So I want to make robotics...

[Komaru]

As an introduction, I'm 18, just graduated from high school, and am planning to major in Theatre Arts, focusing in Technical. And I want to make robots. I have a vague history with electronics, though mostly just computer work. I used to have the LEGO Mindstorms 1.0 kit, but that's long gone now.

The equipment I have is as follows:

Multiple PIC16F628A Microcontrollers
An unholy amount of electronic equipment
Some small motors
Some drive control chips
Insectonics
Pic Robotics
Various Useful Tools

My knowledge is the real problem as I have a weak grasp of the PICBasic language, and a case of ADHD that makes electrical diagrams a royal pain to deal with.

So right now, I'm just trying to drive the motor, which isn't working, and I'm wondering if y'all know a good place (preferably online) to start with.

[Sambuchi]

Komaru.. hello, are you still working on this project? If so, I could help.

[bwts]

Dont know how much background knowledge you have, but some pointers for you.

Look up PWM (pulse width modulation) for speed control.

Also DO NOT drive the motors direct from a PIC, use some sort of buffer or transistor arragement. The switching on/off of motor can serverly damage a PIC.

Also look up H bridges for direction control.

As for the schematics, well you will have get used to them !

Personally I dont like BASIC at all and preffer using Assembly language or C.