In this guide we will build a cute little robot body all employing the principles of hopping instead of rolling. We'll even do it with 3 different brains!
- Circuit Playground Express with code in CircuitPython that can be controlled programatically,
- Feather M0 Bluefruit with code in Arduino/C that can be controlled programmatically but also via Bluetooth, and
- BBC micro:bit with code in MakeCode that can also be controlled programmatically.
In each case, the hardware will be the same. The controller board, matching CRICKIT, and code will vary. Part of the reason is to show how all the CRICKIT variations do the same job and the choice is based on the controller board and language you want to use.
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Anodized Aluminum Metal Chasis
This Anodized Aluminum Metal Chasis for a Mini Robot Rover does exactly what it says. You can build a very sturdy (and quite handsome!) little robot rover with this metal frame.
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Top Metal Plate for a Mini Robot Rover Chassis
You don't need it but it let's you add a little more storage to your bot. Perfect for housing your robot's electronics and batteries underneath. This plate comes with two standoffs and the approriate screws.
4 x
Continuous Rotation Micro Servo - FS90R
This little micro servo rotates 360 degrees fully forward or backwards, instead of moving to a single position. You can use any servo code, hardware or library to control these servos. Good for making simple moving robots. Comes with five horns and attachment screw.
1 x
Mini Geared Pager Motor with Return Spring
At the core is a 'pager motor' - a small thin DC motor that runs on about 3VDC. That motor is then geared down inside the red-plastic body of the motor. Finally, the output axle is connected to a plastic triangle that has a bent-wire return spring.
1 x
Circuit Playground Express
Circuit Playground Express is the next step towards a perfect introduction to electronics and programming. We've taken the original Circuit Playground Classic and made it even better! Not only did we pack even more sensors in, we also made it even easier to program.
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Adafruit CRICKIT for Circuit Playground Express
That's our Creative Robotics & Interactive Construction Kit. It's an add-on to our popular Circuit Playground Express that lets you #MakeRobotFriend using CircuitPython, MakeCode (coming soon), or Arduino.
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Adafruit Feather M0 Bluefruit LE
This is the Adafruit Feather M0 Bluefruit LE - our take on an 'all-in-one' Arduino-compatible + Bluetooth Low Energy with built in USB and battery charging. It's an Adafruit Feather M0 with a BTLE module, ready to rock!
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Adafruit CRICKIT FeatherWing for any Feather
Plug in any Feather mainboard you want into the center, and you're good to go! The Crickit is powered by seesaw, our I2C-to-whatever bridge firmware. So you only need to use two I2C data pins to control the huge number of inputs and outputs on the Crickit. All those timers, PWMs, sensors are offloaded to the co-processor.
1 x
BBC micro:bit
Designed specifically for kids and beginners, the micro:bit is a pocket-sized computer that you can code, customize and control to bring your digital ideas, games and apps to life. It’s a small, code-able device that is a non-intimidating introduction to programming and making – switch on, program it to do something fun – wear it, customize it, develop new ideas.
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Adafruit CRICKIT for micro:bit
Plug your :bit into the 40 pin edge connector and start controlling motors, servos, solenoids. You also get signal pins, capacitive touch sensors, a NeoPixel driver and amplified speaker output. It complements & extends micro:bit so you can still use all the goodies on the :bit, but now you have a robotics playground as well.
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5V 2A (2000mA) switching power supply - UL Listed
Use this at your bench when building and programming to save the batteries.
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3 x AA Battery Holder with 2.1mm Plug
A holder for three (3) AA batteries! It's got an 8" long power cable with a 2.1mm DC jack at the end. An alternative to the large LiPo.
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Lithium Ion Battery Pack - 3.7V 6600mAh
Need a massive battery for your project? This lithium ion pack is made of 3 balanced 2200mAh cells for a total of 6600mA capacity! This is my go-to battery back for untethered CRICKIT projects, along with the boost board listed below.
1 x
PowerBoost 1000 Charger - Rechargeable 5V Lipo USB Boost @ 1A - 1000C
PowerBoost 1000C is the perfect power supply for your portable project! With a built-in load-sharing battery charger circuit, you'll be able to keep your power-hungry project running even while recharging the battery! This little DC/DC boost converter module can be powered by any 3.7V LiIon/LiPoly battery, and convert the battery output to 5.2V DC for running your 5V projects.
1 x
Adafruit Mini Lipo w/Mini-B USB Jack - USB LiIon/LiPoly charger
You'll need this or something comparable to charge the LiPo unless you use Feather which has a changer buildin.
Supplies and Tools
- Corrugated cardboard
- Craft knife, cardboard saw, scissors, etc. to cut and shape cardboard
- hot glue and glue gun
- solder and soldering iron
- a couple pins worth of male header strip
- about 10cm (4 inches) of something stiff but not rigid. a piece of bungee-cord works well
- small zip ties to keep wiring neat and out of the way is useful
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