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FOD BOT I project update.

I am going to use VEX parts for the first example since they are easily assembled and there is a big developer community.  I am also going to work with the Arduino chip set to see how the various vex sensors work with each.  Since I am a new programmer I am looking to do mostly learning in the first few months.  However, I also asked a few of the Walt Whitman High School Robotics kids (FRC 1389) if they were interested in helping and 6 have responded so far.  If they are willing to write the code than the project may accelerate much quicker than I am currently thinking.

Here is a rough plan for the first part of the project

1. Assemble vex chassis
2. Create code to control drive train
3. Test drive train code
4. Integrate, code and test vex sensors one at a time
   1. Encoders
   2. Pressure switches
   3. Limit switches
   4. Ultrasonic switches
   5. IR range finders
      1. Vex currently does not have IR sensors to I am using some of the small SHARP IR sensors
         1. GP2Y0D810Z0F Digital Distance Sensor 10cm
         2. GP2Y0D805Z0F Digital Distance Sensor 5cm
         3. GP2Y0A41SK0F Analog Distance Sensor 4-30cm
         4. GP2Y0A21YK0F Analog Distance Sensor 10-80cm
         5. GP2Y0A02YK0F Analog Distance Sensor 20-150cm
   6. Accelerometers
   7. Single axis gyro
   8. 3 axis gyro
      1. Vex does not have 3 axis gyro, instead I will use an Arduino 3 axis gyro chip once I get there I will update the plan
   9. GPS
      1. Vex does not have GPS, instead I will use an Arduino GPS chip once I get there I will update the plan
5. Integrate, code, test human awareness elements
   1. Lights
   2. Speakers

Some of the questions I am working on answering are about self-locating.  I know this is putting the lamb before the cart a bit, but, it will be the next phase of the project so I am trying to get ready for it. SLAM, GPS, WIFI or some other form of self-locating in relation to the base and the environment it finds itself in are some of the ideas I am looking at.  I will keep you updated as I get more info.