Diary of My First Days with the J2R Robot (Page 1 of 4)
Categories: Robot Hacks and Mods
I had been waiting impatiently for my J2 Robot -- which is a complete robot by J2R Scientific that is ready to run out of the box.
Its design is part of the REOP (Robotics Education and Out Reach program of The Robotics Club of Yahoo).
Justin Ratcliff's Vision
Justin Ratcliff designed this robot as a security robot after the 9-11 attacks.After dedicated thought into all aspects of what a security robot would require, Justin decided it was better to start small so he could more easily model the behaviors and systems he needed. Among the features he wanted to experiment with are Subsumption programming and the new PING sonar range modules from Parallax, Inc.
Justin deliberately made it hackable -- the device is designedto make it easy to add and remove components. With that in mind, he picked the Basic Stamp II as his micro-controller, and chose :
* a standard sensor compliment of Sonar for navigation,
* IR for close up and Edge detection,
* CdS photo cell for light level and
* a multi-input port for multiple switch
I was particularly looking forward to watching it roam the room using its ultra-sonic sensor scanning up and down to see where it is going. I just love watching a robot identify an edge or an object -- and then back up to a safe distance. 
Inputs are from either a keypad or several bump sensors. And the 'bot has two continuation Rotation servos for drive motors and a servo controlled neck for the sonar to look up And down.
Finally the design attempts to make the 'bot look interesting and have a voice. There is a speaker and Justin wanted to experiment with the new Text-to-Speech Emimic board from Parallax.
As for looks: This robot bears quite a resemblence to "Short Circuit," the robot who appeared in two films in the mid-80’s. I saw both movies 3 times, and I would still recommend them to anyone who hasn't seen them yet.
With all that as an introduction: here are the modifications that I felt had to be made for my personal use. (I am working on a video, and will share that when it's done).
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