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4 changes: 0 additions & 4 deletions content/2016/12/2016-12-16-microbit-christmas.md
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Expand Up @@ -52,7 +52,3 @@ Here is the code - it's pretty simple:
```

This was somewhat inspired by [Richard Hayler](https://richardhayler.blogspot.com/) and his hat at [Ham Coder Dojo](https://www.coderdojoku.org/).

(paid links)

<iframe style="width:120px;height:240px;" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" src="//ws-eu.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=GB&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=orionrobots-21&language=en_GB&marketplace=amazon&region=GB&placement=B08TR1QMR1&asins=B08TR1QMR1&linkId=e5b58fab275f345c7472b4de44233481&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true"></iframe>
4 changes: 0 additions & 4 deletions content/2017/01/2017-01-03-helena-microbit-robot.md
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Expand Up @@ -21,7 +21,3 @@ We've made a video where I introduce it to Helena and we build a robot with it,
<div class="embed-responsive embed-responsive-16by9">
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/c7jLPN8uqz8" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="True"></iframe>
</div>

(paid links)

<iframe style="width:120px;height:240px;" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" src="//ws-eu.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=GB&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=orionrobots-21&language=en_GB&marketplace=amazon&region=GB&placement=B08TR1QMR1&asins=B08TR1QMR1&linkId=e5b58fab275f345c7472b4de44233481&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true"></iframe>
10 changes: 2 additions & 8 deletions content/2018/03/2018-03-14-things_we_want_to_3dprint.md
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Expand Up @@ -30,16 +30,10 @@ Consider this post a changing list - it will change. I'll update it as we find a

If you are considering this, please consider if you want to work on projects with the 3D printer, or you want a 3D Printer project. Some 3D Printer kits may leave you spending a lot of time maintaining and fixing your printer. My experience with the Flashforge Finder has been totally different - I have been able to spend more time designing parts and printing them, with the only maintenance being some bed levelling. Although I have upgraded with a magnetic print bed and additional spool holder.

I highly recommend this printer, and when I'm in the market for a bigger printer, I'm likely to buy this brand again.

(paid links)

<iframe style="width:120px;height:240px;" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" src="//ws-eu.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=GB&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=orionrobots-21&language=en_GB&marketplace=amazon&region=GB&placement=B00ZBS86ZW&asins=B00ZBS86ZW&linkId=8a2424c2c698e1170f492acac75cb55d&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true"></iframe>
I highly recommend the Flashforge Finder printer, and when I'm in the market for a bigger printer, I'm likely to buy the Flashforge brand again.

## Filament

The Flashforge has rather set my choice, I use PLA filament only. I have had some great prints from it, once it was dialled in. I've used transparent filaments, and all kinds of colours. Just be sure to get filament that isn't too cheap, and remember it has a shelf life. Try to keep it dry and from experiencing temperature changes before using it to print.

(paid links)

<iframe style="width:120px;height:240px;" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" src="//ws-eu.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=GB&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=orionrobots-21&language=en_GB&marketplace=amazon&region=GB&placement=B017HAIK8O&asins=B017HAIK8O&linkId=713b27ce9116c4b711e5f75a06457883&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true"></iframe>
I've used official Flashforge filaments, but I've printed an after market spool holder to use other brands.
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Expand Up @@ -3,6 +3,7 @@ date: 2018-4-8 17:42:52
tags: [sparkfun, microview, electronics, arduino]
title: Reviving Sparkfun Microviews With a New Bootloader
layout: post
thumbnail: content/2018/04/cube-demo.jpg
---

## Introduction and Background
Expand Down Expand Up @@ -143,7 +144,7 @@ So I yet again uploaded the Cube demo - resulting in the following footage on a

I desoldered the wires, put it back in it's enclosure and then replaced the glass.

![Cube Demo Close](/galleries/2018-04-08-reviving-microbit/cube-demo.jpg)
{% img_responsive "content/2018/04/cube-demo.jpg", "Cube Demo Close" %}

## Conclusion

Expand All @@ -163,9 +164,3 @@ This exercise has definitely increased my confidence in a few areas:
* Mucking around with the Arduino as a programmer.

And I now have 2 more Microviews for my projects!

(paid links)

<iframe style="width:120px;height:240px;" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" src="//ws-eu.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=GB&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=orionrobots-21&marketplace=amazon&region=GB&placement=B01BHGY8WG&asins=B01BHGY8WG&linkId=0872c91f1ee268f1b607ee2af9f6bcec&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true"></iframe>

<iframe style="width:120px;height:240px;" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" src="//ws-eu.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=GB&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=orionrobots-21&marketplace=amazon&region=GB&placement=B01BN10QOY&asins=B01BN10QOY&linkId=10088801aa6cc97357ccd07e811b2819&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true"></iframe>
1 change: 0 additions & 1 deletion content/2018/12/2018-12-05-learn-robotics-programming.md
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Expand Up @@ -8,7 +8,6 @@ Tonight I am proud to announce that available to buy in most online bookshops is

(paid link)

<a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Learn-Robotics-Programming-autonomous-Raspberry/dp/1789340748/ref=as_li_ss_il?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=&linkCode=li2&tag=orionrobots-21&linkId=03978cd53f240b428cc4ab5f07c621f5&language=en_GB" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-eu.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=1789340748&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=GB&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=orionrobots-21&language=en_GB" ></a><img src="https://ir-uk.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=orionrobots-21&language=en_GB&l=li2&o=2&a=1789340748" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br />
[Learn Robotics Programming: Build and control autonomous robots using Raspberry Pi 3 and Python](https://amzn.to/2RA5u43)

In this book, aimed at enthusiasts who have done a little coding, I show them how to start building a robot step by step, creating plans and designs, understanding what parts are chosen and why, looking at the trade-offs for building a robot.
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@@ -1,8 +1,9 @@
---
date: 2019-02-01 08:04:30
tags: [robotics books, raspberry pi, piwars, learn robotics programming, robotics at home]
tags: [robotics books, raspberry pi, piwars, learn robotics programming, robotics at home, robot building]
title: Learn Robotics Programming On The Raspberry Pi 3a+
layout: post
thumbnail: galleries/book_covers/B11057-learn-robotics-programming-1st-ed.png
---
My [Learn Robotics Programming](https://amzn.to/2RZqPIy) book was written around the Raspberry Pi 3b+, however it did note that other Pis would work.

Expand Down Expand Up @@ -38,7 +39,10 @@ The Raspberry Pi 3a+ is definitely my new recommendation for building a robot, a

(paid links)

<a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Learn-Robotics-Programming-autonomous-Raspberry-ebook/dp/B07DT9R42B/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&linkCode=li1&tag=orionrobots-21&linkId=4f408506c16858434100eba00eb4f647&language=en_GB" class="pull-left" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-eu.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B07DT9R42B&Format=_SL110_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=GB&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=orionrobots-21&language=en_GB" ></a><img src="https://ir-uk.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=orionrobots-21&language=en_GB&l=li1&o=2&a=B07DT9R42B" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" />
<div style="float: left; margin-right: 8px"><a href="https://amzn.to/2RZqPIy" class="pull-left" target="_blank">
{% img_responsive "galleries/book_covers/B11057-learn-robotics-programming-1st-ed.png", "Learn Robotics Programming" %}
</a></div>

[Learn Robotics Programming](https://amzn.to/2RZqPIy) shows you how to build and program a Raspberry Pi based robot with Python in your own time. The book takes you through selecting the parts, assembling them into a robot, and then how to write Python code to make the robot do interesting things. What kind of things? Line following, object avoidance for a start. Or computer vision tasks like following a coloured object and looking at human faces.

The programming sections are step by step, and does not assume more than elementary programming skills (written a few lines of code? Know how to work with if statements and for loops?). This is a great way to get started on a robotics hobby!
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Expand Up @@ -25,9 +25,7 @@ You cannot directly connect the Raspberry Pi to motors, so a motor control board
The Picon Zero is such a motor control hat.
The block diagram in the section "Connecting the motors to the Raspberry Pi" illustrates this well.

(paid links)

<iframe style="width:120px;height:240px;" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" src="//ws-eu.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=GB&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=orionrobots-21&language=en_GB&marketplace=amazon&region=GB&placement=B01E8MXQWY&asins=B01E8MXQWY&linkId=e7784851f88db08bf1618e4562f7ff62&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true"></iframe>
<a href="https://amzn.to/3YKLOQd"><img src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61l7TtwGfTL._AC_SX679_.jpg" width="200px" height="200px" alt="Picon Zero Motor Controller for Raspberry Pi">4tronix Picon Zero v1.3 Intelligent Robotics Controller Board for Raspberry Pi (paid link)</a>

## Physical Connection

Expand Down
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Expand Up @@ -27,10 +27,6 @@ I am assisted by my brilliant lab helper Helena, demonstrating this setup and sh
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MQ6MhoB3PEU" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="True"></iframe>
</div>

(paid links)

<iframe style="width:120px;height:240px;" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" src="//ws-eu.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=GB&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=orionrobots-21&language=en_GB&marketplace=amazon&region=GB&placement=B00OXL0VUQ&asins=B00OXL0VUQ&linkId=c603178eab5389be7f58af05e79fa487&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true"></iframe>

## The Headless Pi Setup

The Raspberry Pi used is headless, a technique I've used extensively in [Learn Robotics Programming](https://amzn.to/2RZqPIy), my book on the subject. The Bonjour/mDNS/Zeroconf system is used to find the Raspberry Pi on a local network without needing to know it's IP address.
5 changes: 1 addition & 4 deletions content/2019/08/2019-08-31-mearm-with-raspberry-pi.md
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Expand Up @@ -22,12 +22,9 @@ In my last few posts I've been playing with robot arms. In a recent video, I bui
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/OY8Aq9rou3k" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe>
</div>

You can buy a robot arm like this at <https://shop.mearm.com/>.
In the next video I wire it up and then connect it to a Raspberry Pi

(paid links)

<iframe style="width:120px;height:240px;" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" src="//ws-eu.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=GB&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=orionrobots-21&language=en_GB&marketplace=amazon&region=GB&placement=B01680T1B4&asins=B01680T1B4&linkId=ac32535aaf16558ce7e44901d580f9b2&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true"></iframe>

## Connecting it to a Raspberry Pi

In the most recent video, this arm is connected to the Raspberry Pi
Expand Down
12 changes: 7 additions & 5 deletions content/2021/03/07/wire-wrap.md
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Expand Up @@ -18,17 +18,19 @@ When building robots with many sensors and actuators, it's not hard for the wiri

So there are a number of ways to control this mess. This article has paid links.

## Cable Ties
## Cable Ties (or zip ties)

You can cable tie wires in bunches with these. These are extremely cheap and convenient, and are the quickest way to get a little control of cables. They are the kind of item most electronics or robot building enthusiasts should have around. However, they may mean needing to clip the cable ties back off if you want to make changes. It can still bunch though.
You can cable tie wires in bunches with these. These are extremely cheap and convenient, and are the quickest way to get a little control of cables. They are the kind of item most electronics or robot building enthusiasts should have around. However, they may mean needing to clip the cable ties back off if you want to make changes. It can still bunch though. Using different colours can also be used to group wires by function, ie for leg groups in a hexapod.

<iframe style="width:120px;height:240px;" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" src="//ws-eu.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=GB&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=orionrobots-21&language=en_GB&marketplace=amazon&region=GB&placement=B07BGTR4G4&asins=B07BGTR4G4&linkId=a44f70d935122509fb811f989fcfff9c&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true"></iframe>
<a href="https://amzn.to/4hm5IIr"><img src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/712OnwvUWSL._AC_SX679_.jpg" width="200" height="200" alt="Black Cable Ties, 300mm x 3.6mm">Black Cable Ties, 300mm x 3.6mm (paid link)</a>

## Adhesive clips

These are good for keeping the wires from flapping around. These let you clip the wires to the sides of a robot chassis or arm parts. They still let cables dangle between attaching points.

<iframe style="width:120px;height:240px;" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" src="//ws-eu.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=GB&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=orionrobots-21&language=en_GB&marketplace=amazon&region=GB&placement=B076BRYBFM&asins=B076BRYBFM&linkId=88bc2bf21b5159a8da498dfe45b0d52d&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true"></iframe>
<a href="https://amzn.to/4eaWSdE"><img src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71Gr-jCzu9L._AC_SL1500_.jpg" width="200" height="200" alt="
100 x Adhesive Cable Clips Wire Management Cable Ties Wire Cord Holder White">
100 x Adhesive Cable Clips Wire Management Cable Ties Wire Cord Holder White (paid link)</a>

## Spiral Wire Wrap

Expand All @@ -38,7 +40,7 @@ These are long tubes of PVC, which have a spiral cut all the way down (helical).

This wrap is very inexpensive. It is useful in robot arms, Hexapods and in the [Learn Robotics 2nd Edition](https://packt.live/2NoZqhx) robot for keeping sensor wires under control.

<iframe style="width:120px;height:240px;" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" src="//ws-eu.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=GB&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=orionrobots-21&language=en_GB&marketplace=amazon&region=GB&placement=B01LYF1GDV&asins=B01LYF1GDV&linkId=553a72f9684281d9afaf380fdafd3f0a&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true"></iframe>
<a href="https://amzn.to/3C7wNyX"><img src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71NBZAkIVaL._AC_SX679_.jpg" width="200" height="200" alt="Spiral Cable Wrap, Cable Tidy Tube 4mm inner diameter">Spiral Cable Wrap, Cable Tidy Tube 4mm inner diameter (paid link)</a>

## Combining techniques

Expand Down
4 changes: 0 additions & 4 deletions content/2022/02/2022-02-08-raspberry-pi-pico-tips.md
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Expand Up @@ -31,7 +31,3 @@ This does feel nice and convenient, however has a couple of downsides:

- These adaptors are priced fairly similarly to the Raspberry Pi Pico itself. However, once you've added headers, uploaded your code and made it your own it isn't quite so expendable.
- It will add a few centimeters to the port of the Pico so it will stick out more.

(paid links)

<iframe style="width:120px;height:240px;" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" src="//ws-eu.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=GB&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=orionrobots-21&language=en_GB&marketplace=amazon&region=GB&placement=B071W8WQBD&asins=B071W8WQBD&linkId=05784ed0397ffa0baa914c4d6fec9e10&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true"></iframe>
6 changes: 3 additions & 3 deletions content/2023/03/2023-03-10-more-robotics-at-home-chassis.md
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Expand Up @@ -10,7 +10,7 @@ tags:
- making a robot at home
thumbnail: /galleries/two_new_chassis_plates.jpg
---
Today I've cut two more styrene chassis plates for building the robot rover from [Robotics at Home with Raspberry Pi Pico](https://amzn.to/3FaTjFW). This article has paid links.
Today I've cut two more styrene chassis plates for building the robot rover from [Robotics at Home with Raspberry Pi Pico](https://packt.link/5swS2). This article has paid links.

## Why build two more?

Expand All @@ -32,8 +32,8 @@ Now I have the two rough parts, this means an evening of sanding with an audiobo

## About Robotics at Home with Raspberry Pi Pico

<div style="float: left; margin-right: 4px"><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Robotics-Home-Raspberry-Pico-autonomous-ebook/dp/B0BQN2GZ9W?crid=37W9Z7TUF70BD&keywords=robotics+at+home&qid=1677622694&sprefix=robotics+at+home%2Caps%2C60&sr=8-2&linkCode=li2&tag=orionrobots-21&linkId=1859af711cacfbcea06abe99b2e3c002&language=en_GB&ref_=as_li_ss_il" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-eu.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B0BQN2GZ9W&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=GB&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=orionrobots-21&language=en_GB" ></a><img src="https://ir-uk.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=orionrobots-21&language=en_GB&l=li2&o=2&a=B0BQN2GZ9W" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /></div>
<div style="float: left; margin-right: 8px"><a href="https://packt.link/5swS2" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="/galleries/robotics_at_home_with_raspberry_pi_pico_cover.jpg" alt="Robotics at Home with Raspberry Pi Pico"></a></div>

[Robotics at Home with Raspberry Pi Pico](https://amzn.to/3FaTjFW) is a step-by-step journey for building a low cost rover with sensors and interesting algorithms.
[Robotics at Home with Raspberry Pi Pico](https://packt.link/5swS2) is a step-by-step journey for building a low cost rover with sensors and interesting algorithms.

The book starts from a position of no robotics experience with perhaps beginner level programming knowledge and takes them through designing, building and programming this robot.
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Expand Up @@ -33,7 +33,7 @@

(paid links)

<iframe style="width:120px;height:240px;" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" src="//ws-eu.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=GB&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=orionrobots-21&language=en_GB&marketplace=amazon&region=GB&placement=0394713648&asins=0394713648&linkId=341267bdb00dced90f26d235aeaafec3&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true"></iframe><iframe style="width:120px;height:240px;" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" src="//ws-eu.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=GB&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=orionrobots-21&language=en_GB&marketplace=amazon&region=GB&placement=0394713648&asins=0394713648&linkId=341267bdb00dced90f26d235aeaafec3&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true"></iframe>
[The Science in Science Fiction](https://amzn.to/48vRDUH)

<p>Cheers,

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