TAB Electronics Build Your Own Robot Kit [CD-ROM]

Myke Predko (Author), Ben Wirz (Author), Tab Electronics (Author)

Book Description

Series: Tab Electronics | Publication Date: November 15, 2001

This kit provides a simple-to-build, pre-programmed robot. Aimed at ages 14 and up, the set includes a pre-assembled PCB, robot hardware, remote control, instruction booklet and CD-ROM with additional programming instructions. The kit features a 9-volt, battery-powered robot, driven by dual motors and controlled by a pre-programmed Microcontroller. With two light sensors and infra-red proximity detectors, the robot is pre-programmed with "behaviour" built in. Along with its basic control, the robot can also be controlled by the infra-red remote control included with the kit. With the addition of a BASIC STAMP BS2 microcontroller (not included), customized applications can easily be built. All the software code for the BASIC STAMP applications is included on the accompanying CD-ROM along with illustrated assembly instructions, many schematic and block diagrams and over 100 pages in PDF file format of robot-building basics, including an introduction to electronics and programming. The robot is pre-progammed with four "behaviours" built in: Random Movement (the robot moves about randomly, reversing direction when an obstacle is in its way); Photovore (seeks out light); Photophobe (avoids light); and Maze Solver (follows a wall).

Editorial Reviews

Review

looking for a hands-on kit ... a CD ... full of projects, as well as a ready-to assemble robot, then try (it). -- Poptronics, June 2002

About the Author

Myke Predko (Toronto, Ontario, Canada) is a New Product Test Engineer at Celestica. He is the author of McGraw-Hill's Programming & Customizing the Basic Stamp, 2nd Ed. Ben Wirz (Groton, MA) is the owner of Wirz Electronics. Wirz Electronics offers a wide variety of electronic components and modules to both hobbyist and OEM's.

Product Details

• CD-ROM
• Publisher: Tab Books; Kit edition (November 15, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0071387870
• ISBN-13: 978-0071387873
• Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 7.9 x 2.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,646,891 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Half a Robot, August 6, 2003

By 

Michael J Edelman (Huntington Woods, MI USA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: TAB Electronics Build Your Own Robot Kit (CD-ROM)

As others have noted, the "kit" here doesn't really include everything you need to build a robot. What you get is a bare-bones platform that requires, at a minimum, a remote control you need to build from parts you supply. What it really needs for full functionality is a Basic Stamp processor- which costs a bit more than this kit- and a computer to prgram the Basic Stamp. Given all that, yes, you'll have a simple robot.

This isn't a kit for kids; I'd recommend it for someone who already has some good skills at electronic assembly and is looking for a not-too-expensive program to experiment with. For younger (middle school and below) kids, I'd recommend the Lego Mindstorms robotics kits.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars And so it begins..., April 4, 2003

By 

Daniel DeMoura "Bad movie connoisseur" (Westport, NY United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: TAB Electronics Build Your Own Robot Kit (CD-ROM)

So far, I can't find anything wrong with this starter kit. It has met my expectations and provided me with the groundwork to creating my own little robot empire. It is simple enough to understand without the need for an engineering degree. Unfortunately, I can only give it 4 stars because it does seem to mislead a bit on the BASIC Stamp issue. You must buy a BS2 - IC or compatible IC before you attach a serial cable and start coding commands for the little guy. Although simple to setup, the price of the BS2 chip costs as much as the kit itself and will quickly eat away at your budget depnding on where you find it. The robot included is little different from a prototype for the Friendly Robotics RL800 Robomower available in Amazon's Tools & Hardware (minus a few mower parts). That's pretty good considering the BS2 chip isn't included. The prices for this chip are pretty standard at the Amazon Scientific Supplies, Mondo-tronics Robot Store - 2002, and you'll notice a big choice of BS2 IC's to complete your package.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars "Quality time", November 22, 2002

By 

Tom Platts (Acton, MA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: TAB Electronics Build Your Own Robot Kit (CD-ROM)

I bought this kit as a way to spend some "quality time" with my 10-year-old son. I was not disappointed. This kind of project is a great way to get kids exited about science. The instructions were not hard to follow and in a few evenings we had a working robot. I can still see the sense of pride my son has when he plays with it and talks about it. The kit is for adults, but with a little help with construction, kids can enjoy it too.