PROJECTS

PinguinoBot

The PinguinoBot is a complete project that will teach you about the fascinating world of robotics. The project includes a detail assembly manual, programming manual and all the parts required to build the PinguinoBot. As you learn to program PinguinoBot, you will be able to enhance its capabilities with optional sensors and upgrades.

Features:

PinguinoBot has an Arduino compatible brain with an integrated  2A motor controller. The brain can support standard Arduino Shields. The (14) digital I/O pins are each routed to a standard servo compatible 3-pin headers. The (8) analog inputs are routed to 3-pin headers that supply power and ground for for sensors. The brain also provides additional connectivity to I2C/TWI devices and Bluetooth modules. There are (7) user programmable input switches. For higher power applications, the PinguinoBot has (2) external power screw terminal blocks.  The VININ screw terminal block allows an external (6-12V) primary battery. The Servo_PWR screw terminal block allow a secondary battery to be used for powering servos.

The chassis is black aluminum and comes complete with an upper and lower plate for mounting the brain, motors and batteries. An additional sensor plate is provided four mounting additional sensors. All the hardware require to assemble the PinguinoBot is also supplied.

 We have included (2) IR Range Sensors to allow the PinguinoBot to detect objects in it's path. 

The drive train consists of (2) geared motors and a ball castor.

Programming Environment:

PinguinoBot can be programmed using the Arduino Development Environment (ADE). The is open source and can be downloaded for free from Arduino.cc

PinguinoBot shown with standard optional sensors.

iPOD Amplifier

The iPOD amplifier integrates the iPOD Amp controller with two 7W amplifiers. It is built in a black anodized case that has been machined by a close friend of mine David Higdon of Henchmen Labs (www.HenchmenLabs.com). David is an engineering wizard and a top notch machinist. Additional information on this project will be available soon.

ArduinoBot

I just completed a brain transplant on my BoeBot. The ArduinoBot dispenses with the Basic Stamp and uses the Arduino as the main controller. This prototype is hand build and is a stepping stone to a new project kit that you will be able to build and program yourself. Additional information on this project will be available soon. 

Arduino Sound Effects Generator

This project uses the Arduino to generate different sound effects. The project consists of a simple circuit and an Arduino Sketch. The schematic and Arduino sketch files are available in the download area.

iPOD Amp Controller

This project is part of a larger project that GuruSantiago is working on. The final project will be a 5W Stereo vacuum tube amplifier for the iPOD.

The project consists of a simple circuit board that provides Volume, Treble, Bass and Mute controls. The controller is a custom designed Arduino board with a Phillips TDA7449 chip to provide the volume, treble, and bass functions.  A digital encoder with an integrated switch is used for all control input to the amplifier. Note: this controller provides stereo line level inputs and outputs. Hence it can also be used with a solid state amplifier of your choice. The schematic, PCB layout and Arduino sketch files are available in the download area.