Experimental Robot-Ideas needed

@inq It can be found here

https://www.robotshop.com/eu/en/seeedstudio-grove-vl53l0x-tof-rangefinder-sensor.html

@inq It is likely that I will soon assemble the robot.

I've chosen all components and created the stl files for the 3d printing service.

If you want the chassis stl files, you just need to ask.

Posted by: @valerio

@inq It is likely that I will soon assemble the robot.

I've chosen all components and created the stl files for the 3d printing service.

If you want the chassis stl files, you just need to ask.

Of course, I'm curious what you came up with!  Bring it on. 

I like making my own CAD projects and printing them out.  Used to be I only designed structures and the technicians got to do the building.  I'd only be allowed to watch.  3D printers are just the best... where I can draw it up and press the print button!  

Maybe in Italy it is different, but services here are rather expensive.  Have you ever considered getting your own?  There is some learning curve, but it is rewarding and captivating watching it print.  The printer I recommend for my students and got my son for one Christmas is relatively cheap.  He swears by it and is getting a second one for his son.  It will very quickly pay for itself... especially with your robotic interests.  

"https://www.amazon.com/Comgrow-Creality-Ender-Aluminum-220x220x250mm/dp/B07BR3F9N6/     $189 US

https://www.amazon.com/Comgrow-Creality-Ender-Aluminum-220x220x250mm/dp/B07BR3F9N6/

Posted by: @valerio

@inq It can be found here

https://www.robotshop.com/eu/en/seeedstudio-grove-vl53l0x-tof-rangefinder-sensor.html

Turns out I had three of this vl53l0x that I must of gotten some time ago and just filed them away for future use.  I've been messing with it.  Seems easy to use... and it makes me curious about the 8 x 8 sensor good out to 4 meters.  

@inq I actually have a Creality Ender 3, but I could not manage to make it work and so I disassembled it.

I use the 3d printing service of Futura Elettronica, and while it is indeed a bit expensive, I think it is worth it.

For my legged robot for example, the cost was about 42 euros including shipping (about 44 american dollars).

Considering that pre-made hexapod roobot can cost 200-300 dollars, it does not seem too extreme.

Here are the files

  ("Telaio" is the chassis, then there are the caster support, motor supports (you need two of them) and the support for the rangefinder that you mount on a servo at the front).

If you need to know which components you need, please tell me

Thank you for the STL files, and it reminded me, I forgot to provide those for Inqling (oversite now corrected - https://forum.dronebotworkshop.com/user-robot-projects/inqling-a-test-mule/paged/3/#post-30623 ). I look forward to see your creation come to life.  

Posted by: @valerio

I actually have a Creality Ender 3, but I could not manage to make it work and so I disassembled it.

That's a shame.  I understand, 3D printing has a steep learning curve and printers don't always work out of the box.  But they sure have a lot of good robot parts. 😆  One of my students got a very high-end printer (~$1700) for Christmas and could not get it to work.  I tried to help her out, via diagnosing her pictures and descriptions, but to no avail.  She was not willing to bring it in and I do not make house-calls.  Recently, she sent me some pictures of successful prints and she is now cranking along.  She did not mention what got her fixed. 

I know at least four of my students that have them and get great service out of them... but all of them had teething problems getting them going.

Although $44 doesn't sound so bad, I prefer to spend that on components.  The Nema-17 stepper motors, drivers, and VL53L5CX ToF sensor will cost around that.  The ABS plastic for Inqling's chassis, motor mounts and wheels, only cost about $0.59 US and printed them overnight. 

Maybe, you have better design skills than I do... I never get my models right the first time and usually have several iterations of prints.  My first chassis just connected the wheels.  The third iteration... model has slots for all the PCBs and require no screws to mount/remove those items.

VBR,

Inq

@inq Today the components have arrived. I already started putting them together.

Unfortunately the design had some flaws, but luckily they can be either ignored or fixed.

At least for now.

I will probably make another thread for this project in the "Show&Tell section"

Have a nice day

@valerio - As it turns out, I got parts in yesterday for another robot.  I'm not near as far along as you, but it sounds like we have similar goals.  I played around with the VL53L0X I already had and I like it far better than the ultrasonic HC-SR04P.