Parallax and Crustcrawler
have formed a partnership to provide a 6 legged robot with the highest
quality and value in mind for the serious roboticist. The HexCrawler is
offered exclusively by Parallax and its distributors.
We recommend
reading this entire page thoroughly prior to purchasing the HexCrawler.
The HexCrawler manual does not contain specific experiments like the
Stamps in Class curriculum (i.e. What's a Microcontroller?, Robotics)
since it wasn't designed as an educational kit. However, it may be very
appropriate for mechanical engineering and programming courses. The
HexCrawler Kit is a walking platform which can be expanded by the
customer. The Parallax robotics team is currently developing new source
code and updating the manual for the HexCrawler, so visit the web site for
updates or better yet, email us.
The HexCrawler
robot is built on a CrustCrawler-designed high-quality aluminum chassis
that provides a sleek platform for the 12 servo motors and control system.
The HexCrawler is only offered in the full kit so you can get started with
the BS2-IC, Board of Education and 2 Mini SSC's. Mounting holes and
slots may be used to add custom robotics equipment. It's large size
and generous number of expansion slots can accommodate a considerable
amount of additional electronics and hardware upgrades. CrustCrawler
now offers the Sensor Scanning System (S3) so you can overcome the
limitations of "fixed" sensors. As explained above, the
HexCrawler Full Kit is designed to be a walking platform for you to
customize and expand to your specific vision.
The
HexCrawler circuits are built on the Board of Education. With
additional accessories, the HexCrawler robot may be programmed to perform
all sorts of neat movements. The detailed manual gets you started
with a number of complete programs. Once you have mastered the
supplied code, you can easily customize it using your own programming
creativity.
The Hexcrawler
Full Kit includes the HexCrawler Chassis, 12 Parallax Servos,
HexCrawler Assembly and Programming Manual, BASIC Stamp Manual, Parallax
CD-ROM, BASIC Stamp 2 module, Board of Education programming board, (2)
Scott Edwards Mini SSC II serial servo controllers, resistors, 2
pushbuttons, 7 segment LED. Detailed information is outlined here:
Audience:
Advanced Robot Enthusiasts
Power
Supply: 9V Battery, and 6 cell battery pack (not included).
Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MH) batteries are best suited for the
HexCrawler. These batteries range from 1000 to 3000 series and are
readily available at most hobby shops such as Tower Hobbies. For
development purposes, Parallax and CrustCrawler use the 3000 series
Ni-MH batteries. When properly tuned, the HexCrawler can walk up to an
hour of continuous use before a recharge of a 3000 series Ni-MH
battery.
Assembly
Tools: Angled cutters, small Phillips screwdriver, and
1/4” wrench (not included)
Time
Required to Build and Program: 6.0 hours - The HexCrawler's
100 page manual guides you through the assembly process step by step
and includes 8 sample source code programs to get you off the ground.
Chassis
Dimensions: Main body is 13" long, 8" wide, and 6"
tall. Overall dimensions with complete legs are 13" x
14.5" (leg to leg).
Height: 6"
standing, 4.86" squatting
Ground
Clearance: The HexCrawler's legs are fully adjustable. Each leg
offers 2 fulcrum points to choose from in the event your HexCrawler
needs to carry extra heavy loads. Each leg can also be extended for
greater ground clearance (from 3" to 4.75").
Leg
Movement: 2 degrees of freedom (vertical and horizontal)
Weight: Total
kit is 4.2 lbs with servos and electronics (no battery pack)
Payload
Capacity: 7.5 pounds
Chassis
Material: Super strong .063 Gauge 5052 aluminum with type II
anodizing for weather and scratch resistance. CrustCrawler
machines the aluminum within 1/100" tolerance values, using state
of the art drill and punch machines. During the anodizing
process, the machined parts are "bright dipped" to give them
a bright sheen and then type II anodized to the specified color. Type
II anodizing indicates the type of hard finish that is applied during
the the anodizing process to prevent scratches and weathering to the
finished product. Type II is one of the hardest non-military
specification anodizing processes that can be applied to a commercial
product.
Object
Detection: Purchase additional accessories and connect them to the
HexCrawler. Sold Separately.
Customization:
Over 155 sq. inches of total prototyping space is available on the
HexCrawler body.
Programming
Specifications: The HexCrawler program contains 3 fully adjustable
walking gaits in just one program! All programs are completely
configurable through an easy to use interface or programmatically
depending on your application. The code is considered RF ready, just
substitute the switch with the RF package of your choice and you are
now wireless!
1) Ripple forward and backward: This gate resembles that
of a bug similar to a genghis gait
2) Tripod forward and backward: Three legs move at once
forming a tripod resulting in a very
balanced smooth stride.
3) Turning: The robot can turn in place left and right,
literally.
Expandability:
Breadboard or through-hole AppMod
will connect easily to the AppMod header. Expandability is possible
with the following add-ons (not included): SRF04
Ultrasonic Range Finder, etc., and accessories from CrustCrawler.
Contact us for more options.
