Advice for a complete novice

[Dr_Gonzo]

Hi, I am thinking about buying the Bioloid kit but I am concerned that I will be biting off more than I can chew. Any advice regarding the difficulty of getting to grips with this robot would be gratefully received.
I have a very basic knowledge of programming (copying programs on my vic 20 almost 25 years ago) but I am interested in all things technical.

Thanks

[Robo1]

I would say take the plung and go for it.

there is alot of resource available about these robot and you will have fun learning to use it. the change of learning new thing is all part of the fun.

bren

[Dr_Gonzo]

I must admit that after reading the tutorial on programming the Bioloid it all seems very confusing. I assume it's the translation.
Has anybody from the UK done a guide to programming this robot?

[limor]

We are victimized into buying new computers every year just to run the same old word processor, web browser and video games. We accept an operating system that requires 1.5Gb memory, dual core 3GHz CPU and 256mb 500Mhz graphics cards to do stuff that was done in the not so distant past with 1/100 of the capacity.

Hobby robotics offers the opportunity to get back in touch with reality. These Humanoids in particular are the most fun and challenging in the hobby robotics arena because we know what we would like them to do - act and move like humans. So 25 years ago playing with a Vic-20, or a ZX-80 gave an insite into what became the PC market, you have the opportunity to be one of the first to experience these early prototypes of humanoid robots that will undoubtly become retail comodities once a killer-ap equivalent to the word-processor is evolved.

[Pev]

We are victimized into buying new computers every year just to run the same old word processor, web browser and video games. We accept an operating system that requires 1.5Gb memory, dual core 3GHz CPU and 256mb 500Mhz graphics cards to do stuff that was done in the not so distant past with 1/100 of the capacity.

Hobby robotics offers the opportunity to get back in touch with reality. These Humanoids in particular are the most fun and challenging in the hobby robotics arena because we know what we would like them to do - act and move like humans. So 25 years ago playing with a Vic-20, or a ZX-80 gave an insite into what became the PC market, you have the opportunity to be one of the first to experience these early prototypes of humanoid robots that will undoubtly become retail comodities once a killer-ap equivalent to the word-processor is evolved.

I am so glad to hear this. I remember when I got my first computer and if we had 2k it was a big deal. I truely believe that robotics is the next major growth area. Just like PCs and networks it will never be the year of the robot but over time robots will just become common place (Automatic washing machine, vcr/dvd recorder, automatic garage door - oh roll on the universal automaton). And all the people on this forum and working in the various hobby fields of robotics, will be the people responsible for moving this field forwards. Just as those of us who had commodore pets and built CPM based PCs from kits pushed PC development forward so will everyone here be key to developing the robotics fields. And that's whats exciting, pushing the boundary.

Okay I'll stop pontificating now, sorry

Pev

[Dr_Gonzo]

Ok guys, you have inspired me! I will order it tomorrow.
Expect me to be asking for a little help.
Another reason I want to get this is that I have a four year old son who I would love to get started on robotics in a few years. I already have Lego Mindstorms waiting for him.

Thanks for the help.

Dr Gonzo

[Dr_Gonzo]

Bioloid has been ordered!

[TechnoBill]

Another reason I want to get this is that I have a four year old son who I would love to get started on robotics in a few years

Hehe Sounds like a good reason. I use that all the time and I don't even have kids .

My Kit arrived today. I have found programming it to be quite simple but then again, I program as part of my job .. but It really is simple once you get the basics under control.

Hope your kit turns up soon.

Yell out if you need basic programming help.

[Dr_Gonzo]

Had another look at the instructions today and it seemed to make a bit more sense. The first time I had a look at it I had just consumed a bottle of wine, which seemed to impair my thought process.

[Dr_Gonzo]

The Bioloid kit arrived today! I am going to start with the droid, keep it nice and simple.
Thanks TechnoBill for the offer of help with the programming.