In addition to the two motor control outputs, the LV-168 features eight plug-and-use I/O ports, two LEDs (red and green), an 8×2 LCD, a programmable buzzer, three user-definable push-buttons, an analog potentiometer, and an onboard temperature sensor. Supporting these impressive hardware features are six Orangutan-specific Arduino libraries. Just import the appropriate library include link into your project and you can play Bach on the buzzer, display a room’s ambient temperature on the LCD, or drive the motor outputs forward and reverse. As a demonstration of the simplicity of use and the powerful command structure exhibited by the Orangutan LV-168, we modified an inexpensive RC truck into a self-contained, “smart” robot cruiser capable of driving around a room, avoiding obstacles, playing a tune, flashing its lights, and displaying the room temperature. Want to try your own Orangutan? Just download our Arduino sketch, load it on an Orangutan, wire up the truck, and away you go. TIME: 1 HOUR COST: $83.65 DIFFICULTY: EASY PARTS
Orangutan LV-168 robot controller (Pololu #775; $59.95)Sharp GP2D120 IR sensor (Mouser #852-GP2D120XJ00F; $9.74)Nikko Hummer 1:32 RC Truck (RadioShack #60-250; $7.97)Hookup wire (RadioShack #278-1224; $5.99)
NOTE: In order to program your Orangutan, you will need an AVR ISP programmer (e.g., Atmel AVRISP MkII). STEPS This tricked-out ride will play a tune, display a splash screen, flash its lights, then dart around the room. Both the room temperature and the distance measured with the Sharp sensor are displayed on the LCD. When an object closer than 30cm is detected by the sensor, the motor speed is reduced and the Hummer is driven in reverse. This “backing up” action will continue until the path in front of the truck is clear of obstacles. Happy trails.
