I have always wanted to make a self-balancing robot. This post will be a diary on my journey to making one.
I’ll be updating this post as I go along this journey complete with details of the success and frustrations, pictures and expenses.
December 5, 2017 (Tuesday)
Ordered and paid for LSM9DS1 Breakout board from Circuit-Help. This one has an Accelerometer, Gyroscope and Magnetometer in a single board which would really be helpful for this project.
https://www.circuit-help.com.ph/product/adafruit-9-dof-accelmaggyrotemp-breakout-board-lsm9ds1/
After much research I saw a LSM9DS0 Breakout board in Lazada, much more expensive (₱ 1,446/pc) but has a higher accuracy than the LSM9DS1. Since I already bought the LSM9DS1 Breakout Board I just have to live with my decision.
Expenses for the day
| Adafruit 9-DOF Accel/Mag/Gyro+Temp Breakout Board – LSM9DS1 | ₱ 905 |
| Shipping (via LBC Express) | ₱ 160 |
| TOTAL | ₱ 1,065 |
Total Expense so far: ₱ 1,065
December 6, 2017 (Wednesday)
Circuit-help messaged me that they have already shipped the product. Hopefully, tomorrow it will arrive.
I’m also thinking of buying a two motor wheel robot frame so that I do not have to make the frame. It might be more expensive but at least I have less time to develop the frame. Contemplating on this one – https://www.lazada.com.ph/2wd-round-double-deck-smart-robot-car-chassis-kit-38566717.html
What I will do is remove the 2 white guide wheels then I will have a 2 wheel robotics frame. Most likely I will be buying this one, but if I buy it now it will be delivered on Friday, unfortunately, I will not be available on Friday so I shall buy it next week then.
December 7, 2017 (Thursday)
The package arrived! Unfortunately, they delivered a used item which had soldered pins without the black bracket. It was not a pin header from Adafruit which has a black bracket.
Here is a photo of the LSM9DS1 Breakout Board from Adafruit with the proper pin headers.
Here is what they delivered to me.
They agreed to make a refund. Yehey! Downside is I have to visit their shop physically which is a hassle since it would take time from me and I have to pay fare to get there. O well.
December 11, 2017 (Monday)
Finally had the free time to visit Circuit-Help for the refund. I got my ₱ 1,065 back. ^_^
Decided to buy the 9-DOF and the 2-wheel motor robot frame from Lazada. The order said it will arrive here on December 13 to 18. Have to make preparations for its arrival.
Pending Expenses
| Adafruit 9-DOF Accel/Mag/Gyro+Temp Breakout Board – LSM9DS0 | ₱ 1,446 |
| 2WD Round Double-Deck Smart Robot Car Chassis Kit | ₱ 749.75 |
| Total Pending | ₱ 2,195.75 |
Expenses for the day
| Refund from Circuit-Help | ₱ -1,065 |
| Roundtrip Fare from house to Circuit-Help | ₱ 200 |
| TOTAL | ₱ -865 |
Total Expense so far: ₱ 200
Total Pending Expense so far: ₱ 2,195.75
December 14, 2017 (Wednesday)
Yahoo! The Adafruit 9-DOF Accel/Mag/Gyro+Temp Breakout Board – LSM9DS0 arrived and I paid for it upon delivery. Now I need to find the time to solder the pin headers.
I wonder why what’s making the Robot Car Chassis taking so long to process.
Pending Expenses
| 2WD Round Double-Deck Smart Robot Car Chassis Kit | ₱ 749.75 |
| Total Pending | ₱ 749.75 |
Expenses for the day
| Adafruit 9-DOF Accel/Mag/Gyro+Temp Breakout Board – LSM9DS0 (Lazada) | ₱1,446 |
| TOTAL | ₱1,446 |
Total Expense so far: ₱ 1,646
Total Pending Expense so far: ₱ 749.75
December 16, 2017 (Saturday)
I was able to find some time to solder the pin headers to the Adafruit 9-DOF Accel/Mag/Gyro+Temp Breakout Board – LSM9DS0 and tested it. It works!!!
Still waiting for the Robot Car Chassis.
December 18, 2017 (Monday)
Finally the 2WD Round Double-Deck Smart Robot Car Chassis Kit arrived! Paid for it then after work I assembled it.
I did not install the 2 white balance wheel since I need to make it balance only using the 2 wheels.
Now I need to design the Arduino Motor Shield with the 9-DOF sensor. My target is to use an Arduino Uno at first.
Expenses for the day
| 2WD Round Double-Deck Smart Robot Car Chassis Kit | ₱ 749.75 |
| Total Pending | ₱ 749.75 |
Total Expense so far: ₱ 2,395.75
Total Pending Expense so far: ₱ 0