Page 233 - Robots Androids and Animatrons : 12 Incredible Projects You Can Build

The components for a 5-W ATV system can be purchased for $200,
excluding TV monitor and video camera. The video cameras on
Golem I are suitable for ATV use. Less-powerful ATV systems, / 4
W, can be purchased for under $100. 3
A Technician Class amateur license is required to operate these
systems legally in the United States. Currently the Technician Class
license no longer requires a knowledge of Morse code. Interested
readers should contact a local amateur radio club for more infor-
mation. Or you may write American Radio Relay League (ARRL),
225 Main Street, Newington, CT 06111, or call (800) 594-0200 or
(203) 666-1541 [fax: (800) 594-0259].
A 5-W ATV system can transmit up to a distance of 30 to 40 miles,
depending upon local radio interference, terrain, weather, etc.

More models

With the experience gained in building this T-bot system, the reader
can build other models. The company that makes the Erector Sets
has revitalized and updated itself and brought a number of inter-
esting kits to the market. The kits are called Meccano-Erector Sets
that include motors, gears, and pulleys along with the standard
212 Erector Set materials.

There are standard kits for building trucks, cars, motorcycles,
land movers, etc. The kits provide a good springboard for building
exotic T-bot explorers. Kits are available locally through Toys R Us
dealerships.

Parts list for the telepresence robot
(1) Miniature color camera with 2.4-GHz transmitter and
receiver—$99.95
(1) Optional battery pack—$19.95
(1) Radio-control system proportional control [two-channel
receiver, two-channel transmitter, Xtals, 2 servo motors (42-oz
torque)]—$62.95
(1) 1-ft length of Velcro material—$4.50
Parts are available from:
Images SI Inc.
39 Seneca Loop
Staten Island, NY 10314
(718) 698-8305
www.imagesco.com
Team LRN
Chapter nine