HOW TO...:
 

This will give you the basic instructions to construct the bot that will work with the code on the "CODE" and "DOWNLOAD" pages.


Constructing the Cannon

  1. Open the disposable camera with a flathead screwdriver (there should be little tabs on the sides, if not, use brute force, but be careful, the capacitor is probably charged, and it doesn't feel good getting shocked)
  2. Remove the battery from the camera
  3. If possible, flash the camera a few times to discharge some of the electricity
  4. Once the flash is used up, short the two leads on the capacitor (expect sparks)
  5. Unsolder the flash bulb from its place(be sure not to damage anything else
  6. Take the magnetic wire, and coil it around the straw many times(about 1" diameter thickness around the straw) (Washers may be used here to concentrate the coils, but are not necessary)
  7. Tape the coils
  8. Connect one of the ends of the wire coils to one part where the flash bulb use to connect
  9. Connect the other end of the wire to a switch
  10. Connect the other end of the switch to where the flash bulb use to be.
  11. Find the flash charging button
  12. If you want, you can attach a switch so that you can charge the flash using the switch, instead of the button.
  13. To be safe, tape the board and all open connections when done. 
    Note: For another way to construct a coil gun from a disposable camera, see the "LINKS" page

Constructing the Bot

  1. Start out with the Parallax Kit
  2. Insert the Right wheel servo into port 13
  3. Insert the Left wheel servo into port 14
  4. Insert the IR Buddy Rotating Servo into port 12
  5. Mount the IR Buddy Rotating Servo with a riser (Can be seen on the "PICTURES" page.)
  6. Using a an arm, mount the IR Buddy onto the servo.
  7. Using some lose wire, such as that from a servo, connect the IR Buddy(Port:5, Vss, Vdd)
  8. Mount the SRF04 Ultrasonic range finder on the front of the bot.
  9. Connect the SRF04 Ultrasonic range finder(vss, vdd, port:9, 10 )
  10. Mount the Cannon so that it is below the IR buddy, but above the SRF04 Ultrasonic range finder.
  11. Mount the triggering switch onto the right side behind the wheel
  12. Mount the charging switch onto the left side behind the wheel
  13. Secure a fourth servo under the board with a little arm so that when it rotates, it will hit the triggering button.

Constructing the Target

  1. Connect the IR buddy onto the board (vss, vdd, port:15)
  2. Raise the sensor to the height that the sensor is on the bot.