NVR2FST pictures

[NVR2FST]

For anybody interested, I have started uploading my pictures of my Robonova mods. I have many hobbies so there are other pics to check out. I will be adding a video with a couple of my RC helis . It has an onboard video camera you might find interesting so check back later for that. I need to format it to upload. http://s274.photobucket.com/albums/jj275/1nvr2fst/

[MYKL]

The copper wire wraps look very clean.

The head will be programed to move whilst walking?

Have you made one of those bitchin' looking engines run?

IT would be awesome to make a hybrid robot powersource with one...

[NVR2FST]

The head works perfectly .The "springs" are actually steel. They are colored somehow. They are for gas powered RCs. They are to dress up the fuel lines. You can get different colors. No they dont run. The brass block was my first attempt when I got my mill and lathe. Just playing with that one. Those cranks are just practice also on my lathe. I made a special mount for the Aluminum stock so I could get the journals offset. New mill is backordered until late february That is why you dont see any heavy mods on my Robonova yet. Then I will make a complete Mini V8 with fully moving parts. It will be just for show. The piston and rod you see is a third attempt and I will use it . Only 7 more to go! The aluminum blocks are a sore subject, that is why I ordered a new and better mill. My bores were egged!! No big deal I have my plan now. If this kind of thing interests you, do a google on Mini V8s! You might be amazed. They are larger but they run! Blowers and all! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i3VVI6Auvys

[NVR2FST]

Video is up. It has 2 parts. They only allow 5 minutes per video so I split it. Check it out. More to come with the Robonova. http://s274.photobucket.com/albums/jj275/1nvr2fst/

[visuvius]

Those mini engines look pretty awesome. Very detailed.

[MYKL]

So whats next with your RN-1?

Modding the arms or legs?

You could machine a terminator-style noggin for it...

[NVR2FST]

Im guessing it will be hands. I like to be unique if possible in my creations unless somebody comes out with something that Is just too good to pass up. Bauers grips are cool for the simple fact that they blend well with Robonovas design but for me they are too basic. Im guessing his price is high because of the anodizing. I imagine you cant warrant making a couple at a time and having them anodized for a more "expected Price" for what they are. I now have the bug in me to build a new Robot design from scratch. As in my "ScrewDrive" post. Talk is cheap I know, so I wont go into much detail on my possible plans. If I decide to alocate the time and expense, you will see it here first. I have way too many hobbies and any time something else catches my eye I go after it, learn it
(usually dont master it) then I move to another keeping all other projects hanging for another day. I at least try to leave a lasting impression with my peers at whatever I do. Hopefully I will create something that many will find usefull here. Since I have aquired my lathe, mill, and such, I have been able to push farther than ever before. If I could spend money on the tools I want I could do some amazing things but life doesnt work that way for most. For everything I learn from one hobby, it helps me in others. I just got another idea for hands with fingers. If you didnt want to go as deep as to make each finger move under power you could "Tension" them with small springs or spring steel inside them. That way there would be more independent contact points for picking things with irregular shapes as opposed to "Grippers" that have a "one position hold point". I wouldnt doubt it may have been done but it just popped in my head. Remember I havent been in Robotics long at all so I find myself coming up with ideas that are allready being used. I think I will start shortening my posts. Sorry to all if it is out of the ordinary. I think it is because I dont have any friends that are into these things and I guess I end up releasing a lot at one time to people with the same interests.

[MYKL]

I'd appreciate your opinion on my own hand design then.

I should be finished with the next physical example sometime next week. It will look a lot like what you would find at the end of an arm belonging to an anime/mecha style machine.

There is a link in my signature.

I believe we have very close visions of the future...

[NVR2FST]

Electromagnets w/plunger to pull your strings. I have tore things apart that have the right size to fit in a tight space for all fingers. Even deeper, adjustable voltage to increase or decrease strength. That would be to make the strength variable. What control (electronics), thats my weakness but I am sure there are many that will do this. Start with the basics. Getting a quick test by connecting the electromagnet to pull the string. Now that I think about it, rare earth magnets, no strings at all. This idea would take a lot of explaining.

[NVR2FST]

Crude Drawing. http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj27 ... otHand.jpg

[MYKL]

I built an actuator just like you describe. The coil on the solinoid overheated very easilly. In order to keep the fingers at a certain position current must flow and the coil is a giant resistor (heat).

The guys that make the Muscle Wires make an actuator that has a NiTi spring actuated lineiar arm. It is strong for its size but way too slow. I also tried just NiTi muscle wires. The contraction phase of the muscle wire was remarkabley strong and fast but, when the current is released the wire must be drawn taught again as it cools. This cycle time is too long. I tried the Air Muscles like in the Shadow Groups hand. The problem is that air is compressable and the muscles had to be prohibitavly large to move the fingers not to mention the valve and compressed air storage aspects that come with a pnumatic system.

I am currently working on a servo driven hydraulic muscle system that should foot the bill for the hobby sized 'bots.