Hey guys, here's a quick update to where I stand on the MBAR:
I received my Parallax Propeller, the Gadget Gangster USB version, and a 3208 ADC chip ( ADC Stands for Analog-Digital Conversion ) which the Propeller doesn't include in each pin like an Arduino.
Right now I'm in search for the best platform, one of the candidates is the Rover 5 Robot platform, it has 4 motors, each with an encoder, and is tracked, it comes in at $60 ( STEEP!) but it seems like it solves all my platform needs, so it would be money well spent.
Another option is to use Continuous Rotation Servos, which are basically servo motors which have been hacked to avoid the limit of 180 degrees, the advantage of this is that they're cheaper, and A LOT easier to program, as programming Encoders takes time, pins, and processing time.
I also finally registered on the Parallax forums, in order to inquire about one of my latest ambitions: Machine Vision!
I plan on using a small CMOS camera ( some come in at around $10 ) in order to track objects, and follow them.
Another ambition of mine, which is actually more complicated, is to use a General Algorithm, it essentially means that the Robot will run an algorithm in order to find out its best way to operate, this includes how to move more efficiently, which path to take, etc, I've only skimmed the surface on this one, but it seems like a lot of work.
My goal is to have a Robot which can teach itself the environment variables, and eventually work through them, adapting.
Let's see where this voyage leads!
