Make: Projects
BEAM Vibrobot
Make a BEAM Vibrobot or link two bots together with one more powerful solar cell!
BEAM robot building techniques allow you to build fun and simple little robots with lots of room for stylizing. BEAM vibrobots use pager motors to move. We’ll use what’s known as a "solar engine" (Type 1 "FLED" variety), store bought or scavanged pager motors, and some paperclips. Let the build begin!
BEAM is a type of robot design that allows you to create little robot/robot-like critters and vehicles mainly using basic analog components (resistors, transistors, capacitors, diodes, LEDs). The challenge is to try and get as much robot-like behavior using these components. BEAM is an acronym for "Biology, Electronics, Aesthetics, Mechanics" and these four elements serve as inspiration in all BEAM design. You can find our more about BEAM on our BEAM robot page. You can find out more information on the FLED-type solar engine of the BEAM Wiki.
Steps
Step #1: Preparing the LED
Next
- Cover the LED with some heat shrink tubing, tape, or opaque paint.
- We're not actually using the LED as a light, we're using it as a conductor that will trigger the discharge phase of circuit.
- To shrink the tubing, if you don't have a heat-gun, you can use the tip of a soldering iron or a lighter. Hold the heat-source closer and closer to the tubing until it starts to shrink.
- Be careful with your heat source and close in slowly until the material starts to shrink. Don't melt it or set it (or you!) on fire.
Conclusion
The parts list is what is required per vibrating solar engine.
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