Rover Project Build Thread

Hey DiyDrones,

 

New here, thought I'd introduce myself by talking about the project I'm planning out right now.

 

Initially I had planned on building a quadcopter, but I decided first I'm going to build an Arduino powered 4wd autonomous rover.  I'll probably start with a Traxxas Summit RC car, though I'm still researching other options (and searching craigslist for good deals.)

 

I live on 40 acres of very mountainous terrain so the summit will probably be the best bet.  While the rover's primary goal will be surveillance, it make take on a variety of other roles such as providing a mobile wifi repeater, picking up screws and nails on the road with a magnet, transporting items around the property, verifying that irrigation systems are working, retrieving the mail (or better yet a beer), or just serving as a "follow-me boombox/flashlight" while I work.

 

While I've covered most of the areas which I regularly go on the property with WiFi already, the rover will be able to function with or without connectivity.  If it has exhausted it's mission queue it will go to the nearest known hotspot to check in.  Otherwise it will continue it's tasks unless it senses something deemed an emergency event in which case it will seek communications immediately.

 

Initially I'll be looking to include the following features:

  • Route-finding via GPS, physical and optical input (may use colored or ir-illuminated markers to designate the edges of the road)
  • WiFi router flashed to dd-wrt and hacked for serial communication with Arduino
  • Pan/Tilt IP camera attached to said router.
  • Control over car's built-in locking differential and high/low selectable gearbox
  • Control over car's built-in LED lighting
  • Ability to turn car off when not moving to improve battery life as well as put router to sleep when data transmission isn't needed

 

Once I get those issues working well I'll look into adding the following:

  • Thermal Sensor for human/animal/automobile detection
  • Robotic arm
  • Cellular or xbee backup link for when not in wifi range
  • Supplemental solar recharging
  • Pan/Tilt directional wifi antenna to sweep for signal
  • Garage near my front gate which can automatically swap in a fresh battery and start charging the low one (also serves as a way to let the rover through the fence but not the dogs)
  • Non-lethal armaments such as pepper spray or bb-gun
  • RFID reader so it can identify trusted persons/pets
  • Pan/Tilt mount for my pd-150 3-ccd dvcam along with LANC interface for Stop/Rec/Zoom/Focus functions
  • RGB led lighting

 

Comments appreciated!

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Replies

  • Very interesting project. You say that you have already covered most of your property with WiFi, any chance you could explain how you've done this.

  • Austin and I are pursuing a similar course.

    We already have our EV1 unit constructed - APM 1.4 on Traxxas 2WD Slash.

    Our EV2 unit is based on Mecanum wheels - and is on backorder from the RobotShop.

    Our EV3 unit was to be a Tamiya tank - but after a few meetings with the local Bay Area Tankers RC club = they've pretty much discouraged me from tracks.

    We'll wait until APM v2.x (I'm a software engineer - and you never want a x.0 of anything!) - before we get into the camera mounts, but are looking at some used industrial robot "picker" arms now (to get the hang of them).

    Still need to get the basics down - so EV1 is strictly an "evaluation and test" platform.

    Considering the complexity of what you are trying to do, I would break it down into manageable chunks that will make it easier to accomplish - and more rewarding, when you start to see the parts coming together.

    We'll be monitoring this forum to track your progress!

  • Admin

    headinthetrees,

    Given the amount of funds you have to spend, you might want to consider this: http://www.mymindsi.com/ or this one: http://www.pololu.com/catalog/product/1561

    Regards,

    TCIII

  • So I found a platform for my rover.  Unfortunately its not a summit, but it will do for now.  Its a HPI Wheely King that's already been lightly modified for crawling.

    Next step on the build is to order the arduino, a crawler specific esc, a stronger servo for the steering, and a megapixel ip camera.

    I found a cheap router which is dd-wrt compatible and can be soldered for a serial connection.  So next step once the parts show up is to get the arduino and the router talking.

  • Yes i have some 4x4's under conversation and i really like your ideas

    Battery power might be the only big drawback. Can you design some solar recharge stations at the checkin points?

    May I suggest you also add a water cannon to stop the burning sensation reported by recent pepper spray "victims" :)

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