Author Topic: Build Your Own Electronics - Save $$$ (Read 2818 times)

drgn006 · « **on:** September 15, 2009, 09:06:35 PM »

WARNING: Do not use custom electronics on robots with weapons or heavier than 1 pound. Safety is most important.

If you have experience building electronics, here are some schematics and useful resources for building your own robot electronics. You can likely make your own electronics for only a couple of dollars, verses the hundreds of dollars you may spend at the RobotMarketPlace/BaneBots/etc

Simple RC Switch
http://www.tuug.fi/~isaarine/electronics/rc-switch/

Speed Controllers
http://homepages.which.net/~paul.hills/SpeedControl/SpeedControllersBody.html

Mini Low Rate Motor Controller
http://www.math.niu.edu/~behr/RC/KW/kw-low-article.txt
http://www.math.niu.edu/~behr/RC/KW/kw-high-parts.html
PCB Layout: http://www.math.niu.edu/~behr/RC/KW/kw-high-pcb.pdf

Digital Speed Controller Schematics
http://www.math.niu.edu/~behr/RC/AP/ap-digital.pdf

Components: http://www.digikey.com/

roboman2444 · « **Reply #1 on:** September 16, 2009, 05:17:30 AM »

i use modded servo guts for drive escs and they work quite well.

drgn006 · « **Reply #2 on:** September 16, 2009, 07:16:24 AM »

Quote from: roboman2444;66414

i use modded servo guts for drive escs and they work quite well.

Servo guts you're looking at $5 - $10 each, with these you're looking at $0.65 - $1.00 each. Servo guts can definitely work for the same purpose. Like custom electronics, I wouldn't use them in anything with a weapon.

roboman2444 · « **Reply #3 on:** September 16, 2009, 02:05:39 PM »

but do they work with a normal rx?

drgn006 · « **Reply #4 on:** September 16, 2009, 08:16:53 PM »

Quote from: roboman2444;66475

but do they work with a normal rx?

Yes, of course.

Serge · « **Reply #5 on:** September 27, 2009, 03:32:54 PM »

Thanks drgn006 - the RF switch and DSC schematics looks promising. I may CAD up some PCB's, build them and post the results.

Serge · « **Reply #6 on:** September 27, 2009, 03:58:22 PM »

Alright, here's a simple PCB for the RC switch, DIP, single layer, 4mil traces, can be toner-transferred at home, three rutes to be routed manually via wires.

Let me know if you want the mask.

The BC547 can (and should) be replaced with any flavour NPN transistor, TO-92 is probably too small to drive a higher amp motor. So either that or try to keep it cool.

roboman2444 · « **Reply #7 on:** September 27, 2009, 05:15:00 PM »

yay its made w/ eagle!
i might actually use those for mah next bot

Serge · « **Reply #8 on:** September 28, 2009, 12:00:40 PM »

Quote from: roboman2444;68942

yay its made w/ eagle!
i might actually use those for mah next bot

Yep, Eagle is pretty awesome for making nice PCB designs, even for hobby use:

(DMX <-> PC controller prototype, I haven't even tested the schematic yet, but it should be working)

http://blog.q3k.org/?p=5

roboman2444 · « **Reply #9 on:** September 28, 2009, 12:06:46 PM »

the only prob is making and etching the pcbs.
good thing there is instructables.com

Serge · « **Reply #10 on:** September 28, 2009, 12:31:29 PM »

Quote from: roboman2444;69118

the only prob is making and etching the pcbs.
good thing there is instructables.com

Careful toner transfer + warm solution of sodium persulfate = 100% perfect etch.