Review of "Intermediate Robot Building" by David Cook

[Colin McGregor]

At the last NewTLUG I got a copy of "Intermediate
Robot Building" by David Cook, and promised that I
would write a review of the book for the group, and
here is what I have come up with:

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Review of "Intermediate Robot Building" by David Cook,
Apress, 442 pages,
$34.99 (U.S.).

Review by Colin McGregor.

"Circuit Cellar" magazine editor Steve Ciarcia once
noted that his favourite programming language was
solder, namely he loved putting electronic parts
together, and any software to drive those parts was
something of an afterthought.  "Intermediate Robot
Building" by David Cook follows in that same school,
an emphasis on what parts to choose, why to choose
them and making the required mechanical parts.
Programming robots does not get a lot of space in this
book. What this means is that if you don't already
know the smell of flux (a cleaning compound used to
help ensure good electrical connections) then this
book is likely not for you. The author does touch on
what diodes, resistors and capacitors are, but the
explanation is brief so if your not familiar with
these parts you will likely soon become very lost.

The book does look at the steps involved in putting
together a small "Roundabout" robot. In the first part
of the book David Cook looks at the mechanical issues
involved in small robot construction, part
fabrication, and connecting motors to wheels.

Next the book looks at basic electronic issues, power
supplies, powering the motors, and an infrared
obstacle detector.

Then by the time we are over 2/3 of the way through
the book all the preceding comes together in a simple
stupid roundabout robot. To start with the robot will
only move forward until it detects an obstacle, then
it will turn. This is followed by a brief discussion
about adding some intelligence to the robot.

In the last part of the book looks at additional
sensors for the robot and where to go further.  

Now, if you have done some electronic kit
construction, or built some simple electronic circuits
from scratch you should not have any trouble with this
book. Assuming you have the above noted knowledge,
then this book is highly recommended as the
explanations are clear, and the explanations are
useful.


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