Schematics and Building the Circuits

The schematic for the RF tilt controller and the schematic for the radio controlled Boe-Bot are below.

Phototransistors are a common type of analog light sensor – the kind that might help a porch light automatically turn on at night. Think of the phototransistor as a light-controlled current valve. When light strikes the base of the device (B), more current will conduct into its collector lead (C) and flow out of its emitter lead (E).

In this activity, you will build and test the infrared object sensor system to make sure they detect objects in front of the ActivityBot. Just like the whisker circuits, there is one on the right and one on the left so the ActivityBot can determine which way to turn in relation to the obstacle. 

In this case, each side needs two electronic components: an LED that rapidly flashes infrared light, and an infrared receiver to detect a reflection of that infrared light bouncing off of objects nearby.

The Build

• Build and test your cyber:bot, following all tutorials up to Navigation with the cyber:bot
• Attach the Ping))) sensor and Mounting Bracket Kit to your cyber:bot, following the directions that come with the kit.
  • The Ping))) Sensor plugs into servo header pin 16 on the cyber:bot board.
  • Mounting bracket standard servo plugs into servo header 17 on the cyber:bot board.
• Center the Ping))) Mounting bracket on the servo horn.