Page 64 - Robot Builder's Bonanza

FINDING WHAT YOU NEED ON THE INTERNET 33

Hardware and Home Improvement Stores

Hardware stores and builder’s supply outlets are a good source for hand tools for building your
robots. They’re also good for screws, nuts, and other fasteners, adhesives, and the materials
for bot bases.
As you tour your neighborhood hardware store, keep a notebook handy and jot down
what they offer. Then, when you find yourself needing a specific item, you have only to refer
to your notes. Take an idle stroll through your regular hardware store haunts on a regular
basis. You’ll always find something new and laughably useful for robot design each time you
visit. I know I do.

Samples from Electronics Manufacturers

Shhhh! I’m not supposed to tell you this, but a number of electronics manufacturers will send
you free samples, just for the asking.
Okay, it helps if you’re an instructor at a school or an engineer working for a company
building millions of units of some gizmo. But the truth is, some semiconductor and electronics
makers will send free samples to students and hobbyists, too. Just don’t be greedy, and
observe limits to their kindness.
Availability of freebies is especially useful, as the newest semiconductors may not yet be
carried by distributors and wholesalers, making it hard to purchase these products. You can
get a jump ahead by asking for free samples and incorporating them in your work.
Sample kits are also occasionally available from wholesalers, distributors, and resellers.
Look for kits of parts, fasteners, or various hardware. The kits are limited and are obviously
meant to entice you into buying more, but they’re free, and you never know when some piece
from a kit will come in handy.
If you belong to a school or a robotics club, send your request (preferably on professional-
looking letterhead) under the auspices of your organization. Be sure you have permission
from the school or club! Most electronics manufacturers realize that today’s robotics students
and hobbyists are tomorrow’s engineers, and they want to actively foster a good working
relationship with them (er, you).
Be warned: Many of the latest integrated circuits are available only in surface- mount packages.
G To use these you may need to solder the integrated circuit to a carrier board. This adds to the
cost (you have to buy the board, and they’re not always cheap), and you need excellent
soldering skills.

Finding What You Need on the Internet

The Internet has given a tremendous boost to the art and science of robot building. Through the
Web, you can now search for and find the most elusive part for your robot. Moreover, with the
help of Web search engines— such as Google (www.google.com) or Bing (www.bing.com)—
you can look for topics of interest from among the millions of Web sites throughout the world.
Remember that the Internet is worldwide. Some of the sites you find may not be located in

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