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![Page 1: Robot Design Workshop: VEX Hardware & Robot Building Basics Elliot Eid Minnesota BEST Robotics Copyright © 2010 BEST Robotics, Inc. All rights reserved.](https://reader030.fdocuments.us/reader030/viewer/2022032517/56649c7f5503460f94936198/html5/thumbnails/1.jpg)
Robot Design Workshop:
VEX Hardware
& Robot Building Basics
Elliot Eid
Minnesota BEST Robotics
Copyright © 2010 BEST Robotics, Inc. All rights reserved. 1
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BasicsBasics Only use parts supplied in the consumable and
returnable kits, or on the approved optional items list
Do not modify returnable parts No paint, tape (except non-residue tape), glue, etc.
may be placed on these parts
Robot must fit into a two-foot cube (initially) and weigh less than 24 pounds Arms may extend outside two-foot cube after game
starts
All machines will be inspected for compliance prior to competing
Copyright © 2010 BEST Robotics, Inc. All rights reserved. 2
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Servos
Controller
Analog
Motors/Servos
Battery
Digitali/o
WiFi key USB/Tether
Serial
Joystick
(2)
Servo Horns
Return Kit ItemsReturn Kit Items
Copyright © 2010 BEST Robotics, Inc. All rights reserved. 3
(2)(2)
Servo Extensions
(2)
USB A-A cable
AAA Battery Charger
(4)
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(2)
(2)
(2)
Motors
Drive Components
Return Kit ItemsReturn Kit Items
Copyright © 2010 BEST Robotics, Inc. All rights reserved. 4
MotorController (4)
Screw TerminalMotor i/f Cable (4)
Screw TerminalSensor i/f Cable (8)
7.2V Battery
7.2V Battery Charger
Battery Adapter
(2)
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VEX Cortex Battery ConnectionVEX Cortex Battery Connection
Robot Design Workshop 2011 Copyright © 2010 BEST Robotics, Inc. All rights reserved. 5
leave connected hereconnect/disconnect here
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VEXnet Control SystemVEXnet Control System
Copyright © 2010 BEST Robotics, Inc. All rights reserved. 6
• VEX Cortex Microcontroller• Dual ARM Cortex CPUs• Programmable• WiFi Radio Technology
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VEXnet Cortex M3 ControllerVEXnet Cortex M3 Controller
Copyright © 2010 BEST Robotics, Inc. All rights reserved. 7
System StatusIndicators
WiFi 802.11Proprietrary Comm8 Analog
inputs
12 DigitalInputs or Outputs
10 Motor/Servo Ports(Built-In ESC on 2 ports)
Standard Serial Interfaces(UART, I2C)
SpeakerOutput
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VEXnet JoystickVEXnet Joystick
Copyright © 2010 BEST Robotics, Inc. All rights reserved. 8
2 XY Analog Joysticks
8 Buttons on Top
Plug-in USB/ WiFi Key
4 Buttons on Front-Side
Programming Interface
“Playstation” Game-Style Controller
3 Axis Accelerometer(XY Tilt, XYZ Accel, Shake)
Power Switch6 AAA
RechargeableBatteries
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VEX Cortex ConnectorsVEX Cortex Connectors
Copyright © 2010 BEST Robotics, Inc. All rights reserved. 9
USB
AnalogIn
DigitalIn/Out
2-wire motor
Standard Serial Interfaces(UART, I2C)
SpeakerOut
1
12
1
8
SP
12
910 2-wire motor
3-wire PWMServo/Motor Ctrl
Gnd(Blk)
+5v(Red)
Sig(Wht)
Sig(Wht)
+5v(Red)
Gnd(Blk)
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VEX Cortex ConnectorsVEX Cortex Connectors
Copyright © 2010 BEST Robotics, Inc. All rights reserved. 10
Backup Battery Port for WiFi Communications (9V)
75MHz Crystal Interface Ports (not used by BEST)
On/Off Switch
Main Battery Port (7.2V)
Configuration Switch (used for special
procedures)
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VEX Cortex PinoutsVEX Cortex Pinouts
Copyright © 2010 BEST Robotics, Inc. All rights reserved. 11
Ground
+ 5V
Signal/Control
+ Battery Power
+ Battery Power
(for + control input)
+ Battery Power
(for – control input)
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DC MotorsDC Motors
Four Motors are Supplied in the Kit Two large motors and two
small motors Motors can be used to
power wheels, lifting arms or mechanisms, grippers, etc.
Motors may be mounted using the Brackets and Screws supplied in the Consumable Kit.
Copyright © 2010 BEST Robotics, Inc. All rights reserved. 12
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Mounting DC MotorsMounting DC Motors Use of motor mounting plates to mount the motors is
no longer required. HOWEVER, if they are not used when face mounting the small motor, it is easy to damage the internal gear plate.
Robot Design Workshop 2012 Copyright © 2010 BEST Robotics, Inc. All rights reserved. 13
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DC MotorsDC Motors
Copyright © 2010 BEST Robotics, Inc. All rights reserved. 14
Four External Motor Controllers Supplied this YearConnect via 3-wire external motor controller and
2-wire screw terminal cable (red/black) Use motor ports 2 thru 9 only!
Do NOT Use the Built-In Motor Controllers Motor ports 1 and 10 Motor amperage may damage circuitry
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Copyright © 2010 BEST Robotics, Inc. All rights reserved. 15
DC MotorsDC Motors
Servo/Motor Ports are Divided into 2 Banks Bank 1 = Ports 1 - 5 Bank 2 = Ports 6 – 10 Use only ports 2 – 9 Each bank can support a maximum of 4 amps of current BEST large motor stall current can reach 3.5 amps
For Power Reasons, Spread Motors among Ports No more than 2 motors plugged into ports 2 – 5 No more than 2 motors plugged into ports 6 – 9 Otherwise you risk overcurrent and shutdown of the processor
Sheet Metal Shield around the Large Motors IS Needed and Should NOT be Removed
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DC MotorsDC Motors
Copyright © 2010 BEST Robotics, Inc. All rights reserved. 16
Connect Wires to Motor Terminals Quick-disconnect terminals (Strongly Preferred!) Solder
Polarity is NOT Marked on Motors: positive (+), negative (-) Wiring (and Programming) will Determine Clockwise or Counter
Clockwise Rotation for Positive Stick Movement Its recommended that you mount motors using supplied Brackets
and 8-32 Machine Screws
Machine screwsmust be cut to
proper length toavoid motor damage(use screws supplied
in kit)!
Max screw depth=~1/8” (small motor)~1/4” (large motor)
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3-Wire Motor Connection3-Wire Motor Connection
Copyright © 2010 BEST Robotics, Inc. All rights reserved. 17
External MotorController Standard 2-wire
Motor Cable
Standard 3-wirePWM connector
Suggest using a 4” wire tie, heat shrink tubing, or RESIDUE FREE painter’s tape here
Screw Terminals for attaching motor leads
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3-Wire Motor Connection3-Wire Motor Connection
Copyright © 2010 BEST Robotics, Inc. All rights reserved. 18
Connectors are not keyed Connect red to red, black to black
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ServosServos Servos produce a
specified rotational movement when activated
Possible Uses Activation of micro-
switches Operation of grabber
mechanisms Release of a spring-
loaded latch
Copyright © 2010 BEST Robotics, Inc. All rights reserved. 19
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ServosServos
Copyright © 2010 BEST Robotics, Inc. All rights reserved. 20
Futaba S3003 or S3004 Series Maximum 120 Degree Rotation (+60, -60) Connection to Cortex Controller
Via 3-wire Servo Power Adapter Cable Prevents damage to servos
Use motor ports 2 thru 9 only
Servo Horns may be Modified
Servo Horns
(2) (2)
(1)
Do not overtighten mounting screws!
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Example HookupExample Hookup
Copyright © 2010 BEST Robotics, Inc. All rights reserved. 21
Servo
Motor Controller
DC Motors
Battery
Motor Screw Terminal
Cortex Controller
There are 3 things
wrong here
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Copyright © 2010 BEST Robotics, Inc. All rights reserved. 22
Motor/Servo ConnectorsMotor/Servo Connectors Placement of Servo Connectors
VEX motor controller can be placed adjacent to a Futaba servo or extension connector
1) Keyed differently; will work but a tighter fit.
2) Recommend keeping motor controller in a higher numbered port; may lose one servo port due to this.
Futaba servo & extension connectors ARE keyed BUT they will still fit in backwards. Pay attention to the keying and wire orientation (white wire to the inside).
1 2
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Digital Input ConnectionsDigital Input Connections
Copyright © 2010 BEST Robotics, Inc. All rights reserved. 23
Use for Limit Switches, Microswitches Connect to Cortex Digital Inputs using 2-wire Sensor Screw
Terminal Cables (white/black wires)
Sensor Screw Terminal Cable
Connect to Switch
Connect to CortexDigital Input Port
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Digital Input ConnectionsDigital Input Connections
Copyright © 2010 BEST Robotics, Inc. All rights reserved. 24
Must program Digital Port for proper direction (input) Open = reads as ‘1’ ; Closed = reads as ‘0’
Use Digital Ports1 thru 12
Sensor CableConnector is keyed
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Analog Input ConnectionsAnalog Input Connections New last year: POTENTIOMETERS!
Robot Design Workshop 2011 Copyright © 2010 BEST Robotics, Inc. All rights reserved. 25
5V Pin
Signal Pin
Ground Pin
Signal Terminal on CK Pot
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Re-Syncing (Pairing) VEXnetRe-Syncing (Pairing) VEXnet
Copyright © 2010 BEST Robotics, Inc. All rights reserved. 26
If VEXnet does not connect, you may need to re-sync thejoystick/controller pair by simplyconnecting a USB cable and powering on both units.
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Out of the Box ConfigurationOut of the Box Configuration
Copyright © 2010 BEST Robotics, Inc. All rights reserved. 27
Cortex Controller comes pre-installed with a default program.
Allows a team to hook up the Cortex and have it work without having to program it.
Referred to as the “BEST default” program. This is NOT the only configuration for the
Cortex! Good for initial checkout, but we want teams
to load a unique configuration.
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BEST Default ProgramBEST Default Program
Motor/Servo
Port
Joystick
Channel
Motor Limits
Positive Direction
Negative Direction
Motor 1
(Arcade Right)
Channel 1 (Lt, Rt)
Channel 2 (Fwd/Rev)
None None
Motor 2 Channel 1 Digital Input 1 Digital Input 2
Motor 3 Channel 2 Digital Input 3 Digital Input 4
Motor 4 Channel 3 Digital Input 5 Digital Input 6
Motor 5 Channel 4 Digital Input 7 Digital Input 8
Motor 6 Channel 3 None None
Motor 7 Channel 3 Inversed None None
Motor 8 Channel 4 None None
Motor 9 Channel 4 Inversed None None
Motor 10
(Arcade Left)
Channel 1 (Lt, Rt)
Channel 2 (Fwd/Rev)
None None
Copyright © 2010 BEST Robotics, Inc. All rights reserved. 28
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BEST Programming OptionsBEST Programming Options
Copyright © 2010 BEST Robotics, Inc. All rights reserved. 29
Three different programming environments available easyCv4 http://www.intelitekdownloads.com/easyCV4 RobotC http://www.robotc.net/download/cortex Mathworks MATLAB/SIMULINK http://www.mathworks.com
easyC is a block programming environment (similar to software for Lego Mindstorms)
RobotC programs in C with a text editor, but it has runtime debugging (can step through program line by line and see what the results are)
SIMULINK is graphical programming/modeling environment with simulation capability (see what your program will do before you download it to the Cortex)
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Direct USB DownloadDirect USB Download
Copyright © 2010 BEST Robotics, Inc. All rights reserved. 30
Downloading a ProgramDownloading a Program
Uses only the A-A USB cable.
Battery is notneeded
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Copyright © 2010 BEST Robotics, Inc. All rights reserved. 31
Testing TipsTesting Tips Ensure your robot is ‘safe’ to operate:
Can’t move or fall off table (use a jack-stand) All team members clear of moving parts
Connect either WiFi keys or tether cable between the joystick and the Cortex controller.
Make sure Cortex switch is in OFF position. Attach a charged battery. Turn on joystick (if not using tether). Turn Cortex switch to ON position. For WiFi comm, link should establish in ~10 sec. Test robot operations with transmitter.
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LED Status LightsLED Status Lights
Copyright © 2010 BEST Robotics, Inc. All rights reserved. 32
Joystick Battery Status
Robot Battery Status
Communication Link Status
Game Status (not used by BEST)
• Green Battery – good charge• Yellow Battery - dying• Red Battery – dead
• Green VEXnet – communication established• Yellow VEXnet – searching• Lights on the controller and the joystick are
the same
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Team TipsTeam Tips Use quick-disconnect terminals to attach wires to motor
terminals (preferred). If using solder, tin motor wires before attaching to screw terminals since frayed stranded wires can cause a short.
Do NOT solder wires to Cortex connectors! Sensor cables, servo wires, and servo extensions are all keyed
in correct orientation; insert and remove carefully to avoid destroying connectors (pin connectors are very delicate).
Tighten screws on motor and sensor connector cables so that wires are not loose and do not pull out.
Mount Cortex to robot using #8 screws through holes provided; be careful not to over tighten.
Avoid “hot insertion” of USB Keys. You may operate tethered by removing the USB WiFi key and
connecting a USB A-A cable between joystick and Cortex.
Copyright © 2010 BEST Robotics, Inc. All rights reserved. 33
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Joystick CalibrationJoystick Calibration If the motors hum or creep (sticks not returning to zero), the
joystick may need to be recalibrated Calibration procedure (as extracted from the easyC help file):
Copyright © 2010 BEST Robotics, Inc. All rights reserved. 34
1) The Joystick must be "Linked" to the Cortex Microcontroller using the VEXnet Keys.
2) Hold the "6U" Back Switch depressed.
3) While the "6U" Back Switch is depressed, use a small Allen Wrench (1/16" or smaller) or similar small straight tool to depress and hold the CONFIG Switch.
4) Hold both Switches depressed until you see the Joystick LED Flash RED and GREEN - you can now release both Switches.
a. There is a 10 second time limit to complete the following steps 5 and 6.
5) Now move both Joystick Pots to the maximum position desired in all 4 directions - Up, Back, Left, and Right.
a. If a movement is not detected in all 4 directions, a timeout will occur after about 10 seconds and the Cal Mode will be discontinued and the VEXnet LED will briefly Flash Red.
b. The Joystick LED will continue to Flash RED and GREEN during the calibration process.
6) After movement is detected in all 4 directions, the Joystick LED will be ON and Solid GREEN.
a. To "Save" the Calibration, depress and release the "8U" Top Switch Button.
b. If the calibration is accepted and Saved, the Joystick LED will start Flashing Fast GREEN for a few seconds.
c. If the Calibration is not Saved, a timeout will occur after about 10 seconds and the Cal Mode will be discontinued and the VEXnet LED will briefly Flash Red.
d. To cancel a calibration, depress and release the "7U" Top Switch Button. The Cal Mode will be discontinued and the VEXnet LED will briefly Flash Red.
e. If the Cal Mode is discontinued or saved, the Joystick LEDs will resume their normal function after the VEXnet LED briefly Flashes.
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Design Basics: ChassisDesign Basics: Chassis
Use plywood or PVC to create a chassis. Other components will be mounted to the chassis.
Two large motors can be used to power drive wheels. Robot will move forward, backward, or turn by varying relative speed and direction of each motor.
Allow non-drive wheels to pivot to make robot maneuverable.
Copyright © 2010 BEST Robotics, Inc. All rights reserved. 35
Chassis (plywood or PVC)
Wheels
Motors
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Wheel AttachmentsWheel Attachments Some proven techniques for mounting drive wheels
to motor spindle. Other techniques can be used.
Copyright © 2010 BEST Robotics, Inc. All rights reserved. 36
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Wheel SizeWheel Size
Experiment with size of wheels.
Copyright © 2010 BEST Robotics, Inc. All rights reserved. 37
• Large wheels:• Faster robot• More difficult to control
• Small wheels:• Slower robot• Easier to control
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Lifting MechanismsLifting Mechanisms
Many mechanism designs can be created to lift or retrieve objects.
Copyright © 2010 BEST Robotics, Inc. All rights reserved. 38
Belt and Pulley
Slide and Rail System Scissors Lift Parallel Arm Linkage
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Linear Drive MechanismLinear Drive Mechanism
Copyright © 2010 BEST Robotics, Inc. All rights reserved. 39
Rotational motion of motor can be used to create a linear drive using belts and
pulleys.
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Grabbing MechanismsGrabbing Mechanisms
Simple grabbing mechanism can be operated by a servo, allowing motors to
be used for lifting mechanisms.
Copyright © 2010 BEST Robotics, Inc. All rights reserved. 40
Servo with Servo Horn
Wires attach armsto Servo Horn
As Servo rotates, grabber arms open and close
Pivot
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RemindersReminders
Read Generic Kit Notes Read Generic Game Rules Read Game-Specific Rules Re-read all of the above!
Copyright © 2010 BEST Robotics, Inc. All rights reserved. 41
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Copyright © 2010 BEST Robotics, Inc. All rights reserved. 42
Where to find help?Where to find help? Online documentation (BRI Site)
http://www.bestinc.org
BEST Public Message Board (for anyone) http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/bestinc/ Must register for login account Share ideas, resolve issues, …
Official Q&A “Control System” Category http://www.bestinc.org/cgi-bin/bestqna Use “Official Q&A” page during contest for “rules specific” questions Is this legal?
VEX Forum http://www.vexforum.com/forum.php Technical questions about VEX equipment easyC and RobotC dedicated forums included here
Robotevents BEST Forum http://forum.robotevents.com/forumdisplay.php?f=51 Dedicated user forum for BEST Robotics Must register for a login account