To do the activities in this tutorial, you will need both software and software.
There are several hardware kit options for building a Parallax Shield-Bot.
Shop Shield-Bot Kit Options [1]
The Arduino Uno is the preferred module for the Shield-Bot robot.
This tutorial has also been tested with a Duemilanove and original Mega. These Arduino modules automatically decide whether to draw power from USB or an external source (like the Shield-Bot’s battery pack).
If you have an older model Arduino, you may have to set its power selection jumper. (Don’t worry about this if you have an Uno, Duemilanove, or Mega.) The circuit is labeled PWR_SEL. It’s three pins with a small cover called a shunt that slides over two of three pins. For now, make the shunt cover the USB and center pins. Later, when you switch to using the Shield-Bot’s battery pack, move the shunt to cover the EXT pin and center pin instead.
This tutorial requires the Arduino language 1.0 or higher. There are several recommended software options for using this language.
If this is your first time using an Arduino, Activity #1 will help you get started with your choice of software, connect your hardware, and test your programming connection. The rest of this chapter includes a series of example programs (called sketches) that introduce common programming concepts. The sketches will do some of the most basic yet important things for a robot:
These examples don’t require interaction with external circuits. In later chapters you will start building circuits and make your robot move. You will also learn additional programming techniques like keeping lists of values and writing pieces of reusable code.
Before continuing, is a good idea to make sure you have all of the correct parts to build and program your Shield-Bot.
Use the pictures and part numbers on the following pages to double-check the robot chassis parts, small hardware, and electronic components. If you need anything, contact sales@parallax.com.
In Chapter 3, you will build your Shield-Bot on an aluminum chassis. It will use 5 AA batteries for a power supply.
Wheels will connect to servo motors to drive the Shield-Bot, and a tail wheel ball will attach to the chassis with a cotter pin.
Note: Wheel and tire styles have changed over time. Yours may look different, that's okay. You will see more than one style shown in this tutorial.
A bag of hardware supplies everything you will need to assemble your robot in Chapter 3. Note that both regular nuts and Nylon-core locknuts are provided. This kit is also available separately as the Robot Hardware Refresher Pack [6].
A bag of electronic components is included with your kit. You will use these parts to build circuits in almost every chapter of this book. This kit is also available separately as the Boe-Bot and Shield-Bot Refresher Pack [7].
Note: Your Infrared Receivers may look different, since suppliers change over time. If you ever need replacements, be sure to order the Infrared Receiver for Boe-Bot and Shield-Bot (#350-00039) [8].
Links
[1] https://www.parallax.com/product-category/shield-bot/
[2] https://docs.arduino.cc/cloud/web-editor
[3] https://www.arduino.cc/en/software
[4] https://codebender.cc/?referrer=Parallax Shield-Bot
[5] https://codebender.cc/static/plugin
[6] http://www.parallax.com/product/570-35000
[7] http://www.parallax.com/product/572-28132
[8] http://www.parallax.com/product/350-00039