Supplier of components for DB1 in the U.K.

Posted by: @squeaky

I would be interest to know a decent supplier, preferably in the U.K,.  for the parts required for this project?

I did a quick internet search when I started my DB1 journey and quickly discovered that producing an exact replica of Bill's creation was not goint to be possible using UK suppliers.  For instance, although Actobotics listed one or two UK suppliers for their products, none supplied the channelling system that Bill uses.  This wasn't a problem for me as it was always my intention to use Bill's design as an inspiration for my own project rather than slavishly following what he had done.  I plan to build my version using a mixture of plywood, standard aluminium tubing sections and polycarbonate sheet.  The motors and electronics have come from a variety of Chinese suppliers on ebay.  The wheels came from B&Q.  The motors I am hoping to use are not as powerful as Bill's, but I am planning on a more lightweight construction for my robot and have also gone for different gearing to lower the top speed, so I am hoping they will be up to the job.  Time will tell.  As you have probably guessed, I am operating to a pretty tight budget.

I haven't actually started my build yet beyond acquiring the bulk of the parts and materials needed to produce the navigation layer as I am waiting to see Bill's version completed to that stage before I finalise my own design.

So, I think you will need to be creative in finding alternative solutions if you want to build a DB1 in the UK unless you are happy to use the same suppliers as Bill has.  All part of the fun!

Rog

@rogerl

Hi Roger,

Thanks for your valued information.

This morning I contacted the Scottish agent  for the  Actobotic channelling, panels etc and he said he could obtain the parts... I emailed him with the parts list...  will have to see if his price is realistic!

Similarly to you, I had decided I would rather pick and choose what parts I copied and which parts I designed myself.

I am not in any rush but like to have something on the go.

I have also considered machining some of the parts from either ply or composite …. I have a suitable CNC machine for this type of work.... small but very sturdy (German manufacture)

I am from Derbyshire. 

@squeaky

I have machining facilities as well, although mine are all manual machines (lathe, mill, etc).

Because I don't have a basement or other dedicated area for my robot to operate in I have made a number of changes to the design to make it more acceptable in my domestic environment.  My version of DB1 will be circular in plan rather than rectangular, with 2 wheels and 2 sprung loaded castors so it can spin on its own axis without taking chunks out of the furniture and also traverse door thresholds and other flooring irregularities that don't appear to be a feature of Canadian households.  Rather than get frustrated at the delay to the project I have just put everything in a box and pretty much fogotten about it for the last 5 months while I work on other things.  As I mentioned above, it will probably stay that way until Bill has had a chance to complete the navigation layer. 

I hope the quote you get for the Actobotic bits isn't too eye-watering. 

I live in Hampshire.

I rather think myself that his quote will be too eye-watering....will send you a copy just for interest.

Most of my woodworking these days involves working with mathematical shapes...  have attempted to send an image of one of my latest creations but cannot seem to get the "drag and drop" to work (for me).

Are we allowed to exchange email address on this forum?

Joseph (aka Squeaky) 

Posted by: @squeaky

Are we allowed to exchange email address on this forum

I woud advise using Direct/Private Messaging for the addresses not to be visible to the web indexing robots...

You can send PMs from the profile screen of the person you want to send to.

I think you need to have a minimum of 10 (?) public posts for that feature to be enabled.

Thanks Eric for what sounds to be very good advice

@squeaky

Hi Joseph,

Just been off to look at some of your other posts (I have been off-line for most of the time you have been on the forum) and saw the pics of your wonderful creations in wood -- very impressive.  I work mainly in aluminium and steel, not as warm as wood but very shiny!

Good morning Rodger,

I have sent my email address to your direct/private messaging.

If we exchange email addresses when  I get the quote from the guy in Scotland (Actobotic parts) I can, if you wish, send you a copy.

I note that, due to space restrictions/ personal choice, you have opted for a circular configuration. Sounds good to me!

My rather odd idea, at the moment, is to disguise the DB1 as a larger version of one of my mathematical shapes that could suddenly, but very slowly, take a self propelled trip across the lounge. 

A very close friend has a commercially made robotic lawn mover … seeing this in action always amuses me.

Squeaky

Hi Everybody,

The above are the types of mathematical shapes that I am thinking of using to house my own DB1

The base, holding all the electronic " gubbins", may need to be slightly larger for balance.

I want it to sit quietly in the corner of my lounge... then suddenly, as if by magic, spring into action .... pirouette to the tune of say "jungle bells".... take a slow trip around the lounge ... then go "home"and go to sleep.

All controlled from a palm sized "zapper"

Squeaky

Posted by: @squeaky

I want it to sit quietly in the corner of my lounge... then suddenly, as if by magic, spring into action .... pirouette to the tune of say "jungle bells".... take a slow trip around the lounge ... then go "home"and go to sleep.

Now that definitely warrants a video! I'm anxious to see that work!

?

Bill

Hi,

Thanks Bill for your encouragement.

I will be the first to admit that, at the moment, I do not have the necessary skills to accomplish the "dream" of a dancing robot.

 I can relatively easily do the woodworking, (great care is needed in telling the CNC exactly what to do!) but in the past I have made quite a number of dodecahedrons and similar shapes …. However, with carefully following the DB1 instruction videos I feel fairly confident that moving the wooden shapes around can be achieved.

Its the learning curve that really interests me.

Squeaky