So, my bot is ready (ish) for this weekend. I have the new controller board installed. Only found 3 mistakes (and isolated ground, the wrong supply voltage on the RS232 header, and the SD card holder hasn’t soldered correctly.) everything else worked. I have fixed the first two, but I cant reflow the board again to fix the SD card holder, as I’ve already soldered all the plastic headers on. I can live without the SD card, I will use the internal flash disk on the mBed. It has a few restrictions, but I only store a waypoint file and a config file on it.

AVC 2014 Robot

I’m running an updated version of last years code. But seeing as it worked last year, I’l stick with it and improve it slightly. Now I have a reliable xBee connection, the compass calibration process is much easier. No more cables. I will try this year to calibrate the compass, with the main motor running (albeit slowly) to ensure any interference from the motor is present in the calibration settings.

However, I’ve been so busy recently, that again I have not manage to complete a full outside test of the bot before getting on a plane for Boulder ! 😦 the first full test will be in the car park in the hotel the night before.

Not to self – find more time to tinker next year before the competition !

Wish me luck …