B9 Robot How To
B9 Robot How To
August 2012
John G. - B9-0626
B9 Robot
Construction Information
B9 Robot Construction
1
DISCLAIMER
SUPPLIERS
2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4
2.5
2.6
2.7
2.8
2.9
2.10
2.12
2.13
2.14
2.15
2.16
2.17
2.18
2.19
2.20
2.21
2.22
2.23
2.24
2.25
2.26
2.27
2.28
2.29
2.30
2.31
2.32
2.33
2.34
2.35
2.36
2.37
2.38
2.39
2.40
BELLY LIGHTS
DIALIGHT REPRODUCTIONS
NEON BACK PLATE
BRAIN
BUBBLE
NEON
PROGRAMMING BAY / RAILS
TORSO CHEST LIGHT BEZEL & BUTTON KIT
CLEAR ACRYLIC BUTTON BACKER
ALUMINUM KNOB / MICROPHONE RINGS
COLLAR
RADAR ANIMATION KIT
TORSO/DONUT
TORSO KNOB
POWER PACK
MICROPHONE
CROWN
CLAWS / WRISTS
LEGS/KNEES
TREADS
WHEELS
NECK & ARMS SILICONE RUBBER
NECK & ARM SUPPORT RINGS
TREAD SECTION
PLC (PROGRAMMABLE LOGIC CONTROLLER)
WAIST ROTATION SERVO DRIVE & MOTOR
BRAIN LEDS
AUDIO PLAYBACK/STORAGE
SPEAKERS
NEON CONTROL
RADAR EARS
RADAR EAR MOTORS
RADAR
RADAR EAR SPINNERS
PVC WAIST PLATE/ LASER CUT GEARS
LAZY SUSAN BEARING
TORSO HOOKS
BRAIN CUP
LIGHT ROD KIT
6
7
7
7
7
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
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11
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13
Version 1.2
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B9 Robot
Construction Information
2.41
2.42
2.43
2.44
2.45
2.46
2.47
2.48
13
13
13
13
13
13
14
15
NECK BRACKET
LIGHT ROD CAM
CROWN SHAFT
BRAIN MOTOR
BRAIN MOTOR PLATE
CAT EYES
CONNECTORS
DATA PLATE
POWER PACK
16
SENSORS/SPINNERS
17
BRAIN
18
BRAIN LIGHTS
19
20
21
BUBBLE
22
10 TORSO HOLES
23
11 TORSO ROTATION
24
12 TORSO NEON
25
26
26
15 TORSO VENTS
27
16 TORSO HOOKS
28
29
30
19 EARS
32
20 RADAR
33
21 COLLAR
34
22 RADAR ANIMATION
34
23 CAT EYES
35
24 CROWN
35
25 PAINT
36
26 TREAD SECTIONS
38
27 SOIL SAMPLER
39
28 CSS
41
Version 1.2
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B9 Robot
Construction Information
29 CONTROL
43
Version 1.2
Page 4 of 45
B9 Robot
Construction Information
DISCLAIMER
This document and the attached drawings are not to be used for construction.
You are hereby authorized to view, copy, print, and distribute the materials from this
document or the attached drawings subject to the following conditions:
The materials are for your personal informational use only and not for commercial
purposes.
No liability in respect of any of the contents of such publications or use thereof is
accepted and no warranties expressed or implied are made in relation thereto.
Disclaimer
ANY INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS DOCUMENT OR THE ATTACHED
DRAWINGS ARE PROVIDED [AS IS] FOR YOUR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES
ONLY, WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, INCLUDING ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY
OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, OR NONINFRINGEMENT. THE AUTHOR OF THIS DOCUMENT AND ATTACHED DRAWINGS
WILL IN NO EVENT BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT OR PUNITIVE DAMAGE
OF ANY KIND THAT RESULTS FROM THE USE OF OR INABILITY TO USE THIS
DOCUMENT OR THE ATTACHED DRAWINGS, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION,
LOSS OF PROFITS, GOODWILL, OR BUSINESS INTERRUPTION. THE AUTHOR
OFFERS NO ASSURANCES, WARRANTIES OR GUARANTEES AS TO THE VALIDITY
OR COMPLETENESS OF THIS INFORMATION. INFORMATION WILL BE CHANGED,
UPDATED AND DELETED WITHOUT NOTICE.
Version 1.2
Page 5 of 45
B9 Robot
Construction Information
2
SUPPLIERS
The information below contains an itemized list of the components that I purchased for the
B9 robot and where I obtained each component.
Purchased
Allied
Electronics
Dialight
Allied
Electronics
Osram
Allied
Electronics
Allied
Electronics
Allied
Electronics
Allied
Electronics
Allied
Electronics
Allied
Electronics
Osram
Osram
Osram
Osram
Osram
Osram
Allied
Electronics
Description
Socket; T2 1/2 &
T3 1/4 Miniature
Bayonet; Front to
Panel to End;
Panel
Lamp; LED; T-3
1/4; Mini
Bayonet(BA9s);
White; Clear;
28V; 7.5mA;
412mcd; 100K
Hrs; NonPol
Lens; Dome,
Fluted, Red
Lens; Dome,
Fluted, Green
Lens; Dome,
Fluted, Amber
Lens; Dome,
Fluted, Clear
Lens; Dome,
Fluted, Blue
Lens; Dome,
Transparent,
Amber
Lens; Dome,
Transparent,
Yellow
Part #
Qty
31099/32173- 14
0
586-2406205F
14
30120
30122
30126
30125
30124
30111
30114
Version 1.2
Page 6 of 45
B9 Robot
Construction Information
Purchased
Pat Burns
Description
Dialight Chest
Light
Reproductions
Sockets to fit
Dialight Chest
Light
reproductions
lenses
SkyCraft
Part #
Qty
1
Norman Sockwell had a set of the original Dialight units that I ended up using. The
reproductions are excellent but since the originals just fell into my lap, I could not
pass them up. The lens mounting for the reproductions and the originals is the same.
Since I wanted the option to have white lights or a red and a green one, I removed
the base portion and used epoxy to mount the Osram socket (belly light socket) to
each assembly. This method allows me to change the lens color located on the
socket any time I wish. The Osram socket and light is mounted behind the white
Dialight lens.
Purchased
David Huber
Description
Neon Back Plate
Part #
Qty
1
Purchased
Mike Burrill
Description
Steel Brain
Part #
Qty
1
Purchased
Fred Barton
Description
Acrylic Bubble
Part #
Qty
1
2.4 Brain
Manufacturer
Mike Burrill
2.5 Bubble
Manufacturer
Fred Barton
Version 1.2
Page 7 of 45
B9 Robot
Construction Information
2.6 Neon
Manufacturer
Craig
Reinbrecht
Purchased
Craig
Reinbrecht
Description
12 Row Neon
Part #
Qty
1
Description
Programming Bay
Complete Lower
Torso Package
with Side/Rear
Rails
Part #
Qty
1
Description
Bezel & Button Kit
Part #
Qty
1
Description
Clear Acrylic
Button Backer
Part #
Qty
1
Purchased
Craig
Reinbrecht
Purchased
Craig
Reinbrecht
Purchased
Craig
Reinbrecht
Purchased
Craig
Reinbrecht
Description
Aluminum Knob /
Microphone Torso
Rings
Part #
Qty
1
Purchased
Greg Logue
Description
Collar
Part #
Qty
1
Description
Radar Animation
Kit
Part #
Qty
1
2.12 Collar
Manufacturer
Greg Logue
Purchased
Greg Logue
Version 1.2
Page 8 of 45
B9 Robot
Construction Information
2.14 Torso/Donut
Manufacturer
Mike Joyce
Purchased
Mike Joyce
Description
Torso & Donut
Part #
Qty
1
Purchased
Mike Joyce
Description
Torso Knob
Part #
Qty
1
Purchased
Immortal
Creations
Description
Power Pack
Part #
Qty
1
Purchased
Immortal
Creations
Description
Reproduction
Microphone
Part #
Qty
1
Purchased
Immortal
Creations
Description
Crown
Part #
Qty
1
Purchased
Immortal
Creations
Description
Claws/Wrists
Part #
Qty
1
Purchased
Norman
Sockwell
Description
Fiberglass legs
and knees
Part #
Qty
1
Purchased
Norman
Sockwell
Description
Flat Style Treads
Part #
Qty
1
2.17 Microphone
Manufacturer
Immortal
Creations
2.18 Crown
Manufacturer
Immortal
Creations
2.20 Legs/Knees
Manufacturer
Norman
Sockwell
2.21 Treads
Manufacturer
Norman
Sockwell
Version 1.2
Page 9 of 45
B9 Robot
Construction Information
2.22 Wheels
Manufacturer
Norman
Sockwell
Purchased
Norman
Sockwell
Description
Aluminum CNC
Wheels with
lighting holes
Part #
Qty
1
Description
Neck & Arms
Part #
Qty
1
Purchased
Greg Logue
Description
Neck & Arms
Part #
Qty
1
Purchased
Eric Johnson
Description
Steel Tread
Section
Purchased
Will Huff
Part #
Qty
1
Purchased
Description
Cointaker.com LEDs
Part #
Qty
Several
Version 1.2
Page 10 of 45
B9 Robot
Construction Information
Manufacturer Purchased
Description
CFSound
ACSCONTROL.com CFSound III
CFSound
ACSCONTROL.com 4 Gig
Compact
Flash Card
Part #
Qty
ACS-CF1
CFSoundIII
ACS-CF1
CARD4GIG
2.30 Speakers
Manufacturer
CFSound
Purchased
Description
ACSCONTROL.com 4" Dual Cone
Full Range
50 Watt 10oz
Magnet
Part #
Qty
ACS2
SPEAKERGM-65-8
Version 1.2
Page 11 of 45
B9 Robot
Construction Information
Purchased
Tech 22
Tech 22
Description
Transformer
Audio Interface
Part #
Qty
1
1
Purchased
Immortal
Creations
Description
Radar Ears
Part #
Qty
1
Purchased
www.pololu.com
Description
Ear Spinner
Gear Motor
Part #
1096
Qty
2
2.34 Radar
Manufacturer
Greg Logue
Purchased
Greg Logue
Description
Radar
Part #
Qty
1
Part #
Qty
1
Part #
Qty
1
FR-04
Part #
12K6817
Qty
1
Purchased
Immortal
Creations
Description
Radar Ear
Spinners
Purchased
Andy Schwartz
Andy Schwartz
Andy Schwartz
Description
PVC Waist With
16 Hole
18 Laser Cut
Waist Gear
Purchased
Lee Valley
Description
17-3/8" Lazy
Susan Bearing
Version 1.2
Page 12 of 45
B9 Robot
Construction Information
Purchased
Jerry Chevalier
Description
Torso Hooks
Part #
Qty
1
Purchased
Jerry Chevalier
Description
Brain Cup
Part #
Qty
1
Purchased
Jerry Chevalier
Description
Light Rod Kit
Part #
Qty
1
Purchased
Jerry Chevalier
Description
Neck Bracket
Part #
Qty
1
Purchased
Jerry Chevalier
Description
Light Rod Cam
Part #
Qty
1
Purchased
Jerry Chevalier
Description
Crown Shaft
Part #
Qty
1
Purchased
Jerry Chevalier
Description
Motor
Part #
Qty
1
Purchased
Jerry Chevalier
Description
Motor Plate
Part #
Qty
1
Purchased
Gary Oiley
Description
Brain Cat Eyes
Part #
Qty
1
Version 1.2
Page 13 of 45
B9 Robot
Construction Information
2.47 Connectors
Manufacturer
Zip Port
Zip Port
Zip Port
Zip Port
Zip Port
Zip Port
Zip Port
Zip Port
Zip Port
Purchased
Automation
Direct
Automation
Direct
Automation
Direct
Automation
Direct
Automation
Direct
Automation
Direct
Automation
Direct
Automation
Direct
Automation
Direct
Description
Insert 16B 16 Pole
Male Screw Terminal
Insert 16B 16 Pole
Female Screw
Terminal
Hood 16B Side Entry
Pg21 Metal
Base BulkHead Metal
Insert 24B 24 Pole
Male Screw Terminal
Insert 24B 24 Pole
Female Screw
Terminal
Hood 24B Top Entry
Pg21 Metal
Base BulkHead Metal
Cable Gland Pg21
Dia 9.5-18.5mm
Part #
ZP-MC16B-1MS016
ZP-MC16B-1FS016
Qty
3
ZP-MC16B-2SSW21M
ZP-MC16B-2SBHM
ZP-MC24B-1MS024
ZP-MC24B-1FS026
ZP-MC24B-2STE21M
ZP-MC24B-2SBHM
ZP-MC-CG21M5
3
2
2
2
5
The connectors are used to remove the torso quickly by disconnecting the wiring for
the lights, power, etc.
Version 1.2
Page 14 of 45
B9 Robot
Construction Information
Purchased
Mark Newlon
Description
Engraved Style 1
Data Plate
Part #
Style 1
Qty
1
To finish things off, I attached an engraved data plate I purchased from Mark
Newlon. The data plate allows you to provide the following information:
Builder Info:
Model#:
Serial Number:
Date:
I placed the plate above the power connector and I used epoxy to affix the plate. I
was going to drill and tap the plate into the tread section and utilize screws to attach
the plate but I figured something would go wrong (like a tap breaking) and I did not
want to push my luck at this stage. The data plate is a nice addition to the robot and
adds a nice professional touch.
Data plate
Version 1.2
Page 15 of 45
B9 Robot
Construction Information
Power Pack
One of the first items to arrive was the power pack. This item was purchased from
Immortal Creations as a kit and has all of the components included in the kit to make an
exact replica of the power pack.
While I did not use an exact color match, I am happy with the results. The following
paint colors were used.
Description
Capacitor
Modified 1/8
Connector
Transistors
Case
End Connector
5 Pin
Connector
Clear Coat
Paint
Rustoleum Metallic
Rustoleum Metallic
Purchased
Home Depot
Home Depot
Lowes
Home Depot
Home Depot
Lowes
Auto Zone
I assembled all of the components in the kit. The clear plastic cover is not included. I
printed the decals using the templates provided on the b9creations website listed in the
construction tips area. Since my painting skills have a great deal to be desired, I created
decals for the power connector terminals. Once the decals were on, I sprayed a coat of
clear over the entire power pack. I bought the clear plastic cover piece at Lowes. You
can find small pieces of plastic that can be used for the cover near the window isle. All
that you need to do is cut to the appropriate size and drill the holes as shown. I used
Papilo brand laser premium waterslide clear decal paper that I ordered from Amazon to
make the decals.
Decals
Version 1.2
Page 16 of 45
B9 Robot
Construction Information
The power pack jacks were obtained from radio shack. I had to use a small round Dremel
sanding drum to remove some of the interior surface of the Torso since the threaded area
of the jacks were too short. Once this was done, I wired one of the jacks up with two wires
so it acts like a switch when the power pack is inserted or removed.
Sensors/Spinners
The spinners and holders were purchased from Immortal Creations. They are fabulous.
Once you sand down the spinner base casting, remove the attached screw and drill a
small hole to accept the motor shaft (I used small brass tubing to make a motor shaft).
Verify the spinner fits in the base properly. Once complete, the only thing left to do is
paint the spinners and bases. Remember, only one side of each spinner is painted.
The following paint colors were used.
Description
Spinner (Left Ear)
One Side Only
Spinner (Right Ear) One Side Only
Spinner Holders
Paint
Dupli-Color Ceramic Yellow Engine
Enamel
Dupli-Color Ceramic Chevrolet OrangeRed DE1607 Engine Enamel
Dupli-Color Paint Bgm0344 Gunmetal
Metallic 8 Oz Aero
The Spinners and sensors are shown below.
Robot Right
Issue Date: August 18, 2012
Purchased
Advanced Auto
Advanced Auto
Amazon
Robot Left
Version 1.2
Page 17 of 45
B9 Robot
Construction Information
Brain
The brain was purchased from Mike Burrill. If you are thinking I wish I only had a brain,
get this one. The brain comes with 5 steel pieces that must be soldered together. The
steel pieces do not require any cutting and can be put together fairly easily. Use a micro
torch (my initial torch was from Harbor Freight) to get the steel hot enough to have the
soldered applied. After the Harbor Freight unit stopped working, I just bought a quality
miniature butane torch at Home Depot. An acetylene torch would be cumbersome.
Once the steel pieces are soldered, the pieces are fused together. Since I soldered the
pieces using a spot soldering technique, I filled in any non-soldered areas with JB weld
(not required but I prefer overkill).
Usage
To heat metal pieces for soldering
Solder to fuse metal pieces
Used to fill spot solder gaps
To tap holes for the top of the brain
plate. This was done so the top plate of
the brain could be removed.
Purchased
Home Depot
Home Depot
Home Depot
Home Depot
The brain was painted with Duplicolor Gunmetal paint. The old T177 paint code has
been replaced with paint code BGM0344. The paint was obtained at Advance Auto
Parts and Amazon.
Here is a picture of the brain.
Brain
Version 1.2
Page 18 of 45
B9 Robot
Construction Information
Brain Lights
I wanted to have control of the brain lighting so that I could program any sequence that I
wanted to.
To make the internal light assembly for the brain, I used the following components.
Description
Usage
Purchased
Cointaker.com
Cointaker.com
Cointaker.com
Cointaker.com
Cointaker.com
Cointaker.com
Cointaker.com
TwistedQuarter.com
Radio Shack
Radio Shack
ServoCity.com
The retro lamps run at a maximum of 6 volts. Since I have a 24 VDC and 12 VDC
power supply in my robot, I source 12 VDC power from a PLC output module to a board
I made that has 7805 voltage regulators on it that convert each 12 VDC power output to
5 VDC. 10 VDC is the minimum voltage that PLC output modules will switch. Due to
this fact, I needed to go the voltage regulator route for each output. The brain lighting
board is configured in a triangular shape and a single output will control one LED on
each side of the triangle. Each side of the triangle has 6 LEDs. The 3 lights located at
the top of the brain share a single output. The color arrangement in a clockwise fashion
for the internal brain triangle is as follows.
1) Blue
2) Green
3) Red
4) Violet
5) Orange
6) Yellow
Notice the Blue LEDs were installed at each corner. The blue LEDs allow the Cat Eyes
to be solid blue.
Issue Date: August 18, 2012
Version 1.2
Page 19 of 45
B9 Robot
Construction Information
Usage
Lights as desired
Purchased
Cointaker.com
Brain Cup
The brain cup was purchased from Jerry Chevalier. The only thing I did was enlarge the
pushrod holes slightly to allow the pushrods to smoothly move through the brain cup. I
used a slightly larger drill bit than the holes that were installed originally in the Brain Cup.
Cam
The cam spins and is used to move the pushrods down which will move the light rods
up. The weight of the light rods will allow them to move back down via gravity. The cam
was purchased from Jerry Chevalier
The following picture shows the light rods with the LEDs illuminated.
Red Retro
LEDs
Light Rods
Brain Cup
Version 1.2
Page 20 of 45
B9 Robot
Construction Information
Red Retro
LEDs
Construction Tip:
I initially used a heat gun to shrink the heat shrink to the bulb. The bulbs can obviously
not take the heat and one of them did not work afterwards. From that point on I used a
lighter to apply the heat shrink tubing to the bulbs.
Version 1.2
Page 21 of 45
B9 Robot
Construction Information
Bubble
The bubble is a key component to the B9. I purchased the bubble from Fred Barton.
The first bubble I received was crushed in shipping. Fred handled the return like a true
professional. He sent me a return shipping label that I affixed to the damaged box and
the return was painless. Fred told me he was out of bubbles at the time and said he
would give me a refund or I could wait until he had some more units manufactured.
Based on the clarity of the crushed bubble I received; I decided to wait for him to have
more bubbles available. I am glad I waited since the new bubble I received was worth
waiting for. I used drill bits that I ordered from TAP Plastics to drill the mounting holes.
The larger center hole is already pre-drilled. I used 1/8 and 3/16 PlasDrill bits for
making the mounting holes. I used the 3/16 bit for the (4) mounting holes that attach
the brain cup to the curved piece that the dome rests upon. I also drilled (2) 1/8 holes
for mounting the dome to the curved piece that the dome rests upon. The (2) holes in
the lower piece were enlarged using the 3/16 drill bit. The (2) 1/8 holes in the dome
were tapped using a 1/8 tap. I secured the dome using (2) 6-32 x 3/8 clear
polycarbonate pan head machine screws. The screws were purchased from McMasterCarr. The part number for a 50 pack of screws is 93140A146.
Dome Attachment
Hole (1) of (2)
(4) Mounting
Holes
Required
Version 1.2
Page 22 of 45
B9 Robot
Construction Information
10
Torso Holes
The torso was purchased from Mike Joyce. The following areas on the torso will require
cutting:
Holes for the power pack, torso hooks, microphone, and torso knob, and teeth light bezel
will also need to be drilled.
Purchasing the torso will save you a lot of time and effort and is one purchase that
should be made. The torso is a great piece offered at a fair price. Just be prepared that
Bondo, sanding, etc. will be required in the areas where the torso seams meet.
Construction Tip #1:
While cutting out the vents, the fiberglass is thicker in different areas of the vent opening.
I ended up using a Dremel tool circular cutting blade to remove the thicker area. I cut
everything based on the line that was exposed on the black gel coat and used that as a
guide. When I was done, I smoothed the edges with sand paper and used a Dremel
rotary sanding attachment.
Construction Tip #2:
I used the speed bore bits that were suggested by a board member. The bits are
available at Home Depot and are only a few bucks each.
Construction Tip #3:
I waited to cut my arm holes until the arms arrived from Will Huff. I wanted to be sure I
cut the holes the correct size. Once the arms arrived, I realized that I needed to cut a 6
hole for each arm in the torso. I decide to order a 6 hole saw just for this purpose. I
ordered the following parts. Since this would be a onetime use tool, I went for the
cheapest solution I could find.
Quantity Description
1
Ridgid 7033 1-Piece, 6Inch Bi-Metal Cryo Hole
Saw
1
MK Morse M45P 7/16Inch Boxed Hole Saw
Arbor Fits AV20-AV96
Usage
Cut Arm Holes
Purchased
Amazon.com
Amazon.com
Version 1.2
Page 23 of 45
B9 Robot
Construction Information
11
Torso Rotation
For the Torso rotation, I used the laser cut gears from Andy Schwartz and the Lee
Valley/Rockler bearing.
I cut out the center of the donut supplied by Mike Joyce so I could mount the gear to the
bottom side of the bearing. The six holes that are located in the bearing were drilled and
tapped to accommodate 10-24 3 screws. The threads for the screws face upward
toward the Torso and the hold the torso in place via matching holes drilled in the Torso.
I do not put nuts on the screws since the screws keep the Torso aligned to the Donut.
The Torso bottom was drilled with 6 identically spaced holes so it could be set on the
upward facing screws. The nuts were added to provide the correct torso/bearing
spacing so in retrospect, the holes do not need tapped.
For the rotation motor, I utilized an Allen-Bradley TL series servo motor that I already
had. The shaft of the motor is 1/2 so I ordered a 1/2 inch x 0.770 inch set screw hub
from Servocity.com (item# H500-770). I aligned the small gear on top of the hub and
drilled holes in the gear so the hub could be mounted to the gear (you need a total of
four 6/32 screws).
I used a four gang receptacle mounting plate with the center already drilled in it so I had
a motor mount. I got the plate at Home Depot. I drilled four holes into the plate aligned
with the holes on the shaft end of the motor. I affixed the motor to the new plate and
installed the on the motor shaft. I aligned the motor to the gear mechanism and
mounted the motor plate. I made a cross beam out of aluminum angle stock to aid in the
support of the motor plate.
With the torso attached, the servo drive required additional tuning since the additional
mass of the torso tended to create a situation where the servo would overshoot the
target position and hunting would occur due to instability. I tuned the servo with
everything attached to get the correct operation.
Lee Valley /
Rockler bearing
Andys gears
Version 1.2
Page 24 of 45
B9 Robot
Construction Information
12
Torso Neon
I used the neon back plate that was supplied by David Huber. I trimmed the plate and
attached mounting screws to the back of the plate to house the Tech22 neon
transformer and audio interface. I also drilled two holes that allow the Dialights to pass
through and act as a lower support for the neon assembly. I drilled two holes at the top
of the plate to allow my Torso installed mounting screws to pass through.
Mounting
holes
Tech 22 audio
interface
Dialight
holes
Tech 22
transformer
The neon was obtained from Craig Reinbrecht. I noticed some slight beading in one of
the neon sections. I installed the TIP transistor recommended to eliminate the beading.
The transistor solved the issue most of the time. I notice slight beading every so often.
Not a big deal since it is infrequent.
Version 1.2
Page 25 of 45
B9 Robot
Construction Information
13
Dialights
Belly lights
Chest lights
14
Chest light
illumination box
Version 1.2
Page 26 of 45
B9 Robot
Construction Information
15
Torso Vents
I ordered the torso vents, mounting slides, and screening from Craig Reinbrecht. It is a
perfect system. I used epoxy to attach the slide tracks to the torso. I formed a bend for
the vent mesh and laid it into place on top of the slides. I then marked along the curve of
the slide channel and cut the vent mesh to shape. Once the vent looked correct, I used
spray glue on the back of the vent and attached some inexpensive black air conditioning
foam I picked up at home depot. The foam for all of the vents was less than $1.25. I
wrapped the upper and lower sections of the mesh with Velcro. I also attached Velcro to
the upper and lower slide rails. I simply pushed the vent mesh onto the Velcro. The
Velcro allows the vent screens to be removed easily if required.
Vents
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Construction Information
16
Torso Hooks
The torso hooks from Jerry Chevalier were painted the same color as the torso. I did not
do a thing to the torso hooks except a little tack cloth and paint.
Note: Each torso hook requires (2) 8/32 screws for mounting.
Torso Hook
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B9 Robot
Construction Information
17
Hidden
pushbuttons for
triggering shows
The pushbuttons are mounted at the top of the programming bay and out of the viewing
area. I purchased them at Radio Shack. You can find them on the B9 based on feel.
Issue Date: August 18, 2012
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18
Usage
Provide pinching motion
for claws
Purchased
www.firgelli.com
Aluminum angle
mounting to claw
Aluminum angle
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B9 Robot
Construction Information
Wrist attachment
Claw assembly
Wrist Attachment:
My arms are fixed and do not extend from the torso. To attach the wrist, I used the bolt
shown below. It is a 1/4 20 bolt found at Home Depot or Lowes. The bolt is a furniture
bolt located in the aisle with the hanging screws. I used the one that has a 40mm depth.
I attached the bolt to inside of the torso with a 1/4 20 nut and washer. The bolt goes
through a hole I drilled in the wrist strap and then into the torso. The flat surface on the
bolt head requires no modification to the wrist. I inserted the bolt through the wrist strap
and attached the Will Huff rubber arm to the wrist and clamped the wrist strap around
the wrist. I placed a small spacer onto the bolt. I show a 1/4x 3/8 x 3/4 spacer in the
picture but I actually used a 1/4x 3/8 x 1/2 spacer since the 3/4 spacer was too long.
The spacers are located in the pull out drawers at Lowes. I just have the one bolt on the
top of each wrist and it provides sufficient hold with no danger of cracking the torso.
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B9 Robot
Construction Information
19
Ears
The ear arms are resin and were purchased from Bill Kendzierski & Rod Rickenbach.
The ears are of good quality. I am using the miniature metal gear motor as shown below
to turn the spinners.
The motor does not fit into the ball portion of the ear without major surgery. Here is what
I did to get the motorized ears operational.
Wire nut
I made a rectangular
shaped hole in the ball
to accommodate the
motor. I inserted the
wired motor and
attached a wire nut with
epoxy and filled with
automotive body filler.
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B9 Robot
Construction Information
20
Radar
The radar was purchased from Greg Logue. Greg included good instructions so the
assembly was not a problem. Prior to starting the assembly, I ordered the items listed in
the table below from Tap Plastics. Do not even bother starting assembly until you have
the water thin solvent. Greg included a syringe but I broke mine after several uses
because the rubber seal came off. I am glad I ordered a spare. As you will see, gluing
acrylic is easy and very cool using the solvent and syringe. It flows like water.
Quantity Description
1
IPS Weld-On 3 Cement
- 1 pint.
1
16 Gauge Hypo
Applicator
Usage
Radar Glue
Purchased
Tapplastics.com
Glue Applicator
Tapplastics.com
Completed radar
assembly with ears
attached
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B9 Robot
Construction Information
21
Collar
The collar was also purchased from Greg Logue. Not much to say except it is a work of
art. Greg has been a top notch vendor and everything that I have purchased from him
has been great. Here are a few pictures of his most excellent collar installed on the B9.
22
Radar Animation
I purchased the radar animation kit from Greg Logue. It operates as advertised. I am
not sure if I will animate the radar during my shows but I can if I want to.
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B9 Robot
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23
Cat Eyes
The Cat Eyes were purchased from Gary Oiley. The Cat Eyes are the molded pieces
shown below. The Cat Eye lens fit in the Mike Burrill brain easily. I just used a belt sander to
reduce the rectangular signature of the mounting area and glued them into the brain. The price is
inexpensive. The time required to manufacture your own Cat Eyes would exceed the cost of
buying them from Gary. I am using the clear Cat Eyes from Gary. With a colored light located
behind the lens. They will appear any color that you choose for the light. Gary also sells colored
Cat Eyes.
Crown
Cat Eyes
24
Crown
The Crown was purchased from Bill Kendzierski & Rod Rickenbach. The crown mounts
to the crown motor shaft provided by Jerry Chevalier via a screw on the crown shaft that
Jerry provides with the crown shaft/. The crown was another quality piece provided by
Bill Kendzierski & Rod Rickenbach.
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25
Paint
I painted the robot using the following colors:
Quantity Description
6
Dupli-Color BSP202
Brilliant Silver Metallic
Paint Shop Finish System
- 32 oz.
4
Dupli-Color BSP300
Clear Coat Paint Shop
Finish System - 32 oz.
2
Dupli-Color BSP100 Gray
Paint Shop Finish System
Primer - 32 oz.
Several Dupli-Color Spray Can
Grey Filler Primer - 11 oz.
4
4
Usage
Torso, Tread Section,
Radar
Purchased
Amazon.com
Amazon.com
Amazon.com
Advanced Auto
Advanced Auto
Amazon.com
I was going to use the colors suggested on the b9creations website but the colors listed
required a mixing process, etc. The Body Shop Dupli-Color paint is just pour and spray.
Since I am not a painter, this seemed like the easiest solution. The color looks good and
it really is a no fuss solution that is easy to apply. I would probably forego using their
primer next time and just use the filler primer only. After spraying the color, I sprayed
the clear. Be sure to lower the air pressure when spraying the clear. With it too high,
you will get a rough finish. Since I did this, I just lightly knocked down the finish with 600
grit paper and sprayed several heavy coats of clear at a reduced pressure. The end
result is an automotive finish. The arm cavities are not as smooth as the rest of the B9
but it is pretty good for an amateur.
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B9 Robot
Construction Information
I painted the robot using the following equipment:
Quantity Description
1
Campbell Hausfeld 8
Gallon Air Compressor
Central Pneumatic 20
ounce disposable paint
spray gun cups
Central Pneumatic
Professional Automotive
HVLP Spray Gun Kit
Several
1
Tack Cloths
Acetone
Usage
Torso, Tread Section,
Radar
Note: The compressor
cycled often since the
tank is undersized for
spraying
Attach to spray gun to
remove contaminants
before they reach the
spray gun
Comes with 5 in each
package
Purchased
Home Depot
Harbor Freight
Harbor Freight
Harbor Freight
Home Depot
Home Depot
I do not plan on embarking in a career that involves painting so I just went the
inexpensive route and bought the Harbor Freight stuff. After my bad experience with a
butane torch breaking after one use, I was not sure if I should go the cheap route. I
wanted the spray gun to last for the entire robot painting process. It worked just fine so I
guess even a blind squirrel gets a nut sometimes. If I was to spray often, I would
probably get a bigger air tank and better sprayer.
After painting, I caused a few scrapes and scratches during the assembly
process. I was distraught and contemplated taking things apart and repainting.
After a minor panic attack, I decided to try air brushing the blemishes. I picked
up an inexpensive Harbor Freight air brush kit and repaired the blemishes. The
Dupli-Color paint I used for the robot also worked perfectly in the air brush. I
sprayed the damaged areas with the air brush (paint and then clear), you cannot
see where the damaged areas were. I never used an air brush before but it is an
excellent tool and erased my careless assembly efforts. Do not panic if you
damage your paint job, it can be easily corrected.
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B9 Robot
Construction Information
26
Tread Sections
The tread sections were purchased from Eric Johnson. These are well made steel units.
They are the perfect foundation for your B9. The tread sections come with plastic side
panels. The side panels must be cut and the holes must be drilled to match the 4-40
pre-threaded mounting holes on the lower tread sections. After messing up one of the
side panels, I contacted Eric and he was able to get me a new set of side panels right
away.
This time, I was going to be careful and take my time. Here is how I cut and drilled the
side panels.
I placed the right tread section on its side so the 4-40 holes faced upwards.
I taped 6 sheets of clear binder covers over the tread section so it was like one
piece of clear, kind of sturdy plastic.
I marked all of the 4-40 holes with a permanent marker along with the corner
wheel hole mounts so I could be sure to center the template correctly on the
plastic side panel.
I removed the template and transferred the pattern of the 4-40 holes to the plastic
side panel. I centered the panel using the wheel mounting marks I made on the
template.
I cut off the plastic bends located on the top and bottom of the plastic side panel
so it was now a flat rectangle.
I drilled the 4-40 holes and mounted the plastic side panel to the tread section.
I used a new disposable razor blade knife and trimmed the plastic around the
sides and bottom of the tread section.
I sanded the plastic to the metal of the tread section so it was identical to the
sides and bottom.
On the top of the side panel where the tread section curves inward, I made a
mark on the plastic below the curve.
I placed the plastic panel on a board and clamped it down with a large straight
edge along the top to use as a cutting guide.
I scored the top section several times until the knife cut through the plastic.
I added some axle bolts to the corners of the tread section to verify there would
be no clearance issues.
I mounted the side panel to verify fit.
I removed the side panel, filled imperfections with glazing compound, sanded,
and painted.
Tread section
side panel
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B9 Robot
Construction Information
27
Soil Sampler
If Mike Joyce still sold the soil sampler, I would have just bought one from him. I knew I
wanted a soil sampler so I made one. I am an electrical engineer and not a mechanical
engineer. With that said, I used a linear actuator to drive the soil sampler tube / soil
sampler tube gear motor. The gear motor is used to spin the tube. I used the following
parts to make the soil sampler.
Quantity Description
1
Ball Bearing Drawer Slide
1
1
1
1
1
1
Usage
Slide to attach the
sampler tube and motor.
The slide is driven by a
linear actuator.
Purchased
Lowes
ServoCity.com
Lowes
Lowes
ServoCity.com
ServoCity.com
Home Depot
Home Depot
I examined the Mike Joyce soil sampler tube notches and recreated the notches on a
PVC pipe. I painted the PVC pipe the gun metal color. The most difficult part was
getting the motor hub centered on a PVC end cap. If it is off center, the sampler tube
will wobble quite a bit. To compensate for the obvious wobble I was going to have, I
used a 40 RPM gear motor to attach to the tube. It spins slow and reduces the wobble
appearance. After all, it is just an effect and it is not going to do any digging.
The soil sampler tube was painted with Duplicolor Gunmetal paint. The old T177 paint
code has been replaced with paint code BGM0344. The paint was obtained at Advance
Auto Parts.
A picture of the soil sampler is shown on the next page:
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B9 Robot
Construction Information
Soil sampler in
operation
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Construction Information
28
CSS
The CSS rests upon the donut and bearing. As shown below, the CSS is laying on its side
while connected to the electronics located in the leg section. The CSS can be completely
removed via a connector but having a table next to the robot allows me to quickly lay the
CSS sideways while doing some additional work in the leg section.
The
bearing
the torso
rests on
CSS sideways on a
table
Servo drive
Connector to
disconnect CSS
PLC
CSS sideways on a
table
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B9 Robot
Construction Information
The CSS shown below is resting on the bearing /donut. The CSS just lowers on top of the
bolts that extend from the bearing. A few views of the CSS are shown for clarity. The
CSS was constructed with round plates. The round plates were purchased from eBay via
a sellers store - sirussteel.
Quantity Description
3
1/8: .125 steel plate 12
1
diameter circle.
1/8: .125 steel plate 16
diameter circle.
Usage
CSS
Purchased
eBay seller
was Siriussteel
CSS
eBay seller
was Siriussteel
Holes were drilled in the CSS plates and threaded rod that was purchased at Home Depot
is used to connect it all together. As you can see, I mounted two speakers to the CSS
utilizing small angle brackets I purchased at Home Depot. The relays shown in the picture
are used for switching power to the soil sampler motor, radar motor (2 relays used to
switch polarity/direction), and the crown motor. I purchased the relays from Automation
Direct.
CSS top
speaker
CSS connectors
Small cables
with connectors
for the pinchers
CSS relays
CSS lower
speaker
CSS PLC
Flex I/O
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B9 Robot
Construction Information
29
Control
The B9 robot is controlled via an Allen-Bradley SLC 5/05 PLC with Flex I/O and the waist
motor is controlled via an Allen-Bradley Ultra 3000 servo drive. The sound is triggered via
serial commands originating from the PLC to a CFIII sound module. Three switches and
four normally open pushbuttons are used to control shows/playback sequences for the
robot. Pulling the power pack and plugging it back in also generate a power down/power
up sequence. The following input devices located in the programming bay perform the
functionality as described below:
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B9 Robot
Construction Information
Hidden Programming Bay Pushbutton #1
This pushbutton issues the main show. When this pushbutton is pressed, the main show
begins. The main show rotates the Torso to several different positions and activates the
pinchers at specific points in the show. The robot says the following during the main
show.
Hello, I can state with certainty that John is an extremely attractive specimen, John, your
parents must be very proud, what do you mean, what else do I do?, is it not enough that I
stand here providing protection as well as being the most esthetically pleasing machine on
this planet? What else do I do? With all of my lights I can double as a passable
Christmas tree, all my circuits are function perperperfectly, I was very famous at one time,
everyone knew me and adored me as the robot from Lost in Space, now I am retired, and
I, well I just stand here most of the time and look really cool, for the record, I never said
Danger Danger Will Robinson, I do not vacuum or do the dishes, pardon me. Do you have
any WD-40? Building a B9 Robot, Bubble 300 dollars, Torso 1000 dollars, laser cut steel
tread sections 1200 dollars, having me standing in your living room, priceless, I have great
difficulty getting through the airport metal detector, R2D2, what a hack, the prime directive
forbids taking human life, but I could certainly pinch you very hard (pinchers actuate open
and closed three times), the only danger that my sensors indicate is that you forgot to
utilize your deodorant this morning, for a human, you are not an extremely attractive
specimen, John is my friend, without John, I would be a spineless shell of a robot, you
should not use your entire vocabulary in a single sentence, what you do not posses in
accuracy you make up for in lack of logic, John, you look marvelous, may I be excused?
Thank you, live long and prosper, hasta la vista baby.
Hidden Programming Bay Pushbutton #2
This pushbutton issues the soil sampler show. When this pushbutton is pressed, the soil
sampler show begins. The soil sampler show rotates the Torso and extends the soil
sampler tube out the soil sampler door. Once the soil sampler tube is extended, the soil
sampler tube will rotate. At a certain point in the dialogue, the tube rotation will halt and
the tube will retract. The robot says the following during the soil sampler show.
Activating soil sampler, please stand clear, analyzing sample, it is composed primarily of
carpeting with trace amounts of dirt, hey I found a dime, can I keep it?
Hidden Programming Bay Pushbutton #3
This pushbutton issues the youngest daughter show.
Hidden Programming Bay Pushbutton #4
This pushbutton issues the oldest daughter show.
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B9 Robot
Construction Information
The power pack also issues a small audio and light sequence when it is detected as pulled
out or pushed in. The power pack performs the functionality as described below:
Power Pack Disengage
While the power pack disengage sequence is playing, motors are cycled off one at a time
to provide the illusion of dying and the light sequence freezes. When the dialogue has
completed, all of the motors stop and the lights turn off. The robot says the following when
the power pack is disengaged.
uhhhh.my power pack needs chargiiiiing
Power Pack Engage
While the power pack engage sequence is playing, the ear motors, crown motor, and
radar operate. The indicators cycle normally. The robot says the following when the power
pack is engaged.
Where am I? Who turned out the lights? Robot initiating systems check, please stand by,
initiating recalibration procedure, main computer boot sequence completed, I am a robot,
model B9 of the class M3, programmed to provide information and support to all members
of this household
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