#elektor

The Moth Cybernetic Model (1975) by M. Keul and H. Lohr, Elektor June 1975. "This is a design for a simple cybernetic model, based on an electric toy car, that will be attracted towards a light source like a moth, negotiating obstacles in its path. The car has two motors, one to propel it and one for the steering mechanism. The principle is quite simple. A light-sensitive element is mounted obliquely to the right at the front of the car. Normally, the steering motor keeps the car on a left turn, but this motor can be reversed by a relay, so that the car turns to the right. This happens each time the light-sensitive element receives light. If the car, travelling to the left, passes a light source, it swerves to the right in the direction of the light. However, it keeps turning to the right, so that after some time the element receives no more light. Then the car will automatically swerve to the left again until the element again receives light from the source, and so on. Thus the car zigzags towards the light source. It behaves more-or-less like a moth, hence the name of this apparatus." – Elektor june 75.

Timbug II published in Elektor, June 1980. This robot uses ultrasonics to trigger obstacle avoidance behaviour – a random back-off and turn. There are no photographs in the Elektor article so the photos show David Buckley's build of Timbug-II made in the style of other Elektor projects using acrylic sheet and pcb spacers. "The initial design requirements for this 'bug' were that it be able to 'see' objects in its path and take avoiding action. It should also be as inexpensive and as simple as possible. As the circuit was designed around the ever popular 555 timer IC, and the circuit shown here is the Mk II version, it is not difficult to realise how it came to be christened Timbug II. By using just four timer ICs and a handful of other components a quite 'intelligent' and lifelike animal can be made. Rather like a bat, the bug transmits a 'radar beam' of ultrasonic sound which will be reflected by any obstacle in its path. Once this reflected signal has been detected the bug will alter its course. It does this simply by reversing a short distance while turning to the left or right at the same time. If the path in front of the bug is now clear it will move straight ahead thereby avoiding any obstacle. If, however, another object is detected the bug will continue to 'wriggle its way out' by turning to the left and right alternately." – Elektor, June 1980.

Beetle (1975) by Rossbach secondary school, Elektor, June 1975. "Beetles, tortoises and the like have often served as models for cybernetic machines which must also have a reasonable appearance. The beetle described in this article can 'see, hear and feel' and reacts to information in the form of sounds and movements. The animal has a memory and can get tired. The beetle is the first of a series of articles on cybernetic models. … In daylight (vertical light) the model moves slowly forward in a circle (counter-clockwise) with a diameter of approx. 80cm. If during its journey the beetle arrives in a place where there is less light (for instance in a dark corner or below a chair), it rests in the shade for approx. half a minute to a full minute and then resumes its circulatory journey. It is also possible that, instead of continuing the model decides to take a prolonged rest in the shade: it 'falls asleep'. This condition of prolonged rest can only be altered by external stimuli. The object casting the shadow is removed or the model is wakened by a loud sound (clapping). If the beetle 'sees' a horizontal light source on its journey, it makes a beeline for it. Any deviations from its course are automatically corrected. If the model hits an obstacle in its path, it gives a brief cry of fright and immediately shrinks back. This reverse movement is, however, preceded by a short turn, so that when the beetle resumes its forward movement after 3-4 seconds, it is positioned obliquely with respect to its previous direction of travel. Because the beetle can now no longer see the light source, it again starts a left turn, which results in a second collision with the obstacle, somewhat more to the left than the first time. Thus, after a few repetitions, extensive obstacles are also dodged, after which the beetle heads for its goal (phototropism)." – Beetle, Elektor June 75.

Everyone is, of course, welcome to bring a smartphone.

Máte někdo zkušenosti s nákupem na elektoru? Ono třeba na holandském eleshopu je taky levněji než na Aliexpressu, ono málem všude je levněji než na Aliexpressu (s vyjímkou českých překupníků z Aliexpressu…pochopitelně), ale tady už jsou mi ty ceny až podezřelé.

Check out my first impressions of the Raspberry Pi Pico 2. I don't have a physical unit in my hands yet, but one is on the way! #RaspberryPi #RaspberryPiPico2 #Elektor

28:00 The End

26:26 The Noise and Sample And Hold Module