Description: Laptop Computer
Purpose: To communicate with the robot, to make engineering models and drawings, to perform scientific calculations, to write reports, and to develop computer-based presentations. You will also need your laptop during the exams.
Source: Various sources.
Tips for Selecting a Computer: Click HERE!
Description: Parallax Boe-Bot parts kit
Purpose: The Boe-Bot parts kit will provide the platform onto which we will mount the Arduino microcontroller. The resulting robot will be interfaced with a host of electrical components, sensors and actuators, providing a mechanism for implementing interesting engineering projects.
Source: www.parallax.com
You must order . . .
Custom Kit for Louisiana Tech First-Year Engineering
part number 81016
Search for 81016 on the Parallax web site to find the kit.
Description: Arduino Uno (ATMega328)
Purpose: The Arduino microcontroller will be utilized for measurement and control applications.
Source:
www.robotshop.com part number RB-Ard-18
www.mouser.com part number 782-A000046
Approximate Cost: $30
Description: Breadboard (400 tie point)
Purpose: Breadboards allow circuits to be quickly prototyped.
Source:
www.robotshop.com part number RB-Spa-388
www.mouser.com part number 854-BB400
Approximate Cost: $6
Description: 6 ft USB cable: type "A" to "B"
Purpose: A cable is needed to attach the Arduino to your computer.
Source:
www.robotshop.com part number RB-Phi-36
www.mouser.com part number 545-U022-006
Approximate Cost: $4
Description: Equus Innova 3320 Auto Ranging Digital Multimeter IN3320
Purpose: For understanding and troubleshooting electrical circuits and components
Source: www.automotivetoolsonline.com (part number IN3320). While you can purchase multimeters locally in most cities, we have found that the multimeter listed here provides very good performance for the cost. In particular, it provides very stable measurement of DC current which is troublesome for many multimeters. Walmart also carries this multimeter.
Approximate Cost: $17.99
Description: Mini Test Clip Adapters
Purpose: Adding these clips to the probles on the multimeter leads makes troubleshooting your circuits much easier.
Source: www.radioshack.com or at a local Radio Shack store.
CAUTION: Radio Shack's mini hook clips look almost identical to the mini test clip adapters - you DO NOT need the mini hook clips. Be sure to get part number 270-334.
Approximate Cost: $3.49 per pair
Description: ANSI Approved Safety Glasses
Purpose: To protect your eyes during project work
Source: Varous sources (online or local)
Approximate Cost: $2 - $10 per pair
Description: Canvas Tool Bag (internal and external pockets not necessary)
Purpose: To hold your tools
Source: Varous sources, online or local
Approximate Cost: $3 - $12
Description: Needle Nose Pliers
Purpose: Nice for doing electrical work
Source: Varous sources, online or local
Approximate Cost: $2 - $10
Description: Stainless Steel Ruler (there are all different types that would work well)
Purpose: For measuring and laying out parts during fabrication
Source: Varous sources, online or local
Approximate Cost: $3 - $12
Description: Dial Caliper (6 inch with thumb wheel is recommended)
Purpose: To measure parts to within 0.001 inch
Source: Varous sources, online or local. At www.harborfreight.com, see part number 5658-1VGA.
Approximate Cost: $15 up
Description: Small to medium sized Phillips and flat head screwdrivers
Purpose: To assemble parts
Source: Varous sources, online or local.
Approximate Cost: $2 - $10
Description: Wire Stripper. You will need to strip 22 gage solid core wire (this is the size wire that fits into your breadboard).
Purpose: For stripping insulation off of wire, for crimping, and for cutting
Source: Varous sources, online or local. At www.omnitronelectronics.net, the part number is ST-30.
Approximate Cost: $5 - $15
Description: Alligator Clips (about 6 is probably enough)
Purpose: To help you wire up circuits (especially when measuring current with a multimeter).
Source: Varous sources, online or local (Radio Shack). At www.omnitronelectronics.net, the part number is TL-6.
Approximate Cost: $2 - $6
Description: Fine Point Sharpie (or other paint pen)
Purpose: To make marks during project fabrication. Also works good on the printed student notes.
Source: Varous sources
Approximate Cost: $1 - $2
Description: Black Electrical Tape
Purpose: Various uses, including line following for Boe-Bot
Source: Varous sources
Approximate Cost: $0.50 - $2
Description: Teflon Tape
Purpose: Thread sealing tape for plumbing fittings
Source: Varous sources
Approximate Cost: $0.60 - $2
Description: 0.030" Rosin Core, Lead-Free Solder (choose a relatively small solder diameter, although it doesn't necessarily need to be as small as 0.030")
Purpose: Metal for permanent and secure electrical connections - requires a soldering iron which will be supplied in the Bogard Hall Freshman Projects Laboratory (never solder on a surface that could be flammable and never in a place where people live). Read safety precautions.
Source: Varous sources, online or local. Harbour Freight part number 95861.
Approximate Cost: $5
Description: Flux for Soldering.
NOTE: Please don't buy pipe soldering flux since it can be conductive and cause you problems.
Purpose: Helps the solder flow and stick better to the metal being soldered (read safety precautions)
Source: Varous sources, online or local. Radio Shack part number 64-022.
Approximate Cost: $3 - $7
Description: Simple and small pocket knife
Purpose: To remove burrs from plastic parts and for cutting materials
Source: Varous sources, online or local
Approximate Cost: $3 - $10
Description: 6 AA Batteries (alkaline or rechargable)
Purpose: To power your robot for autonomous (no wires attached) operation.
Source: Varous sources.
Approximate Cost: $6 - $35
Description: SolidWorks
Purpose: For making drawings (2D and 3D)
Source: Installed in a special after hours class
Approximate Cost: $85 (SolidWorks & Mathcad bundle costs $120)
Description: Mathcad
Purpose: For performing scientific calculations
Source: Installed in a special after hours class
Approximate Cost: $45 (SolidWorks & Mathcad bundle costs $120)
Description: Microsoft Office 2010
Purpose: For general productivity, presentations, and calculations. You will specifically need Excel and PowerPoint.
Source: University Bookstore
Approximate Cost: $100
