My first robot.

Posted by: @lee-g

↑

@robotbuilder, @inq

I’ll begin by saying I’m not a professional programmer or an experienced engineer. My career in electronics was more as a systems person, I worked in satellite communications. Most of what I’ve learned in the microprocessor/microcomputer area has been from watching Paul McWhorter’s tutorials on the Arduino, RPi 4/5, RPi Pico, and his various other videos. I know there are hundreds of YT videos and other resources for self-balancing robots, I’ve watched and read several of them. Obviously, I should have studied them closer. Since the self-balancing robot is the so-called ‘rite of passage’ for a DIY electronics hobbyist, I’ll continue to work on it (on my own) and won’t bother anyone on this forum with the problems I encounter.

It has concerned me that you felt you were bothering anyone. I see you as the same as all of us here. That you are a systems person makes it clear that you are highly tuned to analyze variables, extract underlying rules, and construct systems which is what electronics and programming comes down to. 

Solving a complex bug or getting a circuit to work triggers a massive release of dopamine. Your brain inherently craves the specific high that comes from resolving cognitive chaos into perfect order.  It offers an opportunity to problem solve without the need to worry about any real world risk if you fail. It is no different to those that do cross word puzzles or play a game of tennis for fun.

But is nice to find somewhere share your passions even if like in my case they may differ slightly from others in the actual project being undertaken. Although I am not contemplating building a self balancing robot or one that can evolve it doesn't mean the subject matter is without interest.

Being able to talk about the problems you encounter helps in solving them. If it is a self balancing robot then others who are working on the same problem or indeed have working solutions are a valuable resource in your endeavors.

@robotbuilder, @inq

I appreciate your comments. Thank you.

Perhaps, I let my frustrations and emotions get the better of me when I read your comments and I took it the wrong way. I’ll apologize for that.

I respect your (and everyone else’s) knowledge and experience in this wide world of electronics. I’ve followed you both on here for many years and have learned a lot from everyone on the forum. I should have researched and studied a little more about what I was getting into before tackling the self-balancing robot. That's on me.

My robot, “Sam”, is coming along… he hasn’t quite learned to stand up straight and remain standing (without wobbling) yet. But we’re getting closer. I’m already thinking about “Sam v.2”!!

Take care,

Lee

@lee-g,

I'm in the middle of trying to incorporate the noise these sensors experience into my virtual model.  That's why I did the test at https://forum.dronebotworkshop.com/electronic-components/comparing-lsm6dsv-vs-mpu6050-gyroscope-accelerometers/ .  I seem to recall you are using the MPU6050.  For some reason that sensor (or at least the one I have) has over 5x more "bad" readings around the Gyro X direction than the Gyro Z direction.  That tells me that if you put the sensor on edge (instead of facing up like I did in my InqEgg bot), with the face, pointing toward the wheels, you should get 5x better readings for your PID input.

I have NO IDEA if that is even significant, but it you try it, let us know your impressions.

Thanks and regards,

Inq