So, The all-Japan 3kg sumo tournament is Dec 21st in Tokyo.

Fujisoft gave me 2 seats to go, all expenses, but Simone is pregnant and due
about then, so I'm giving away the tix.

Want 'em?

You gotta win 'em.

MAIL me your 3kg sumo (not 500g), so it arrives by the morning of Dec 5th.
Include pre-paid return for the package.  On Dec 6th, I'll compete them all in a
normal sumo bracket.  Don't have a 3kg sumo?  You can build one in 3 weeks...

The top two robots each get one ticket to Japan.  You will need a passport and
time off work to go.  This is going to be totally merit based.  It's not random.
    Best two robots go.

Email me directly for more details.


--


-David E. Calkins
SFSU Robotics Engineering and Robotics Outreach
President,  RoboGames / Robotics Society of America
http://www.robogames.net
-----------------------------------------------
Silicon shall replace Carbon.
The revolution will be automated.

Hey Michael:

I am new to this list - so hi everyone!
Those IC's look neat, I assume they are just PICS with some
pre-programmed interpreter, or partitioned off area where KicChip puts
some of their lower-level stuff.  Does / do any of those packages
allow for hardware or timer interrupts?  When you mention the 20 mhz /
frequencies, is that internal, or can we speed it up with an external
resonator?

I like BASIC.  I was afraid of having to learn assembly.  On the other
hand, do many robotics people in here program in assembly, or is the
consensus that its more of a waste of time to learn and troubleshoot?
  As a bit of background, I have have already used a language called
BASIC18 with a PIC18F - so I am somewhat familiar with the PIC - just
not hardcore'ly familiar with it. I want to program a PID controller
that ideally can handle a few servo motors, as well as generate
simplistic motion profiles (trapezoid). Has anyone done this / what
processor?

Best,
Ryan



--- In sfrsa@yahoogroups.com, "michaelcollier" <michaelcollier@...> wrote:
>
> Hi
>
> Here is a new Micro Controller (PIC Based) that should interest robot
> enthusiasts.
>
> http://www.kicchip.co.uk
>
> It uses a simple 3 wire inteface to connect to computer - so no need
> for extra expensive programming hardware.
>
> The development software is free to download and includes flowchart
> design tool.
>
> It can handle various robotic type devices such as Motors, Servos,
> Lights etc.
>
> Michael Collier
> KicChip
>

I need a table (perhaps 2 feet across) which can be controlled so
that it spins between 0 and 100 rpm.

It doesn't need to be very strong. I want to put lego figures on it
to make an animated show using a strobe light. (Each figure is
positioned slightly differently so the strobe light causes it to look
like the figures are moving.)

I'd be willing to pay $100 if someone can make me one. I'm hoping
it's a reasonably simple thing to do if you know how.

If you have a counter proposal then feel free to let me know. I don't
know how fast the table needs to spin to create the animation effect,
so I just chose 100 rpm arbitrarily. A smaller table might also be
acceptable if that's a problem.

Feel free to contact me at:
crazySpin at g42.org

I need a table (perhaps 2 feet across) which can be controlled so
that it spins between 0 and 100 rpm.

It doesn't need to be very strong. I want to put lego figures on it
to make an animated show using a strobe light. (Each figure is
positioned slightly differently so the strobe light causes it to look
like the figures are moving.)

I'd be willing to pay $100 if someone can make me one. I'm hoping
it's a reasonably simple thing to do if you know how.

If you have a counter proposal then feel free to let me know. I don't
know how fast the table needs to spin to create the animation effect,
so I just chose 100 rpm arbitrarily. A smaller table might also be
acceptable if that's a problem.

Feel free to contact me at:
   crazySpin at g42.org

Hi

Here is a new Micro Controller (PIC Based) that should interest robot
enthusiasts.

http://www.kicchip.co.uk

It uses a simple 3 wire inteface to connect to computer - so no need
for extra expensive programming hardware.

The development software is free to download and includes flowchart
design tool.

It can handle various robotic type devices such as Motors, Servos,
Lights etc.

Michael Collier
KicChip

Would like "RoboGames" in hebrew, if anyone can...
--


-David E. Calkins
SFSU Robotics Engineering and Robotics Outreach
President,  RoboGames / Robotics Society of America
http://www.robogames.net
-----------------------------------------------
Silicon shall replace Carbon.
The revolution will be automated.

First thansk to all of you that helped a few years ago when I neded
help motorizing a commutator.
Second - I promised pictures! I started a photobook. It has pictures of:

the commutator and motorization,
Not pretty but worked flawlessly and produced no electronic noise, and
minimal audible noise. The long curved arm is the torque sensing arm,
the cables came up to teh yoke, and then were wire tied along teh arm
and then connected to the commutator plugs.


and also a picture of the drives
Its an earlier version that only had 32 channels. Each of the little
cannula coming out contains 16 wires - 12 micron wire twisted into
tetrodes, so 4 tetrodes per guide cannula. The little screws and such
on top were set up so that teh depth of the wires was adjustable after
this was mounted.


and finally a picture of my first good waveforms from a rat.
Each row on teh right side is a tetrode, the slight variations in how
each wire receives the signal allow for separation of idividual
neurons. The left panel shows teh currently selected tetrode's 'view'
of neurons firing.



Next project (eventually) will be to create an eRAT robot that will
interface with my memory and learning neural network model and
hopefully replicate real learning and behavior that has been reported
from real animals. Just have to figure out some interface issues first
(oh - and try to get a tenure track position somewhere!)

and one last - on the educational front - I have a PhD in psychology of
all things, but the most useful things I learned were from my aircraft
mechanic days and from A&P school. Troubleshooting complex electronic,
electrical, hydraulic, pneumatics, mechanical, etc. systems
(particularly complex avionic systems) provided a great frame work for
examining how all things, including the brain, works. Went back to
school after 7 years of mechanicing, took a course at a community
college on psychobiology and got hooked. The mechanics of the mind. So
be careful where you want you education to take you! (too much biology
for most psych departments, too psychy for most biology programs, not
enough 'engineering' background for engineering departments, and not
enough programming for a computer department...) Sometimes too much
education can really limit your employability (and your fun and
income...)

I would say play and learn - get yourself some of the Aircraft Mechanic
textbooks as good starting places for mechanical and electrionic
aspects, and then move on to more intense texts. You seem to be, or
desire to be, autodidactic (self teaching). So I would avoid too much
formal education. It should be about that, but has moved farther and
farther away from instilling those values. (Try getting positions
telling people you can learn anything - or getting a grant while
telling the reviewers that yes, you can pick up and learn X and don't
need to spend (waste) time sitting in someone elses lab learning thinsg
to advance their grants and career...)

Hi DeWayne,

> I've been away for years, since the DARPA challenge in fact.  My
> interest in robotics was strong yet limited by a high school
> education.  The kids are grown and I'm ready to get the training
> needed.  I'm 43 yrs old and hope to begin in Fall '09.  Any
suggestions
> for Degree programs or getting in mental shape in the meantime.  Also,

> are there any weekend meetings?  Thanks for your ideas in advance,

I break down "robotics" into 4 basic areas:

1 - Mechanical
2 - Electrical
3 - Programming
4 - Looks (artistic/style)

Part of choosing an area will depend on your own personal interests.

The thing that I see missing the most, is the programming aspect. So
this is the place I would focus on (OK - I'm also a programmer by
profession - so you can consider my opinion to be biased :).

There seems to be lots of electronics boards/kits that are readily
available or can easily be assembled. Having some basic electronics
knowledge would also be quite useful, although most of the pertinent
information can be easily learned from a few books, like David Cook's
"Robot Building for Beginners" and "Intermediate Robot Building".
<http://www.robotroom.com/>
Unless you're planning on designing specialty electronics, the basics
will get you a long ways in the hobbyist robotics market. Most stuff is
digital, and you'll need to figure out how to use an A/D converter for
interfacing to the analog stuff.

Personally, I found that the mechanical stuff was pretty easy to pick
up, although I've been building models and using tools since I was kid.
I bought my own CNC mill and lathe, and while I have a blast making my
own parts, it is very time consuming.

And, probably the most valuable skill is learning how to ask the right
questions...

I notice lots of people being afraid to ask questions, because they feel
that the questions are "stupid". In my books there is no such thing as a
stupid question, just stupid answers. It's ok to not know everything.
Don't be afraid to ask, but also learn how to use the tools to find the
information (like google).

Dave Hylands
http://www.davehylands.com/

Thanks for the enthusiasm Dave.  I hope to be able to learn a wide
array of skills and gain like-minded friends.  I've read some of
Kurzweil's books and hope to be able to contribute to the community for
decades to come (43 is the new 23?).  I agree the box is a good place
to put my laptop but far too small a place to think.  I like what DARPA
did to energize many inspired folks to collaborate in doing the
previously 'impossible'.  I would like the formal education in order to
be grounded enough to teach and inspire younger associates in time.
However, I do also want to start soon with hands-on projects.
Mindstorm and BOE bots sound interesting.
DeWayne

I've been away for years, since the DARPA challenge in fact.  My
interest in robotics was strong yet limited by a high school
education.  The kids are grown and I'm ready to get the training
needed.  I'm 43 yrs old and hope to begin in Fall '09.  Any suggestions
for Degree programs or getting in mental shape in the meantime.  Also,
are there any weekend meetings?  Thanks for your ideas in advance,
DeWayne

*MythBusters Needs Volunteers*

*THE STORY – Archimedes Death Ray*

*
*Because it’s been so popular with our viewers, this will be our third
attempt at a story called Archimedes Death Ray.
The myth is that the Roman army defended themselves from invading Greek
ships by lining the shores with 300 soldiers. But these soldiers did not
use conventional warfare. By using their mirrored shields to focus the
sun’s rays at the invading ships they could, the myth alleges, set the
invading ships on fire and save the city.

*WHAT WE NEED*

     * 300- 350 Volunteers to operate mirrors for the one day of
       experiment (engineering and science backgrounds preferred)

*VOLUNTEERS*

     * We would require volunteers to be 18 years or older and to
       Pre-register with us prior to the experiment date by email.
     * All volunteers would be required to sign a Participant Release
       /Liability waiver.
     * Experiment will take place in September (date still to be determined).
     * Volunteers will need to be available from 9am to 7pm and would
       have to bring their own lunch and transport themselves to the
       location (similar to going to an outdoor concert). Possible
       locations include the Greek Theater, Oyster Point Marina or
       Alameda NAS.
     * We'll supply volunteers with a MythBusters T-shirt, a signed
       autograph card and possibly a group photo with Jamie and Adam.

* *

*HOW TO GET INVOLVED*

Send and email to: myths_volunteers@...
<mailto:myths_volunteers@...>

Please provide Full Name, Age and Contact Information

Please write [*MythBusters - Death Ray*] in the subject header.

MythBusters will then follow up and contact them with more details very
soon.

Thanks!

--


-David E. Calkins
SFSU Robotics Engineering and Robotics Outreach
President,  RoboGames / Robotics Society of America
http://www.robogames.net
-----------------------------------------------
Silicon shall replace Carbon.
The revolution will be automated.

We're clearing the stock room at SFSU's enginneering dept

Miles of cabling, male and female printer/serial connectors, old amp-meters,
ancient DC motors, some old scopes...  All sorts of stuff.

Science and Engineering building on 19th Ave just north of Holloway.  Ground
floor hallway and lower loading dock (dumpster.) First come, first serve.

No, I won't give you an itemized list or take photos.
No, I won't save anything for you.
No, you probably couldn't get any money for any of it on ebay.

But all you junk bot builders will probably like it.  There's also lots of stuff
that would just plain LOOK cool on a movie set or some old steam punk dashbord -
like rotary dials as big as your head.

Feel free to forward.
--


-David E. Calkins
SFSU Robotics Engineering and Robotics Outreach
President,  RoboGames / Robotics Society of America
http://www.robogames.net
-----------------------------------------------
Silicon shall replace Carbon.
The revolution will be automated.

Too bad it's not open-source.

Then those of us who choose not to use Windows, or want to port it to
other micro-controllers would be able to do so.

Dave Hylands

-----Original Message-----
From: sfrsa@yahoogroups.com [mailto:sfrsa@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of
John Blankenship
Sent: Friday, June 13, 2008 2:38 PM
To: sfrsa@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [rsa] RobotBASIC

We are two retired college professors that have created a fantastic
system for hobby robotics.  Our software can create robotic
simulations, control real-world robots, allow you to run on-line robot
contests and much, much more.
    BEST OF ALL, WE ARE TOTALLY FREE
visit us at
      www.RobotBASIC.com
Thanks
    John Blankenship
    Co-Author Robot Programmer's Bonanza (McGraw-Hill)

Hi Roboteers!


Could you help me please?

I want to learn how to build my own Robot

I really apreciate if some of you send me a link or documentation,
because im newbe but im very interested to know how build them

God bless you all!!

Thanks so much!

The Newbe

We are two retired college professors that have created a fantastic
system for hobby robotics.  Our software can create robotic
simulations, control real-world robots, allow you to run on-line robot
contests and much, much more.
    BEST OF ALL, WE ARE TOTALLY FREE
visit us at
      www.RobotBASIC.com
Thanks
    John Blankenship
    Co-Author Robot Programmer's Bonanza (McGraw-Hill)

WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?

It's the last day to register.  I know you LOVE to wait til last day, and
today is it.  So let's do it:
http://www.buildersdb.com/eventdetail.asp?eventid=232

"World's Largest Robot Competition"
-Guinness Book of Records

RoboGames, the world's largest open robot competition, invites mechanics,
closet machinists, artists and engineers of all ages, skills and means to
compete at RoboGames this June.  RoboGames is listed in the Guinness book
of records as the world's largest robot competition, and we want you to be
a part of it!  Yes!  There is still time to register your robot.

With over different 70 events to choose from, any robot, in any form, is
welcome to compete!   From art robots to autonomous navigation,  robot sumo
to fire fighting, even bots that don't fit into any category can register
for "best of show."

"Top Ten Best North American Geek Fests."
-Wired

The event is open to anyone, not just university students, professionals,
or other schools.  Some of the finest builders are garage mechanics and
backyard experimenters, but RoboGames also hosts professional engineers,
robotics companies, and other organized teams.    RoboGames also encourages
young engineers to come out and show their stuff, so we made more than 10
events just for under-18 events with NO registration fees!

"SportCenter's Top Ten"
-ESPN

Participants will be joining an international field of competitors (over 30
countries were represented last year) and competing for the prestigious
gold, silver and bronze medals awarded in every event!  RoboGames is an
excellent opportunity to indulge mechanical know-how, adapt science
fetishes for good and come out and play among fellow makers, thinkers and
builders.

The event opens to the public June 13-15th, and fills the stands with
people eager to see your bot.

Register here:
http://www.buildersdb.com/eventdetail.asp?eventid=232

-----------

GET YOUR VERY OWN TRADING CARDS.  We've brokered a deal with a local
printing company to make trading cards for robots that compete at RoboGames
- past and present.  If you'd like your own trading cards for this years
RoboGames, order by May 25th.  Full details and ordering link here:
http://robogames.net/cards/

Here is a map to the Bay Area Maker Faire
http://blog.makezine.com/archive/2008/04/maker_faire_map_schedule.html