Page 12 - Robot Builder's Bonanza

CONTENTS xi

Part 3—Power, Motors, and Locomotion

Chapter 18—All about Batteries 179
An Overview of Power Sources 179
Batteries for Your Robots 180
Understanding Battery Ratings 183
Recharging Batteries 187
Robot Batteries at a Glance 187
Common Battery Sizes 187
Increasing Battery Ratings 189

Chapter 19—Robot Power Systems 190
Power and Battery Circuit Symbols 190
Using a Premade Battery Pack 191
Making Your Own Rechargeable Battery Pack 192
Using Battery Cells in a Battery Holder 193
Best Battery Placement Practices 195
Wiring Batteries to Your Robot 196
Preventing Reverse Battery Polarity 197
On the Web: How to Solder a Barrel Plug onto a Battery Holder
or DC Wall Transformer 198
Adding Fuse Protection 198
Providing Multiple Voltages 199
Regulating Voltage 201
Dealing with Power Brownouts 207
Battery Voltage Monitors 208
Chapter 20—Moving Your Robot 209
Choosing a Locomotion System 209
Locomotion Using Wheels 211
Locomotion Using Tracks 215
Locomotion Using Legs 216
Locomotion Using Other Methods 217
On the Web: Managing the Weight of Your Robot 218

Chapter 21—Choosing the Right Motor 219
AC or DC Motor? 219
Continuous or Stepping Motor? 220
Servo Motors 220
Motor Specs 221

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