Join me for robot fun at the following events.
Tuesday 09/24/2013 6-7 pm - Hacker Haven at Phoenix Burton Barr Library
Saturday 09/28/2013 noon to 6 pm - Making robots at HeatSync Labs
Thursday 10/17/2013 5:30 - 7:55 pm - Queen Creek Branch Library

Yesterdays robotics night went really well. The goal is to have people learning with the Arduino examples as well as having enough interesting stuff for those who already have experience. That is what we had. A few of the group are engineers that brought their kids to learn more about Arduino. One experience Arduino user was able to try out sensors from the kit I have. We are also getting attentions of other possible young engineers and It's encouraging to bring things they would otherwise not have immediate access to.

Backward is the new forward

While updating updating the Robox I found steering more consistent when driving them backwards. So backward will be the new forward. I've added wooden steering supports so they hold up better.

I'm also working on a design for a more durable wooden or acrylic body we can laser cut. I will be leaving places for additional sensors. Others have suggested line following, or having robots find and  follow other robots. So placement is being left for trying those out.

So here they are with the new wooden supports.

In front is a music instrument based on Arduino. It is able to play multiple octaves by navigating up and down octaves with the gray keys on either side. I want to demonstrate that Arduino are capable of doing more than making servo's move. I will have it at next weeks event Thursday 09/19/2013 from 5:30 until 7:55.

The Phoenix Burton Barr library has a Hacker Haven. This event is on Tuesdays between 6-7 pm. Join me next Tuesday 09/10/2013 6:00 pm. I will have robots and will be instructing on Arduino basics with servos.

I've talked to Terry Ann Lawler who has big plans. They have some fun things like Squishy Circuits, Makey Makey, an Arduino Kit, and are working on getting a 3d printer. They hope to expand the available time and the number of kits available for Hacker Haven. I hope to help. Please share this with anyone who may be interested.