10 Sep 2009
dynamixel
robots
The Bioloid kits from Robotis are amazing. They're an excellent prototyping tool, but there are also
a few improvements that could be made. My biggest gripe (and I think most people agree), are the tiny
little screws... eesh. 2MM phillips heads are not fun. I've taken to replacing all of my screws with
socket head cap screws, this lets me use a hex driver during assembly, and saves a ton of time.
Unfortunately, each screw will run you $0.03-0.07, but it's well worth it in the long run. I've
been buying my 2mm SHCS in 6mm and 10mm length, and also 3x10mm for the big screws opposite the servo
horn, from McMaster-Carr:
These fairly cheap upgrades save a lot of time, I think I've cut the amount of time spent on assembly
by at least 50%. Just make sure you have a GOOD set of hex drivers.
09 Sep 2009
dynamixel
robots
How to install nuts in the servos:
Line the nut up, use a flathead screwdriver to push the nut into place.
30 Aug 2009
arbotix
issy
robots
The first full batch of arbotiX prototypes is finally done after a summer of development and testing
with the 2 original prototypes (1 of which was used in IssyDunnYet, champion at Mech Warfare 2009).
While prototype boards have gone out to early adopters, we're still working on some of the desktop
software. A V1.0 release of PyPose is expected around late September, or the same time that boards
should be available from Trossen Robotics.
More information can be found
on GitHub.