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Posted by pogo on December 11, 2005, 12:13 am
> "Building Robot Drive Trains" is he best book every written since man
first
> used to use an alphabet. I hear the authors are up for a Nobel Prize --
but
> that could just be rumor.
I hear that both authors are also EXTREMELY modest ! :-)
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Posted by Gordon McComb on December 10, 2005, 12:07 pm
My book Robot Bases is about the material mechanics. Some people aren't
into that, and like to concentrate on programming or electronics
hardware or some other aspect. But if you know nothing about the
physical hardware and general materials that go into building the robot
frame or base, it might be of use to you.
From this and other messages about your woodworking expertise, I rather
doubt Robot Bases will have much that's new to you, except maybe the
plastics sections, if you're not already familiar with the different
plastics you can get.
There is nothjing in Robot Bases on motors, speed controls, power
supplies, and what-not.
Last time I checked, these books were still being stocked by Borders and
Barnes & Noble, and aren't sealed or anything. Browsing a bookstore is
still free! <g>
-- Gordon
pogo wrote:
>
> Well, I'm almost convinced to purchase the book "Build an All Terrain
> Robot". If it turns out not to be what I need I will sell it on eBay.
>
> I am also considering either "Building Robot Drive Trains" or "Building
> Robot Bases". What I am looking for from one of these 2 books is help in the
> process of deciding on motors, speed controllers / h-bridges, and power
> supply details. Currently I would just like to purchase one or the other,
> although the pack rat gene tells me to buy both !
>
> Here are some criteria to use in advising me:
> 1) I already own 2 of Gordon's books: "Robot Builder's Bonanza" and
> "Robot Builder's Sourcebook" - both are great !!!
> 2) The bot I am currently working on is being built from scratch, for the
> most part,
> and is much larger than anything I've done to date.
> 3) I am well versed in using power tools, etc., from a carpentry / home
> rehab& tinkerer's point of view.
> 4) I have a technical degree, write software for a living, but it's been
> many years since
> I have taken statics or dynamics engineering courses.
> 5) I am comfortable with microcontrollers, Linux, PCs, servo control boards,
> Basic Stamp, etc.
>
> Given all of that, which book - "Drive Train" or "Robot Bases" - would you
> guys suggest in addition to "All Terrain Robot" ?
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Posted by pogo on December 11, 2005, 12:12 am
> From this and other messages about your woodworking expertise, I rather
> doubt Robot Bases will have much that's new to you, except maybe the
> plastics sections, if you're not already familiar with the different
> plastics you can get.
> There is nothjing in Robot Bases on motors, speed controls, power
> supplies, and what-not.
Thanks Gordon! I was kinda hoping you would comment on this. I truly
appreciate your humble recommendation.
> Last time I checked, these books were still being stocked by Borders and
> Barnes & Noble, and aren't sealed or anything. Browsing a bookstore is
Yeah - that's usually my first stop. But as of this past week neither of the
3 stores close to me had any of the 3 books I mentioned in this opening
post. Rats!
I was able to do the "look inside" thing on Amazon however, and agree
that it looks like "Building Drive Trains" is more what I need for the time
being.
I'm also thinking about scaling down the weight and size of my bot design,
in general, so I could get away with lighter motors, batteries, etc. The
biggest reason I was considering "All Terrain Robot" was for its
treatment of using a salvaged power wheelchair. I'm hoping to find that at
one of 2 other stores near me tomorrow, so I can browse thru it.
Anyway, thanks again for the unbiased recommendation !
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Posted by mingv on December 13, 2005, 10:58 am
[snip]
> Last time I checked, these books were still being stocked by Borders and
> Barnes & Noble, and aren't sealed or anything. Browsing a bookstore is
> still free! <g>
>
Have you tried your local library? The library where I work has close to
20 robotics books, including "Building Robot Drive Trains." Some of the
books are earlier editions, and somewhat out of date, but even then, you
can browse through the book and see what the author's style is like, how
well the book is edited, how clear the illustrations are before deciding
whether you want to buy the current edition.
I can't comment on the other two books you've mentioned, but after
borrowing "Drive Trains" and taking it home, I rushed out an purchased a
copy. I am very impressed by this book!
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Posted by mingv on December 13, 2005, 10:59 am
> Last time I checked, these books were still being stocked by Borders and
> Barnes & Noble, and aren't sealed or anything. Browsing a bookstore is
> still free! <g>
>
Oh, hey, and one more thing - go to Borders.com and sign up for their
email list. There was a 30% coupon in my inbox this morning!
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