View source for Mechapad

Arduino based small robotics platform
== Goal ==
An easy to assemble, affordable and easily programable platform to enter into the Mini Sumobot frenzy.[[Sumobots]] 

== Features ==
#Back EMF protection
#Atmel328 running standard arduino code
#Power regulator up to 14v(8 AA Lithiums)
#Power and ground rails near Analog and digital pins

== Parts and Design ==
Parts goal is to build a sub $50 Mini Sumobot. Some concessions must be made and add more difficulty to the build.
=== Current parts list ===
Currently not sorted by section
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[https://spreadsheets.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AmBIHlxSV1zwdFE3VXhHblVPbEozV3QyU3hXRjA4d2c&hl=en_US Google Doc parts list]

=== Design ===
Design Goals v1
#the same size as the standard Arduino 
#used through hole parts
#used easily obtained parts
#able to etch by hand
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board v1 met all of these goals except the last one, some of the traces are too thin and there are way to many vias.
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Board was designed in Eagle and tested with perfboard.
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v1 has 1 error on the RX/TX are crossed from the FTDI programming port and the Atmel Chip easily fixed by extending the header with a crossover
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Design Goals v2
#fix the FTDI pinout
#make easier to reach the motor connectors
#reduce size to 5cm x 5cm
#switch to 3 pin wide headers rather than use 3 rows of long headers
#breakout pin 12 and 13(led) better
#able to etch by hand (long shot)
#add a frequency pulse timer for sensors
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