Page 111 - Build a Remote Controlled Robot

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CHAPTER FIVE
between each component. The last thing to do at this stage is
to connect the pump to the container using a 2-foot piece of
fish tank air hose tubing; the tube should go from the pump
through the cap of the container and rest on the bottom of the
container. Smear some silicone glue around the connection at
the pump to ensure a waterproof fit. The dispenser is now
ready for mounting and wiring.
The drink dispenser is held in place using four 1-inch
angles like those used in the remote control system. There
are four predrilled holes in the framework to accept the
angles that are held in place by four 1-inch 1/4-inch-diam-
eter bolt, nut, and lockwasher sets. Bolt the angles in place,
then position the drink dispenser on them. Take a pencil or
pen and mark via the underside of the base where the unit
sits on the angles. Remove the drink dispenser’s container
and drill four 1/8-inch-diameter holes where marked; be
careful not to damage the parts already mounted on the
board. Now bolt the unit in place using four 1-inch 1/8-
inch-diameter bolt, nut, and lockwasher sets. Replace the
container on the base and reconnect the tube from the pump
to the container. Once the drink dispenser is in place, a sec-
ond length of tubing must be run from the output spout of
the pump into the robot’s left arm and out of a predrilled
hole at the bottom of the arm. The tubing should be approxi-
mately 20 inches in length. Also smear some silicone glue
where the tubing connects to the pump. Figure 5-13 shows
how to run the tubing through the arm and how to form the
spout at the robot’s wrist where people fill their cups. The
last step in installing the drink dispenser is to wire the pump,
control switch, and power together. Figure 5-14 shows how
to wire the dispenser in place. Note the use of a 20-amp
fuse; this fuse is short circuit protection for the pump, and
the wire leading to its holder must be soldered in place. The
control button mounted on the robot’s wrist will also have to
be soldered with two wires running the length of the arm,
one that runs down the framework to the barrier strips on
the remote control board.
After the dispenser is wired in place, it must be tested.
Place a small amount of water in the container, then turn on