I chose to build a more complicated sound controlled robot kit. Instead of the plethora of basic sound controlled robots, this robot has a little pizazz. It sort of looks like R2-D2’s head, with a clear dome showing off the PC board and circuitry. It is quite quick do to the high gear ratio. It goes forward at the first sound, stops at the second sound, and at the third sound it rotates constantly. At the fourth sound, it stops again and the cycle repeats. I am proud to say that the robot operates flawlessly, but I didn’t expect anything else. It was good to see all of the components we learned in class in a practical setting. It was simple to see how the components made the robot operate after knowing what they do – thanks to DR Bidarian. (now for the patronization part) I must say that the class was much more enjoyable than I expected at the beginning of the semester, and I can honestly say I learned something useful. 

The detailed assembly and calibration of a typical hand-held digital multimeter, provided this student with much-needed soldering experience, as well as valuable practice in identification of the many components by their respective color and/or alphanumeric value codes. The full-featured device required the installation of 28 resistors, 1 potentiometer, 6 capacitors, and 4 semi-conductors including a diode, two transistors, and a 40 pin CMOS integrated circuit chip, not to mention the more than 35 other electronic & mechanical components that make up the relatively small apparatus. Completed in approximately five hours, the final product was a fully functional success, providing measurements of DC and AC voltages, current, resistance, plus diode and transistor tests.

Especially interesting was the fact that its liquid crystal display did not need any conductors attached in order to function. Perhaps, electrostatic charges on nearby solder points cause the desired response and resulting display? Static charges picked up from carpeting or the such also seemed to illicit a response when the LCD was handled. 

From DC circuits to OP-AMP’s, the overall coursework has been considered absolutely crucial for the purpose of introducing electronic technology to this novice experimenter, and it will serve as a foundation for a lifetime of further study. 

This kit came with a great explanatory manual. Although it might have seemed difficult to build, the experience was quite simple. Thanks to the 50-page manual, I was able to build my final project step by step. Don’t let the number of pages scare you, because it was very easy to follow and read. 

The Sonic Rover is a small robot that goes back and forward, but it can change direction when it hears a loud sound. Furthermore, a green light goes on when it goes forward and it turns red for the opposite direction. When it hits an obstacle, it tracks back by signaling with a red light and changes direction. The same thing occurs when it hits an obstacle from the back.

This project required some minor soldering. It’s a great way to begin for new comers in the world of electronics. The project was fun, and took much less time then I thought. I strongly recommend this project for the future students of PHY355.

GilbertJ