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Bots /The Ultimate Palm Robot/ Mukhar & Johnson / 222880-6 / Chapter 2

Chapter 2 Getting the Parts 29

the beginner, but is really intended for someone who has past
experience with building electronics models or robots.
❏ Palm III PPRK Easy This is the same kit as the barebones one
we just mentioned, but it includes printed instructions. In addition,
the servo modification and serial cable wiring have already been
performed for you, so you only need a screwdriver to put it all
together. This kit is designed for those who are new to robotics.

❏ Palm V PPRK Barebones This is the same as the Palm III
barebones kit, but it features a Palm V connector—it works
with the Palm V and Palm Vx PDAs.
❏ Palm V PPRK Easy This kit is essentially the same as the Palm
III Easy—it’s a screwdriver-only assembly—but with a Palm V
connector.
❏ BrainStem PPRK Here’s an easy-to-build PPRK that uses a
different controller board than the other kits. The only tool you
need to assemble this kit is a screwdriver. The BrainStem PPRK
kit can be programmed from MacOS X, Windows, WinCE, and
PalmOS, and it can operate independently of the host computer.

Want to order a kit? That part is pretty simple. You can order kits and parts
online or by fax, mail, or phone. New to robotics? Then we recommend that
you buy the BrainStem PPRK. It’s easy to build and easy to program. Indeed,
this is the kit that we will primarily be using as our example throughout this
book. If you are more adventurous, you might want to consider the Palm III or
Palm V PPRK. If you are really a techno geek (like Kevin), then you probably
want to try one of the barebones kits—it gives you the most to do.

Getting Parts from Other Sources
If you are a robotics hobbyist, you may already have a lot of spare parts lying
around the house. Having a well-stocked parts drawer is invaluable when
you suddenly need a spare cross-coupling quantum magnetic capacitor at
11:00 P.M., and the local hardware stores are closed.

So open up that parts drawer and let’s see what you have… pens, pencils,
transistors, paper clips, magnetic capacitor, string, servos, twist ties, memory
chips, glue, nickels, wire, wheels, notepad, toggle switch, heat shrink tubing,
batteries, small pebbles, electrical connectors, an old 386 motherboard, an ISA
sound card, and some modeling clay.

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Monday, May 12, 2003 10:17:22 AM