Build a Real Robot - Episode 14 - Sensor Bus

I’m wiring up a bus to connect the sensors and the setup includes a new circuit board. I’ll show you how it’s all getting hooked together. We’ll also discuss connectors for robot wiring.

Last time we go together we discussed some of the issues and concerns regarding the running of long I2C connections around the robot. I had said that I had decided to use chips to buffer the I2C lines, and I also showed you the shielded cable and aviation connectors I planned to use.

Well, I’ve gone forward with that and have started wiring up the Sensor Bus, which I have divided into four sections:

Front
Rear
Tower 1
Tower 2

I’ll show you how the bus will be hooked up using some new circuit boards - a master wiring hub and four nodes.

I’m laying out the parts for the master hub right now so we can take a look at the layout I have come up with.

I also want to discuss the best types of connectors to use in the robot design, while Dupont connectors are the easiest and cheapest to use I’m concerned about them coming loose due to vibrations. I have some other ideas to run past you.

And I just had to show off my new 4GB Raspberry Pi 4, which will be replacing the Raspberry Pi 3B that I currently have on the base!

Hope you enjoy the video!

[RelentlessHomesteading]

Great to see it coming along - Thankyou. Yes - I always think of those locking connectors too.
I'll never forget the experience I had many years ago in crashing an RC plane I spent over a year on as a result of a connector working loose due to vibration and High-G acrobatics and missile launching.

[azyfloof]

Those black connectors you said you've ordered a load of, those are the ones I use for my projects :D They're VERY good!
I use them for board to board and board to cable interconnects, so I can take a project apart and have separate pieces in case I need to fix or debug, or if it's a much larger project that needs dismantling for transport and storage

[TheRainHarvester]

I like using old ide cables. They plug into the mega and you can tap connectors into the ribbon cable for each device you want to attach to the ide "bus".

[voidex]

Hello, first of all id like to thank you for that great channel!
And also i like to see some supercapacitors on your channel aswell, like some hand crank flashlight with supercaps as storage, or other project using them, for example solar panel with supercaps movement detections outdoors system.

[bobvines]

Bill, You mentioned your newsletter again, but I haven't received any since the "welcome" one when I signed up. Have you sent any out in the last few months? I'm also looking forward to the next video in this series -- I enjoy the small details like the connectors in this episode!

[JamesKruseArtist]

Awesome, do you think the RP4 is equal to the Jetson Nano(equal as to power and usefulness)? Both have benefits

[zhenglin]

Really like your videos. Have this series stopped updating?

[Hello-qlfg]

Hi i wanna build a smart car that is controled by a mobile app and can go up inclined ramps and terrains so i am asking does the eleego smart car can do that? And if not what do you suggest me to do?
Thanks in advance, btw i love your videos and they helped me a lot with my smart car project

[watchingind]

Check Samco out for custom connectors. USA based but helped me in the UK many many times. They have like a 3d CAD with drop menu to change, select and look what you will get..
You might want to take a look at Te connectivity aswell..
I hope you went directly to Molex as there a great company. Go direct to the manufacturer always.

[tomaims]

What about summer projects other than rodot build (which is way cool)? But 2c projects other XOD and more that you alluded to. I hope your health is ok. I remember you indicated health issues last spring? Take care sir I enjoy your style not trying to give you a hard time.

[instabuddha]

CAN YOU MAKE A VIDEO OF PREPAID ENERGY METER PLEASE SIR. THANK YOU SO MUCH!

[bloominfood]

Is it possible to develop an Arduino to measure fertilizer levels in a hydroponic tank?

[albertcheser]

Has DroneBot gone offline. Is it now dead?

[laureven]

Impressive channel and awesome design ...If I where you I would put more work for the robot to look hips cooler. Normal people like nice/ cool things and only people who want to learn something will stick here for longer. Regardless ..You Chanel is absolutely genius and everybody can learn awesome skill thanks to You but if you put a little work to how Your robot will look, this will bring You more views. "The same chips taste better from the nicer bag" unfortunately :) ...Im my opinion Your robot is super cool, but this is just me :)

[komicameawokpe]

I want you to show me your work intead of keep tolking on..

[AhmedAli-snty]

I like your videos but it is being unattractive to most of us. You should just make more videos like you used to make. Continue the series as side activity for those who really need it.