70 SERVO 09.2015
This is How We Roll
The base platform I selected for this
project was the new Scout robot kit from
ServoCity. Although it does come
unassembled with many parts (Figure 1),
the build was quick and smooth thanks
to the thorough online instructional
video. A complete tool set isn’t required
as it only takes a couple of hex keys to
assemble.
After a constructive conversation
with Kyle — one of the fine ServoCity
techs — we decided to use Pololu motor
controllers (Figure 2). Two were needed:
one for the right side motors, and
another for the left side motors. I also
installed the gearmotor input power
boards to the motors. These make the
swapping of motors and changing of
polarity (if necessary) a simple task.
Everything else was linked together using
a variety of wire connectors and
extensions.
I’ll Have My People
Call Your People
Normally, I would not consider
incorporating a wireless controller into one of
my designs. However, having the ability to
control a character in real time has its
advantages. I would be able to choose my
intended target and focus on those that I felt
could handle the extra scare attention. I do
have plenty of young children that visit my
haunt and I feel this type of prop may be too
intense for some of them. Now, I could keep
the spider in hiding until a more suitable victim
came along.
The controller was easy to set up using the
Simple Motor Controller program provided by
Pololu. I just had to go in and change the
default setting from serial/USB to RC, and then
go through the Quick Input setup. As soon as
that was completed, it was off to the races!
Once I had the frame built and the motors
running with the controller, it was time to take
it for a spin. I rushed outside and quickly had it
speeding up and down the sidewalk. I was
excited to see that it performed exactly as I had
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DIY Animatronics
Figure 1. The fun begins with the chassis parts from ServoCity.
Figure 2. Pololu motor controllers and receiver added to chassis.
