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considering "Building Robot Drive Trains" or "Building Robot Bases" ...

Well, I'm almost convinced to purchase the book "Build an All Terrain Robot". If it turns out not to be what I need I will sell it on eBay.

I am also considering either "Building Robot Drive Trains" or "Building Robot Bases". What I am looking for from one of these 2 books is help in the process of deciding on motors, speed controllers / h-bridges, and power supply details. Currently I would just like to purchase one or the other, although the pack rat gene tells me to buy both !

Here are some criteria to use in advising me:

1) I already own 2 of Gordon's books: "Robot Builder's Bonanza" and "Robot Builder's Sourcebook" - both are great !!! 2) The bot I am currently working on is being built from scratch, for the most part, and is much larger than anything I've done to date. 3) I am well versed in using power tools, etc., from a carpentry / home rehab& tinkerer's point of view. 4) I have a technical degree, write software for a living, but it's been many years since I have taken statics or dynamics engineering courses. 5) I am comfortable with microcontrollers, Linux, PCs, servo control boards, Basic Stamp, etc.

Given all of that, which book - "Drive Train" or "Robot Bases" - would you guys suggest in addition to "All Terrain Robot" ?

Many thanks in advance for everyone's help !

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Reply to
pogo
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Wait and see what is in the All Terrain book first.

I have both the other books, but found that the robot bases is not worth buying. However I do recommend "Building Robot Drive Trains" IF needed.

I often buy the cheaper books from Amazon through the Used & New option. For example, I got an O'Reilly's Linux book for $1.59! And it is in perfect knick.

Cheers

|-]

Dale

Reply to
Dale Stewart

"Building Robot Drive Trains" is he best book every written since man first used to use an alphabet. I hear the authors are up for a Nobel Prize -- but that could just be rumor.

Reply to
The Artist Formerly Known as K

My book Robot Bases is about the material mechanics. Some people aren't into that, and like to concentrate on programming or electronics hardware or some other aspect. But if you know nothing about the physical hardware and general materials that go into building the robot frame or base, it might be of use to you.

From this and other messages about your woodworking expertise, I rather doubt Robot Bases will have much that's new to you, except maybe the plastics sections, if you're not already familiar with the different plastics you can get.

There is nothjing in Robot Bases on motors, speed controls, power supplies, and what-not.

Last time I checked, these books were still being stocked by Borders and Barnes & Noble, and aren't sealed or anything. Browsing a bookstore is still free!

-- Gordon

pogo wrote:

Reply to
Gordon McComb

One of the few books I bought as well -- definitely worth it. Covers a wide range of issues and the guys who wrote it post here pretty often. I once asked a question about something mentioned in the book and got answer from the author himself! (The same is true of Gordon and his book also.)

Reply to
Mark Haase

Thanks Gordon! I was kinda hoping you would comment on this. I truly appreciate your humble recommendation.

Yeah - that's usually my first stop. But as of this past week neither of the

3 stores close to me had any of the 3 books I mentioned in this opening post. Rats! I was able to do the "look inside" thing on Amazon however, and agree that it looks like "Building Drive Trains" is more what I need for the time being.

I'm also thinking about scaling down the weight and size of my bot design, in general, so I could get away with lighter motors, batteries, etc. The biggest reason I was considering "All Terrain Robot" was for its treatment of using a salvaged power wheelchair. I'm hoping to find that at one of 2 other stores near me tomorrow, so I can browse thru it.

Anyway, thanks again for the unbiased recommendation !

Reply to
pogo

I hear that both authors are also EXTREMELY modest ! :-)

Reply to
pogo

Yep - that's the route I intend to go, too.

Thanks !

Reply to
pogo

Both of them are highly useful. If you were only able to get just one, I'd suggest "Drive Train".

-- D. Jay Newman

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Reply to
D. Jay Newman
[snip]

Have you tried your local library? The library where I work has close to

20 robotics books, including "Building Robot Drive Trains." Some of the books are earlier editions, and somewhat out of date, but even then, you can browse through the book and see what the author's style is like, how well the book is edited, how clear the illustrations are before deciding whether you want to buy the current edition.

I can't comment on the other two books you've mentioned, but after borrowing "Drive Trains" and taking it home, I rushed out an purchased a copy. I am very impressed by this book!

Reply to
mingv

Oh, hey, and one more thing - go to Borders.com and sign up for their email list. There was a 30% coupon in my inbox this morning!

Reply to
mingv

Now THERE's a hot tip ! Thanks !

Reply to
pogo

If it helps, I've put together a FAQ on the book:

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Reply to
The Artist Formerly Known as K

Scary lookin' dog!

Reply to
mingv

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