Build the Boe-Bot Robot

Follow the steps below to build your Boe-Bot robot chassis. 

Step 1: Mount the Topside Hardware

(1)  robot chassis
(4)  1″ standoffs
(4)  pan-head screws, 1/4″ 4-40
(1)  rubber grommet, 13/32″

 

  • Insert the 13/32″ rubber grommet into the hole in the center of the chassis. The groove on the edge of the grommet sits over the metal edge of the hole.
  • Use the 1/4″ screws to attach the standoffs to the top of the chassis near each corner, as shown.

 

Step 2: Remove the Servo Horns

(2)  Parallax continuous rotation servos.

Remove the screw attaching the servo horn to the servo, aave the screw, and remove the horn.

  • Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the screws that hold the servo control horns on the output shafts.
  • Pull each horn upwards and off the servo output shaft.
  • Save the little screws; you will need them again soon.

 

Step 3: Mount the Servos on the Chassis

(1)  Boe-Bot Chassis, partially assembled.
(2)  Parallax continuous rotation servos
(8)  pan Head Screws, 3/8″ 4-40
(8)  nuts, 4-40
masking tape
pen

Robot chassis, servos,and mounting hardware

  • Slide the servos into the chassis.  Look at the little arrows: the servo's mounting tabs set outside, and the little holes in the servo case are facing the triangle end of the chassis.
  • Attach the servos to the chassis using the Phillips screws and nuts.
  • Use pieces of masking tape to label the servos left (L) and right (R), as shown.

 

Step 4: Battery Pack

(2)  flat-head Phillips screws, 3/8″ 4-40
(2)  nuts, 4-40
(1) 4-cell battery pack with 2.1 mm center-positive plug
 

  • Insert the battery pack inside the chassis positioned as shown in the picture below.
  • Insert flat-head screws from inside the battery pack, and secure them in place with the 4-40 nuts and tighten securely.
  • Add batteries to the battery pack.

 

Step 5: Cords and Wheels

(1)  1/16″ cotter pin
(1)  tail wheel ball
(2)  rubber band tires
(2)  plastic machined wheels
(2)  screws saved when removing the servo horns

  • Pull the servo cords and battery pack cord up through the grommet hole in the center of the chassis.
  • Line up the hole in the tail wheel with the holes in the tail portion of the chassis.
  • Run the cotter pin through all three holes (chassis left, tail wheel, chassis right).
  • Bend the ends of the cotter pin apart so that it can’t slide back out of the hole.
  • Press each plastic wheel onto a servo output shaft until it sinks into the wheel's recess, then secure with the saved servo screws.
  • Stretch each rubber band tire and seat it on the outer edge of each wheel.

 

Step 6: Mount the BASIC Stamp onto the Board of Education

The brain of your robot is a tiny computer called the BASIC Stamp microcontroller. 

 

 

The BASIC Stamp plugs into the Board of Education development board.  It lets you easily connect the BASIC Stamp to:

  • a computer cable so you can send programs to the BASIC Stamp
  • a battery pack to supply power
  • servo motors that will drive the robot
  • circuits you will build on the white grid, called a breadboard

 Mount the Board of Education to the Boe-Bot's standoffs as shown, using (4) 4-40 pan head screws.

  • Place the board on top of the standoffs, so that the white breadboard is close to the large wheels.
  • Use the screws to attach the board to the standoffs at each corner.