SES-V1 Modular Robot System (RC)

Imagine it. Built it. Control it.

SES-V1 MODULAR ROBOT SYSTEM (RC) DETAILS

OVERVIEW

Think of the Lynxmotion SES-V1 Modular Robot System series of servo brackets as a modular building set for servos. These components are extremely versatile, making virtually any mechanical arrangement possible. Unlike LEGO Mindstorms and many other modular robotic building kits, the Lynxmotion Servo Erector Set (SES) is bordering on custom robotics as it allows you to integrate third party sensors and products. You can build an entire assembly using just brackets, then populate the assembly with servos. This makes it surprisingly quick and easy to design and build rugged assemblies. Replacing or swapping a servo is effortless, as the rest of the assembly doesn’t need to be taken apart.

ACTUATORS

Hitec’s quality RC servo motors are used to provide motion at each joint of an assembly. RC servos can be positioned to an exact angle from 0 to 180 degrees when provided by an RC pulse from an external device.

ELECTRONICS

The SES v1 uses custom designed electronics which send the position include the popular SSC-32U dedicated servo controller, and the programmable, Arduino-compatible BotBoarduino microcontroller. The SSC-32U can not only control up to 32 individual RC servos, but also includes 8 spare IO, and can communicate with other devices via USB, serial or wireless devices in BEE format. The BotBoarduino is fully programmable and breaks out the ATMega328’s digital and analog pins, allowing it to control

MECHANICS

Brackets are made from black anodized aluminum and when there is need for plastic, the parts are in durable black Lexan. Ball bearings at each degree of freedom provide for precise, low friction movement. The tubing, hubs and hub connectors are precision fit and really expand what is possible to build. Standard brackets can use Hitec’s HS-3xx, 4xx, 5xx, 6xx, 54xx, 56xx, and 59xx servos. Note that servos from other manufacturers are not guaranteed (nor likely) to work. The large brackets line can use several Hitec large size normal or digital servos including the HS-755HB, HS-755MG, HS-5745MG and HS-805BB/MG. The micro brackets line can use several Hitec micro size servos including the HS-85BB and HS-85MG.

SOFTWARE & CONTROL

Windows-based sample code is available for many robots using a program called FlowBotics Studio. Flowbotics Studio is a free graphical programming language and all programs can be customized and exported as executables. Most mobile robot kits based around the SES v1 system have Arduino based sample code and make use of a PS2 style handheld remote control.

MODULAR BRACKETS

Easily build complex, lightweight designs

Aluminum brackets make up the backbone of any SES v1 based project. Brackets are connected to each other using standard 2-56 threaded steel screws and nuts. Combine brackets for small, standard and large servos as well as tubing and chassis to create anything from simple 2WD rovers to 24 degree of freedom hexapods and more.

VERSATILE ELECTRONICS

Programmable microcontroller, servo controller and remote control

The Arduino-compatible BotBoarduino microcontroller and SSC-32U dedicated RC servo controller are the main electronics used in the SES v1 system. A Playstation 2 style wireless remote and receiver can be connected to the BotBoarduino for wireless control of complex robots.

QUALITY ACTUATORS

Hitec RC Servo Motors

Specific Hitec RC servos are used at each joint for actuation. These high quality servo motors can rotate up to 180 degrees and are well known in the RC industry for their reliability and high quality.