RoboPICA, PIC Microcontroller Based Medium Skill Level Robotic Kit.

This is a medium skill level robotic kit suitable for more advanced users and students in technical colleges as well as universities.

The RoboPICA kit uses a PIC16F887 micrcontroller from Microchip. Users can write programs in assembly, BASIC and C language. Only BASIC and C program languages require the use of compiler software. In this kit all examples are in C language written using the MikroC compiler from MikroElektronika. Builders who want to develop more advance programs will need to purchase the full version of this compiler from MikroElektronika. The latest demo version of MikroC and manuals can be downloaded at www.mikroe.com

The USB programmer provided with RoboPICA is also compatible with Pickit2(TM) programming environment from Microchip. Check for the latest version at www.microchip.com

This Kit Includes :

• RBX-877 PIC16F887 microcontroller robot controller board
• Sensors consisting of
• -IR reflector
• -IR Object detector
• -38kHz IR module
• -38kHz IR Remote control
• -2 DC motor gearboxes and
• -Mechanical parts for building the robot
• C language MikroC evaluation version programming environment.
• Manuals and software on CD-ROM
• USB programmer (PX-200) compatible with MikroC and Pickit2(TM)

Specifications :

• Controlled by PIC16F887 Microcontroller
• Download program via USB programmer
• Available UART port for interfacing many wired and wireless serial device such as Serial Embedded Bluetooth, XBee, XBee Pro module, ZX-SERVO16
• LCD16x2 display
• Piezo speaker
• Status LED's on board
• 2-DC motors ports
• 3-Servo motor ports
• 8-Programmable ports
• Power provided by 4 x AA batteries. (batteries not included)
• Rechargeable 1700mAH batteries can be used if desired but with reduced motor power. (batteries not included)

System Requirements:

A desktop PC or laptop is required for the development software. It is recommended that your machine has the following minimum specifications:

• IBM Compatible PC with one free USB port.
• 100MB Hard disk space.
• SVGA 800x600 resolution.
• CD-ROM Drive
• Microsoft Windows XP with service pack 2 or better.

See these articles for getting started and a programming with sensors guide for the Robo-PICA PIC microntroller.

See the video below for a presentation of what's in the box.