We would like to remind you of this upcoming event.

SF Monthly Robot Meeting

Date: Saturday, August 2, 2003
Time: 12:00PM - 5:00PM PDT (GMT-07:00)

Don't forget to join us for our monthly robotics meeting -
remember they are now on Saturday at SFSU, NOT on Wednesday at
the Exploratorium.

The address of San Francisco State University is 1600 Holloway.
The Science building is on 19th avenue between Stonestown and
Holloway. The room number is SCI 256.

It shouldn't be too much of a problem.

Is there any chance that someone can bring a projector to the meeting?  That
is the only tricky part.  I can just write stuff out on the board but a
projector will allow me to show functional source code.

-Jack

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I'll bring the projector as always.

  -----Original Message-----
From:  Jack Buffington [mailto:j1432@...]
Sent: Friday, August 01, 2003 12:14 PM
To: sfrsa@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [rsa] Digest Number 579

It shouldn't be too much of a problem.

Is there any chance that someone can bring a projector to the meeting?  That

is the only tricky part.  I can just write stuff out on the board but a
projector will allow me to show functional source code.

-Jack

_________________________________________________________________
MSN 8 helps eliminate e-mail viruses. Get 2 months FREE*.
http://join.msn.com/?page=features/virus



SF robot meetings are at Noon on the first Saturday of the month at SFSU's
Science bldg - 1600 Holloway, room SCI 256.
http://www.robotics-society.org

Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/

Folks, a heads-up: This Monday, I will be on KQED's morning talk
show "Forum" during the 10:00 a.m. hour, talking about my
book "Gearheads: the Turbulent Rise of Robotic Sports."
(www.gearheadsthebook.com). Joining me will be Robot Wars creator
Marc Thorpe and longtime robot builder and video game designer Will
Wright. We will be taking caller questions, and would love to hear
from members of the builder community. Please tune in and call if you
get a chance!
Thanks,
Brad

At today's meeting Terry asked about a 15A Hbridge chip.  It looks like they
exist but I am not sure where you can get them other than through the
manufacturer as a sample part.


This is from a message from another robot group:

Check VN771P from ST. They mailed me free samples last year and they
worked  fine so far with the 20W maxon motor. It is a 28 pin smd h-bridge
works between 6V-26V with a max 15 A. And you can not burn it (even you
short circuit) because of its current protection feature.

The also have the VND670SP
More info is at:

http://us.st.com/stonline/bin/hilite.exe?file=/stonline/press/magazine/prodnews/\
1stedi00/pnews1.htm&words=HBRIDGE


-Jack

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Anyone here know if there are any homebrew PDA clubs in the Bay Area?

Cheers,
Steve
OSX freeware and shareware: http://www.dekorte.com/downloads.html

hi
  i am anew member in ur nice group& i am really glad to join at this
group. at first i want to thank from the owner of it.
i am a university student& i study mechanical engineering(solid
disign) and i am really intrested in disigning a robbot but i have
not enough information about that.
if any one can learn me how to start working with robbots i beg him
to help me and if possible mail to me(babakjamali63@...).
with best wishes
i am looking forward to hearing from you.

http://web.mit.edu/chosetec/www/robo/robostrider.html

"The study of live water striders led us to attempt the construction of
a mechanical water strider "Robostrider". The challenge was to build a
device capable of self propulsion light enough to be supported by
surface tension."

I have been seriously thinking about building another "real" robot for a few
weeks now.  It has been a while since I have done that.  Most of my stuff is
at the fringes of robotics...

While doing some research I have noticed that a lot of robots are pretty
interesting technically but when it comes down to it they don't really do
much.  I would like this new robot to have a purpose.

I have a paticular interest in things that are tiny so along those lines I
am thinking of making a semi-autonomous "spy" robot, or maybe a couple that
can work together to achieve larger goals.

I thought about making a robot that could water my plants.  I don't water
them often enough and feel bad when I see that one of them is wilting..  Of
course a robot for this is overkill.  I could just use a small pump and a
container of water with permanently installed tubes.

I would be interested in hearing others' ideas of what could be a useful
robotic task.

-Jack

_________________________________________________________________
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There are a lot of places selling wheels and sprockets, but no place
seems to sell wheels with information about which sprockets I should
buy for them.

For instance, here's a wheel that I like:
http://www.surpluscenter.com/item.asp?UID=2003081117094896&item=1-1943&catname=t\
railer

However, it doesn't appear to be the type of wheel that has places to
attach a sprocket (or a hub, if I want to use a belt instead of a
chain). There are plenty of sprockets advertised on that site, but
none of them seem to say anything about how I would attach it to a
wheel or what wheel it would attach to.

I think I'm missing something basic about how wheels and sprockets are
attached.

All I want is two 6" wheels with bearings. Those wheels should have a
way to attach them to a sprocket or a hub. And I need to buy the
appropriate sprocket or hub that goes with it. How do I do that?

On Saturday, August 9, 2003, at 8:58 PM, Jack Buffington wrote:
> I would be interested in hearing others' ideas of what could be a
> useful
> robotic task.

How about a motion tracking web camera?

Mobile robots don't seem to be smart enough yet to get around well or
manipulate real objects, so the only practical home applications are
vacuum cleaners and lawn mowers.

Cheers,
Steve
OSX freeware and shareware: http://www.dekorte.com/downloads.html

Hello everyone,
      Is anyone interested in working on actual android (~4ft high)?
I am looking for people with skills, but newbies are also welcomed
(as long as you can function in a team). Also, forget the gears and
electric motors, this is SynthMuscle domain only (have a SynthMuscle
working and currently integrating it into a robotic arm for a friend
who is quadriplelgic...25 integrated processors).

      No B.S., no wishful thinking. This is a very big project and it
needs to be divided to conquered. Think of this as the "Shareware of
Robotics"...or simply as "George 1.0".

      Several subassemblies are in progress: 3d steroscopic vision
processing, triple-3-axis accelerometers for balance, audio spectral
analyzer for voice recog., synth muscles w/node controllers, central
bus (you might not think this would be important :o), etc.

      The architechture is simple and adaptable and subject to
change.

      Decide an area of interest and let me know.

Sincerely,
Bruce

>
If you mass produce plant watering robots , i'll buy one from you.
Attributes would be: knowhow of plants so it doesnt overwater the
cacti and underwater the ferns.
It would also have to navigate the stairs and be able to get up on
the kitchen table. And what about getting rid of pests? To build a
gardener robot would be no small feat.



>_________________________________________________
>
>Message: 1
>    Date: Sun, 10 Aug 2003 03:58:12 +0000
>    From: "Jack Buffington" <j1432@...>
>Subject: robots with purpose
>
>I have been seriously thinking about building another "real" robot for a few
>weeks now.  It has been a while since I have done that.  Most of my stuff is
>at the fringes of robotics...
>
>While doing some research I have noticed that a lot of robots are pretty
>interesting technically but when it comes down to it they don't really do
>much.  I would like this new robot to have a purpose.
>
>I have a paticular interest in things that are tiny so along those lines I
>am thinking of making a semi-autonomous "spy" robot, or maybe a couple that
>can work together to achieve larger goals.
>
>I thought about making a robot that could water my plants.  I don't water
>them often enough and feel bad when I see that one of them is wilting..  Of
>course a robot for this is overkill.  I could just use a small pump and a
>container of water with permanently installed tubes.
>
>I would be interested in hearing others' ideas of what could be a useful
>robotic task.
>
>-Jack
>
>_________________________________________________________________
>The new MSN 8: smart spam protection and 2 months FREE*
>http://join.msn.com/?page=features/junkmail
>
>
>
>________________________________________________________________________
>________________________________________________________________________
>
>
>
>Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/

http://www.sorobotics.org/RoboMaxx/
RoboMaxx 2003 is approaching fast, as a matter of fact it's just
around the corner. Event dates are the 11th & 12th of October and this
years event is coming together WAY better than expected.
The registration page is now up and ready for your entries. There
will be 3Kg Sumo, beginer and advanced mini-sumo, the largest
gathering of micro sumo, open class, and maze solving competitions.
You thought our 11 vendors were a lot last year? We've already lined
up more for this year as well as an R/C fliers club Swap meet with $5
servos among other things. We'll be doing a BEAM robot workshop for
kids 8 to 15 and they get to keep what they build (limited to the
first 100 kids that sign up). We're in a new Bigger venue and we've
got great deals on motel rates at $36 +tax per night.
The Singapore group is planing to attend with their awsome 3Kg sumos,
and we've got a few surprize guests that you won't want to miss!
Best of all, we've got great prizes (more than we know what to do
with) to give away.
For those who missed one of the two days last year, we're making
better arrangements this year. We're still doing a two day event, but
the entire first day (saturday) will be for 30lb Combat robot rental
in a 12ft arena and the combat competitions. Then all the autonomous
robot events will be on sunday. So if you can only make it for one
day, you won't miss anything.
I can't believe the response we've had already from vendors and
exhibitors, we must of done something right last year. 8 vendors
contacted me before I even sent out the invitations.
So get your robots registered and come enjoy the fun at RoboMaxx!
http://www.sorobotics.org/RoboMaxx/

-Dan

P.s. Last years photos are now on the site.

I'd like to have a robot that can take care of my cat when I am out of town
-- something to give it food and water (and keep its bowl clean) and to
clean the litter box.  Maybe even go get the mail, too, so it doesn't pile
up.  While I'm at it, why not have it cook and clean for me, too.  :-)  A
robotic housewife!

On Thursday, August 14, 2003, at 10:39 AM, William Hubbard wrote:
> While I'm at it, why not have it cook and clean for me, too.  :-)  A
> robotic housewife!

If you're going to have a robotic housewife, aren't there more
interesting things for it to do? :-)

Cheers,
Steve
OSX freeware and shareware: http://www.dekorte.com/downloads.html

We are pleased to announce that RoboMaxx will host the first Nano
Sumo Tournament!! These robots are tiny, they can park on a quarter
with room to spare. So far there are three ready to rumble and more on
the way. This contest has inspired me to start one of my own.
  We will hold an official tournament with prizes and awards. The only
thing to worry about is being able to see them fight. Looks like we'll
need macro lenses for the overhead cameras.
http://www.sorobotics.org/RoboMaxx/
  See you there,
-Dan

For those of you who are on the list, don't forget about the NUMMI tour
tomorrow (19th)  at 1:00 PM.


They sent these guidelines to follow:

MINIMUM age for the tour is 10
NO CAMERAS
Although not required, for your comfort, please wear closed toe
shoes
Smoking is prohibited on the tour and in the facility
Safety glasses will be provided
There are no stairs on the tour route, but visitors must be able
to enter/exit the trams which have 2 steps

Here is a link that show how to get there:

http://www.nummi.com/direct_loc.html

-Jack

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>Can you recommend a source for very strong permanent magnets? I was thinking of
sizes varying from a dollar coin to maybe up to a playing card or so.
>


-David Calkins, President
Robotics Society of America
http://www.robotics-society.org

-----------------------------------------------
Silicon shall replace Carbon.
The revolution will be automated.

David,

Sometimes I have found good small round or rectangular magnets at the local
hardware store.  My refrigerator is covered with them.

Also, Edmund Scientific has a variety for sale.  Go to:
http://scientificsonline.com and search under keyword "magnet." You might
find something suitable.

Good wishes,
Jon Spear



-----Original Message-----
From: David Calkins - RSA <dcalkins@...>
To: HBRobotics@... <HBRobotics@...>;
sfrsa@yahoogroups.com <sfrsa@yahoogroups.com>
Cc: jc5207@... <jc5207@...>
Date: Monday, August 18, 2003 10:24 PM
Subject: [rsa] Fwd: magnets


>
>>Can you recommend a source for very strong permanent magnets? I was
thinking of sizes varying from a dollar coin to maybe up to a playing card
or so.
>>
>
>
>-David Calkins, President
>Robotics Society of America
>http://www.robotics-society.org
>
>-----------------------------------------------
>Silicon shall replace Carbon.
>The revolution will be automated.
>
>
>
>SF robot meetings are at Noon on the first Saturday of the month at SFSU's
Science bldg - 1600 Holloway, room SCI 256.
>http://www.robotics-society.org
>
>Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
>
>

>Can you recommend a source for very strong permanent magnets? I was thinking of sizes varying from a dollar coin to maybe up to a playing card or so.
>


-David Calkins, President
Robotics Society of America
http://www.robotics-society.org

-----------------------------------------------
Silicon shall replace Carbon.
The revolution will be automated.



SF robot meetings are at Noon on the first Saturday of the month at SFSU's Science bldg - 1600 Holloway, room SCI 256.
http://www.robotics-society.org

Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.

Inside every Hard Drive is a set of VERY powerful rare earth magnets.
You can get old hard drives everywhere. If your in the Sunnyvale area
try Weirdstuff.com
-Dan


--- In sfrsa@yahoogroups.com, "Jonathan Spear" <jdspear@a...> wrote:
> David,
>
> Sometimes I have found good small round or rectangular magnets at
the local
> hardware store.  My refrigerator is covered with them.
>
> Also, Edmund Scientific has a variety for sale.  Go to:
> http://scientificsonline.com and search under keyword "magnet." You
might
> find something suitable.
>
> Good wishes,
> Jon Spear
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: David Calkins - RSA <dcalkins@r...>
> To: HBRobotics@l... <HBRobotics@l...>;
> sfrsa@yahoogroups.com <sfrsa@yahoogroups.com>
> Cc: jc5207@y... <jc5207@y...>
> Date: Monday, August 18, 2003 10:24 PM
> Subject: [rsa] Fwd: magnets
>
>
> >
> >>Can you recommend a source for very strong permanent magnets? I was
> thinking of sizes varying from a dollar coin to maybe up to a
playing card
> or so.
> >>
> >
> >
> >-David Calkins, President
> >Robotics Society of America
> >http://www.robotics-society.org
> >
> >-----------------------------------------------
> >Silicon shall replace Carbon.
> >The revolution will be automated.
> >
> >
> >
> >SF robot meetings are at Noon on the first Saturday of the month at
SFSU's
> Science bldg - 1600 Holloway, room SCI 256.
> >http://www.robotics-society.org
> >
> >Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
> >
> >

Hi Dave,

I've never seen any as big as a playing card. You could always use
several smaller ones.

Electronics Goldmine has some:
http://sales.goldmine-elec.com/prodlist.asp?catid=2254

HSC in Rohnert Park has several types. I assume the other store has
them as well.

Do I smell a new Sumo in the making?

Terry

--- In sfrsa@yahoogroups.com, David Calkins - RSA <dcalkins@r...>
wrote:
>
> >Can you recommend a source for very strong permanent magnets? I
was thinking of sizes varying from a dollar coin to maybe up to a
playing card or so.
> >
>
>
> -David Calkins, President
> Robotics Society of America
> http://www.robotics-society.org
>
> -----------------------------------------------
> Silicon shall replace Carbon.
> The revolution will be automated.

http://www.maxonmotorusa.com/newproducts/
article.cfm?id=20030708&title=6%20mm%20Brushless%20'Pancake'%20Motor


It's so small!!

You can also try Magic shops, they often have powerfull magnets, for doing
illusions,
that are of a size so they can be hidden in cigerette packages and playing card
boxes.
I have a really big one that size that I struggle to remove from my refrigerator
from a
dancing matchstick trick, but I'm not sure if it is ferrite or not. Probably
not.

Magicians love to make use of new technologies so that they can better conseal
the
true force behind an illusion.

~jon


--- In sfrsa@yahoogroups.com, "Terry Slocum" <tslocum@p...> wrote:
> Hi Dave,
>
> I've never seen any as big as a playing card. You could always use
> several smaller ones.
>
> Electronics Goldmine has some:
> http://sales.goldmine-elec.com/prodlist.asp?catid=2254
>
> HSC in Rohnert Park has several types. I assume the other store has
> them as well.
>
> Do I smell a new Sumo in the making?
>
> Terry
>
> --- In sfrsa@yahoogroups.com, David Calkins - RSA <dcalkins@r...>
> wrote:
> >
> > >Can you recommend a source for very strong permanent magnets? I
> was thinking of sizes varying from a dollar coin to maybe up to a
> playing card or so.
> > >
> >
> >
> > -David Calkins, President
> > Robotics Society of America
> > http://www.robotics-society.org
> >
> > -----------------------------------------------
> > Silicon shall replace Carbon.
> > The revolution will be automated.

At this month's monthly meeting we will be having Bob Full come talk to us.
Bob is the director of the Berkeley Poly-PEDAL laboratory.   He builds
walking robots inspired by bugs and animals.  This is a meeting that should
be pretty interesting.   We will be having a second speaker as well.  Look
for the official meeting announcement for details.

Our next monthly meeting will be held in the science building at SFSU room
256 on September 6th at noon.

-Jack

_________________________________________________________________
Get MSN 8 and enjoy automatic e-mail virus protection.
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Hey, I've been trying to get ahold of David Calkins, did he go on
vacation or something??
-Dan Gates