to Christmas 2025 long about now.

But back to the RN-1. It is rugged looking and a boat load of fun to mess around with. Mine has taken more tumbles and like the proverbial Timex watches of yesteryear, "Just keeps on tickin."

So get yourself a RN-1 and go forth and rock 'n roll at Robot Games 2008!

Carl

[weebaldy]

I also asked my wife to give me her opinion, and sort of an approval, and she picked the Robonova over the Kondos, Bioloids, and all others...................

However, just last week I also ordered a Bioloid for Christmas. Hmm, I think I'm up to Christmas 2025 long about now.

Carl

Quickster I know where you are coming from there, I will have to earn quite a few "wife points" to make up for the box that wil be arrivin soon

As to Christmas's, I think I have run out now but a bioloid under the tree with my name on it sounds nice. Im off to make the dinner now, well its a start eh

[quickster47]

weebadly,

One other small piece of advice for when you start the build process. Pay careful attention to the servo postions and then make sure you do a neat job of routing the wires up the legs amd also the arms. Neatness in this case makes all the difference in the world.

Carl

[weebaldy]

Thanks for the advice quickster, will do. Having build helies and cars I am very fussy about wiring etc so it will be a slow build for me.

Ray