subject: BUILDING RADIO CONTROL ROBOTS ON A BUDGET [print this page] BUILDING RADIO CONTROL ROBOTS ON A BUDGET
Building robots as a hobby is becoming increasingly popular. There are any number of companies out there with robot parts and kits for sale, from beginners to advanced builders. The level of technology in some of these kits can be quite high and unfortunately so can the price.
Sadly some of us don't have the money to spend on that six legged walking robot with twelve servos, aluminum frame and the latest high speed processor.
For some of us making do with what you have is the only choice.
This isn't necessarily a bad thing though. It does teach you to be more creative and can lead you in different directions from the normal line of thought.
If you are interested in robots, chances are that you have an interest in technology and machines in general so you may have bought some model cars or aircraft at some stage. These are an excellent source of parts for a small robot.
If these models were radio controlled then you have an almost instant robot kit. The receiver, battery and servos on their own are enough to build a small walking robot.
By using hot glue to hold the servos together and fixing the receiver and battery to them you have made the body. Bend some coat hanger wire for the legs, start twiddling the control sticks and your robot is walking.
Well, it's almost that easy.
The point is that you can do a lot with a radio control set and a few servos, you just need some inspiration. Search the web for walking robots and you will find thousands of sites to get ideas from. Insects, especially beetles, are always good for ideas (mainly because they look like micro robots already).
Even if you don't already have a radio control set, your budget may allow you to buy one. They are not that expensive anymore.
Building robots this way is loads of fun, most of the materials you need can be found at home and you might learn more along the way than you expect
