Space1 - Model Space Program Part 1

SPACE1 
MODEL SPACE PROGRAM
PART 1
INTRODUCTION: Space1, the startup space tourism venture is introducing a MODEL SPACE PROGRAM for everyone with a passion for space and interested in modeling their own space program.

This is a real space program, with real flying model rockets at a small scale. The program uses modeling crafts and art to recreate functional models of rockets that can loft payloads and science equipment using small scale rocket engines.

The project is operated at the hobby level for fun, at the educational level for learning, and/or at the school level for science projects and credits. It can serve as an elective in scouting and 4H, and open up new doors of science and understanding.

We as a human civilization are just beginning to break the bonds of familiar gravity and move outward, upward into the vast realm of solar system space. As a species, to survive and continue the human race, it is inevitable that we begin to step up our move ever outward into the cosmos. As more people get on board with the program, the excitement of founding a new path to the stars and beyond will be inevitable.

The suggested kit of parts and materials includes a rocket, engine, finishing supplies, launcher system and tutorial manual of assembly and exciting projects. For more information, contact Space1.

Crazy Robot Hand

The box has very cool graphics with few parts

CRAZY ROBOT HAND

You'll need a helping hand to assemble this crazy robot hand, which is not entirely possible to assemble the way the instructions intended.

The kit is called Robotic Hand and is made by Kid Labs 4M and recommended for ages over 8. The price was about US$16 and was purchased overseas.

The parts for assembly had no shortages. The kit included one extra finger tip, as if they knew the finger tip would not work.

In fact, there are several flaws with this kit. One, at least two of the finger tips are too large to fit the finger tubes, which likely had mold shrinkage during the manufacturing process. The others didn't full fit the tubes either.

Showing knots in two nylon chords

Above, the wire was substituted for the nylon cord

We tried sanding down the finger tip, sanding the finger tube, knotching the tube on the back side, knotching the tube on the font side, and super gluing the finger tip to the finger tube. Nothing worked.

At top, a finger tip does not fit the finger tube

Next, the nylon fishing string had problems. It was too thin, stretched, knots were very tedious to tie, and would slip, and it was very difficult to handle. It was obviously a poor choice of string material for the kit. What was needed was a wire that would have minimal expansion and stretching.
The next problem that resulted, because the design calls for two sets of two fingers to be moved two at a time, the location recommended for tying the knot was next to

Finger tubes must be rear seated

impossible to space evenly and sym- metrically and this caused one of the two fingers in the set to curl and bend first before the other. This simply was not acceptable. All is not lost however. We decided to take matters into our, er, own hands... First, we took a defective retractable USB cable, cut off the two ends and removed the retracting spring mechanism. Then the end was spit with a scissors and pulled apart to make two very long black wires. The remaining parts went into the junk box and the wires were saved for the project. These would replace the worthless nylon string. The ends of this wire connects to servo horns so that the fingers can be individually programmed for more precise positioning and repeat control.

As far as the finger tips are concerned, this problem will be solved with another kind of superglue, gluing the tips in place. Also, due to the thicker wire used, five finger tip holes need to be drilled to accept the larger diameter cord. We're still working on this project as it involves a lot of work, a power drill, a bench vise, wire cutters, and is not suitable for children.

4M Industrial Development Limited
www.4m-ind.com 
http://www.4m-ind.com/product_view.php?id=50&page_no=1&type=1

Instructions English
http://www.4m-ind.com/admin/ins_doc/00-03284E.pdf

DIY Miniature Ukulele

Assembling a DIY guitar with ukulele conversion

BIG BRAIN SCIENCE
BUILD A MINIATURE DIY UKULELE FOR SCIENCE EXPERIMENTS

This is the first installment to describe our DIY kit assembly of a very tiny miniature guitar that will be converted to a ukulele for Big Brain science. This tiny instrument fits in one hand and can supplement the larger Quantum Uke, potentially reproducing a larger range of upper octave scales.

Punch-out shapes on 4 balsa wood sheets

Photos are the best guide for assembly

This "made in Taiwan" kit is in half English and half Chinese languages. Instructions are on the box and include a very general overview which is not intended to supply any significant detail or useful information for assembly.

You'll need to refer to the photos and try fitting the pieces. This is where a complicated point arises. There are several pieces that do not fit.

The insertion tabs are over-sized so these need to be trimmed and sanded. The diagram shows the punch out parts found on the four balsa wood sheets.

This section was modified

The tiny photos (use a magnifying glass for viewing the details) may be the most helpful during assembly. The enlargements presented here may be helpful. Note, the guide for string the guitar strings was abandoned as this section was originally non-functional. White wood glue, like Elmers Wood Glue, is not included. We had the Chinese translated to English and again the wording was not useful for assembly - so don't be too concerned over this. Just follow the photos.

Use extra care in punching out the parts. If any sections are difficult to remove from the surrounding balsa wood sheet, remember to use a sharp tipped hobby Exacto knife. Note the section that was modified, to provide actual string tuning pegs. These are small screws fit into glued left over wood pieces. We also substituted taught rubber bands in place of the supplied thread.

Tiny guitar conversion does not need six strings

A Uke has 4 strings and a classical guitar has six. This instrument also works with one string fingered like a violin. Replace the thread with thinner, smaller taut rubber bands. Cost for this project is $6 for the kit, $1 for the glue, plus a Mass Railway Transit fee.

Material
Dimensions
Assembly
Purchase
Instructions
Modifications
Sources
Punching
Refinements
Stringing
Frets
Resonator Chamber
Tuning
Materials

Toddler Humanoid Robots

ROBOT BUILDER POWER
CREATIVE DESIGN AND
USE OF HUMANOID
ROBOTS FOR HOBBY AND
FUN

TH1 ROBOT: Level I construction with 2 processor boards installed

Humanoid Toddler Robot

ROBOT BUILDER PROJECTS Welcome and congratulations! Step into the fascinating world and fast growing field of humanoid robotics - create Humanoid Toddler Robot!

The TH1 Robot is built up from the HUMANOID EXPANSION KIT that upgrades the Parallax Toddler Bipedal Robot into a humanoid, adding an upper body with arms, head, eyes, and torso, resulting in additional motions and capabilities. Toddler grows up from 8.25-inches, to a full 16-inches reach in humanoid form!

This kit; hardware, assembly, programming and usage, is kept simple, for quickly maximizing returns on investment, education and fun! To assemble, just follow the pictures and notes. The HUMANOID EXPANSION KIT is designed for educators, students, hobbyists and anyone wanting to learn more about humanoid robotics. If you’ve got a Toddler Robot, you’ll want the upgrade. If you don’t have a Toddler yet, you’ll want HUMANOID TODDLER!

The TH1 Robot has moving legs, arms, head, and torso

Now you can program with the touch of a mouse using the new Graphics User Interface. Using the Parallax USB serial servo controller (PSC) and the provided software, making your humanoid do things is fun! Just move the sliders on the computer screen and watch the legs, arms, head and torso move to the positions you want.

Capture motion has never been easier. Edit, save, and play back motion sequences. Kit includes all parts, sensors, and software - there’s nothing extra to buy. Four add-on degrees of freedom provide new motions which include head motion for new sonar vision, arms and torso for more expressive dance and Martial Arts, plus new walking and unlimited behavior combinations (there’s RoboOne contest potential for individuals interested in expanding software!). Simple to build, with a unique Quad Servo Core and nylon bearings, this new robot result will amaze you! Program “Robo- Chi” with actual motions from ancient Chinese Tai Chi.

Photo comparing the size of Penguin robot with Toddler Humanoid: This is a photo from China showing the tiny Parallax Penguin Robot sitting on top of the head of a home-built Humanoid Toddler Robot. Penguins are not actually flying birds, so maybe there was some stealth help getting up there. Like little children, both new-born robots are pondering their surroundings with electric eyes. This version creation was photo'ed August 9th, 2008. Additional source: robosavvy.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=2425&highlight=toddler

Humanoid Toddler from the Kit

The kit has a servo controller to handle all six servos (controlling all servo pulses), thus freeing up the Basic Stamp 2 microcontroller for higher ordered "brain" functions. Program execution with the Basic Stamp 2 and servo controller is so fast that all programmed servos will appear to move to toward their final positions at the same time, resulting in fluid motion and added realism.

The HUMANOID EXPANSION KIT takes only about 2 hours to assemble and comes with all electrical & mechanical parts, including controller, instructions, and an abundance of sample programs available for immediate results.

Reference Source: Yahoo Toddler Robot Group
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/toddler_robot/

Software is typed in from examples in this manual or can be downloaded at the Parallax Inc. web site at www.parallaxinc.com or at alternate sources. Programming is simplified with look up charts, examples, tips & techniques, and sample programs for: 1) demo, 2) moving legs/arms/torso/head to home positions, 3) new walking styles, 4) an exercise to show the full range of motions, 5) waving, 6) slow motion, 7) dance and 8) beginning Martial Arts.

TH1 has added ultrasonic eyes for night vision

Early Humanoid Toddler V1

Additionally, the manual provides information on 1) how to program your new humanoid using PC or Mac computers, 2) use a battery eliminator to save on batteries during programming and motion developments, 3) tips on creating scanning vision, 4) tips on extending battery life, and more. Note: This kit contains and uses Parallax components, some of which you may be already familiar with, such as the Parallax Servo Controller and Basic Stamp 2.

More (from RoboSavvy) April 9th 2008 I'd like to show my latest creation - a humanoid Toddler. This is a modified version of the original Toddler Robot from a Parallax kit of parts. For more information, there's a tech group for toddler type walking robots at the link below. Humanoid Toddler started out as just a pair of legs - a biped walking robot. It's one of the most simple walking mechanisms with only 2 servos. This version is powered by batteries placed in the legs and a Parallax servo controller. Other versions use various incarnations of the Basic Stamp microcontroller and software code written in PBASIC.

Also added to the humanoid conversion: extra servos, torso, head and arms. A Ping))) ultrasonic vision sensor was added on the head and is controlled with a BS2 microcontroller. The newest and latest walking robot from Parallax is the Penguin Robot, which uses the same walking design. There's an entire family of toddle type robots. If you don't believe me, just ask Ken Gracey or David Buckley. They've spent years, even decades inventing and developing robots of this design.

Seen here in front of Humanoid Toddler Robot, a very tiny Penguin bot sports a compass, two IR eyes, two photodetectors to sense light levels, expansion slot, an IR transmitter, a blue segment display, and one of the most powerful Basic Stamp MCUs in the series, the BS2px. I have also written and posted 281 software programs for the Penguin Robot, free for anyone to use. http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/toddler_robot/

It stands taller than a Robonova so it has a good size. The stock parts which comprise the biped section of the humanoid are precision-manufactured metal parts. The parts which comprise the humanoid section are scrounged materials from various local sources.

The bearings for the quad-servo-core (QSC) are cut from acrylic and Pexiglas. The mounts, bolts, nuts are all light weight nylon and the head and arms are molded and cut from a polypropylene material. Washers are phenolic. The humanoid section had to be the lightest possible weight due to the additional weight added by four more servos. The humanoid has a total of six servos. The light weight makes it possible to use common low cost standard Futaba servos that have model airplane ratings.

Another nice feature about Humanoid Toddler is that programming the motions is very easy and can happen in real time graphics over the USB cable and a portable computer. You just move a slider one direction or another for each of the 8 motors and set the position. This can be controlled in one of two ways - either with the servo controller in animatronic mode or the servo controller under control of the Basic Stamp 2 microcontroller.


There's the talking speech version Toddler, named Toddler Talker. It uses a BS2 interfaced to a small SPO256 speech synthesizer chip and micro speaker with the LM386 amp chip.

The BS2 MCU can also handle the Ultrasonic vision sensor, infrared transmitter and receivers, photodectectors, and other sensors, as a result of the servo controllers serial interface taking up only one port. In the prototype BS2 MCU version, there's a 2-line serial display, tiny keyboard, memory expansion card, decoder, reset, and additional sensors.

http://robosavvy.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=2423&highlight=toddler 

Humanoid Toddler Robot

http://www.p-robot.com/index.php/humanoid-toddler-robot.html

Morph your Toddler robot into a Humanoid with this Humanoid Toddler (HT) kit.

It gives a full human-like body to the original two walking legs.

This is a modified version of the original Toddler Robot kit from a Parallax. Humanoid Toddler started out as just a pair of legs - a biped walking robot. It has one of the most simple walking mechanisms with only 2 servos, and is ideal for this conversion. This version is powered by extra AA batteries placed in the legs and added Parallax USB servo controller. Other versions, not shown here, used various incarnations of the Basic Stamp microcontroller and software code written in PBASIC to drive a Parallax Serial Servo Controller board.

Also added to the humanoid conversion are extra servos, a rotating torso, moving head and positional arms. For eyes, a Ping))) ultrasonic vision sensor was added on the head and is controlled with a BS2 microcontroller. The stock parts which comprise the biped section of the humanoid are precision-manufactured metal parts. The parts which comprise the humanoid section are scrounged materials from various local sources (surplus center, lumber company, discount department store, and hardware store).

The success of the HT depends on the invention of the Quad Servo Core. The bearings for the QSC are cut from acrylic and Pexiglas™. The mounts, bolts, nuts are all light weight nylon and the head and arms are molded and cut from a polypropylene material. The head opens up for the placement of wiring and sensor attachment. Washers are phenolic. The humanoid section had to be the lightest possible weight due to the additional weight added by four more servos. The complete humanoid has a total of six servos. The light weight makes it possible to use common low cost standard Futaba servos that have model airplane ratings.

Another nice feature about Humanoid Toddler is that programming the motions is very easy, no code required, and can happen in real time graphics over the USB cable and a portable computer. You just move a slider one direction or another for each of the 6 motors and set the position. This can actually be controlled in one of two ways - either with the USB servo controller in real time animatronics mode or a serial servo controller under control of the Basic Stamp 2 microcontroller. If you wish, retain the original Toddler motherboard to incorporate precision walking routines.

The BS2 MCU can also handle the Ultrasonic vision sensor, infrared transmitter and receivers, photo-detectors, and other sensors, as a result of the servo controllers serial interface taking up only one port. In the prototype BS2 MCU version, there's a 2-line serial display, tiny keyboard, memory expansion card, decoder, reset, and additional sensors (not shown here).

The HT was originally designed as a new Parallax product, a low cost add-on kit of parts to convert a Toddler into a Humanoid, but it never made it to the product stage for various reasons. A second computer has a Humanoid Toddler manual in the making, more photos and technical information so more information can be offered in the future, so stay tuned. Please note, the HT can fully function without programming by using the slider settings on the computer display, and by connecting the USB servo controller board to a support computer. For other versions, connecting the serial servo controller is the same as shown in the download manual. Consulting the PING))) manual will show connection info and sample code.

What are some new uses/features for HT robot?

Head - The head pivots side to side within the full servo range. This extends the range of PING))) vision significantly. Ranging and vision with a walking cycle is possible. Looking from side to side is enabled. HT can indicate "NO" by head movement or exhibit some personality.

Arms can push - actually move toggle switches, slide items, topple light weight materials, position items in special positions, and do light hitting and pounding. To accomplish more refined arm movements, incorporate the Torso. The use of both arms can raise a light weight bar positioned slightly above paralleled arms. Arms can also tap out numbers and Morse Code on various in-range surfaces and act as various visual signal flags with multiple positioning. A friendly arm waving is possible as a greeting or a goodbye. Combining arm movement with torso movement opens up a wide range of capability along the extra axis.

Torso The upper body can pivot around an axis, helpful to more accurately position the arms, extends the range of vision to the back, helps move or nudge light weight objects with the arm tips used like hands, and creates some interesting dance routines and walking motions.

DOF There are now 6 degrees of freedom for more fluid motions and capabilities. Feel free to explore positioning of all six servos and body parts for added functions and new features.

Added Grow-Up Height is significant, with about three-fourths added height. The distance from the top level support plate to the top of the head has five added inches. This range includes the QSC, arms, head, torso and bearings. Added grow-up height helps with better object visibility, manipulating higher objects, more stature, and more character.

Dancing is more articulated. More dance moves and more expression is now possible.

Eyes are more precision with ultrasonics that can see in total darkness, detect objects within a circle with a diameter approaching 12-feet, and do obstacle seek and avoidance. The eyes can create object maps and retain positions in data logged memory during improved navigation.

Walking can now make use of the arms and torso for additional balance.

Combinations such as arms and torso positioning can fine tune motions like walking or running.

Legs contain additional batteries and provide a new lowered center of gravity for more stability.

Personality is now possible with added expressions using the head, arms, legs and torso.

Toddler Humanoid Development Techniques

The Processor - Toddler's original board can be removed. Use the USB serial controller board and supporting PC for the most simple HT version. Other HT versions can use the OEM BASIC Stamp 2 board for minimum footprint. Keep the Toddler motherboard for dedicated walking.

The Servo Controller - In the most simple robot version, the USB servo controller uses a graphic program. You just move the sliders to move the servos. This is very reliable. (saving code and motion playback is not used)

Adaptation of Penguin Code It is possible to modify the humanoido series of Penguin programs for use on HT robot, by scaling and port assignments. Remember to scale the motion ranges and the speeds, and take more inertial effects into account. Also make necessary conversions from the BASIC Stamp IIpx to the model 2.

Finding Discontinued Items - It seems we cannot keep up with the discontinuance of Parallax products. Now discontinued are Toddler Robot, Penguin Robot, USB Servo Controller, assembled OEM BS2, SSC and the PSC. For any of these items, check with friends, the Forums, second hand ads, distributors, dealers, ebay, and google all possible sources.

Assembly No soldering required

Humanoid Toddler Kit Parts List

1 Parallax Toddler Robot Kit
2 Polypropylene Arm2  Polypropylene Arm End Cap
1  Polypropylene Head
2  Head Screw
1  Parallax USB Servo Controller
1  USB Cable
5  Servo Extension Wire Cable
4  Standard Servos with Servo Horn and Hardware
1  Pexiglas Bearing Plate
8  QSC Quad Servo Core Brass Spacer
4  QSC Quad Servo Core Metal Nut
8  QSC Quad Servo Core Phenolic Washers
4  Nylon Spacer for Bearing Plate
4  Nylon Nut for Bearing Plate
8  Nylon Battery Spacer
8  Nylon Battery Screw
8  Nylon Battery Nut
4  AA Battery Holder
4  Nylon Bearing Spacer
2  Nylon Controller Screw
2  Nylon Controller Nut
22 Phenolic Washer
5  Yellow Wire Twist
1  Red Power Wire
1  Black Power Wire
4  Black Wire Clamp
4  AA Battery
1  Black Cable Tie
6  Arm Servo Horn Mounting Screw Metal
3  Head Servo Horn Mounting Screw Metal
1  Head Servo Horn Extra Large 1.75" Dia.
4  Foot Tape Strip

Optional
1  PING)))
1  PING))) Extension Cable
2  PING))) Nylon Mounting Spacer
2  PING))) Metal Mounting Screw
1  PSC Serial Servo Controller
1  OEM BASIC Stamp 2 Kit
1  Toddler Motherboard

Tools
+ Screwdriver Large
+ Screwdriver Small
Hobby Drill
Wire Cutters
Wire Strippers
Needle Nose Pliers

THE TODDLER HUMANOID KIT puts all the parts together in a box for a fully functional humanoid when assembled - made from the "now rare" and discontinued Parallax Toddler robot kit, the Toddler Humanoid is now a great treasure.