Build Guide: RoboRAVE Line Follow

31 December 2024

Introduction

The RoboRAVE Line Follow attachment adds an ultrasonic sensor barrel and servo-controlled aiming mechanism to your Rover, allowing it to follow lines on the ground during RoboRAVE competitions. The attachment clips onto the Rover shell and uses a micro servo to tilt the sensor. This guide will walk you through printing and assembling the attachment step by step.

What You'll Need

Parts:

  • 8x M3 x 10mm Screws
  • 4x M3 x 12mm Screws
  • 4x M3 x 35mm Screws
  • 2x Servo Mounting Screws
  • 1x Servo Horn Screw
  • 1x Servo Horn
  • 1x Micro Servo

Tools:

  • Phillips Head Screwdriver
  • M3 Allen Key

3D Print Your Parts

  • 1x Robot Shell
  • 4x Side Panel
  • 1x Barrel
  • 1x Extension
  • 4x Barrel Clip
  • 4x Connector
  • 1x Top Plate
  • 1x Servo Slide

Instructions

1. Attach the First Two Side Panels

  • Slot two of the side panels on the back and front of the robot shell (squares with no holes to the bottom).

2. Attach the Remaining Side Panels

  • Slot the other two side panels to the sides of the robot shell (squares with holes to the bottom).
  • Insert 10mm screws into each of the holes, securing the panels.

3. Install the Connectors

  • Slide the 4 connectors in from the top.
  • Attach the panels to the connectors using 10mm screws.

4. Attach the Top Plate

  • Lower the top plate onto the connectors. Make sure to position it correctly in the direction of the ultrasonic.
  • Connect the top plate to the connectors using the 12mm screws.

5. Install the Servo

  • Place the micro servo into the mount as shown.
  • Connect the servo to the top plate using the two servo mounting screws.
  • Attach the servo horn to the servo.
  • Calibrate the servo before proceeding (see the next step).

6. Calibrate the Servo

  • Before attaching the servo horn to the servo, you need to make sure the servo moves in the correct range.
  • Plug the servo into the right port and run the following code.
  • Upload the code and attach the servo horn to the servo so it's in the correct position when the servo is at 0.

7. Attach the Barrel

  • Place the barrel onto the prongs on the top plate as shown (the front of the barrel should be parallel to the prong).
  • Using the barrel clips and 35mm screws, secure the barrel to the top plate (note that the clips are not symmetrical so ensure orientation is correct).

8. Attach the Servo Slide

  • Connect the servo slide to the servo using the servo horn screw.

9. Insert the Extension

  • Insert the extension into the barrel. The extension can be rotated up to a quarter turn to tighten it.

You're Done!

Your RoboRAVE Line Follow attachment is fully assembled and ready to clip onto your Micromelon Rover. The servo-controlled barrel lets you aim the ultrasonic sensor for line detection during RoboRAVE competitions.