Overview
This kit comes with controller board UNO PLUS, AlphaBot robotic platform (line tracking, obstacle avoidance, speed measuring, IR control), and ultrasonic sensor. Bluetooth version includes Bluetooth module, and a versatile Arduino accessory shield.
While utilizing UNO PLUS as controller board, this kit is based on the Arduino software/hardware open source platform. Combined with the modular design, it's an ideal platform to get started with Arduino robot.
UNO PLUS Features
UNO PLUS is a development board compatible with the Arduino UNO R3, an improved & enhanced alternative solution for Arduino UNO R3.
UNO PLUS Vs UNO R3：
| UNO PLUS | UNO R3 | Remarks | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Operating voltage | 5V/3.3V | 5V | Dual voltage level to support more shields |
| Reset | Lateral | Vertical | Lateral button is easier to use when connecting with shield |
| Bootloader switch | Yes | None | The board can be configured to run program immediately when power-up by the switch |
| USB connector | Micro USB | USB Type B | Micro connector is more commonly used, and shields won't be blocked anymore while connecting |
| DC jack | Low profile | Normal height | Shields won't be blocked anymore while connecting |
| Power output header | Yes | None |
Providing 5V/3.3V power output OR common-grounding with other boards |
| 3.3V power output | 800mA Max | 150mA Max | UNO PLUS features higher driving capability |
| Oscillator | Crystal oscillator | Ceramic resonator | Crystal oscillator is suit for applications where accurate clock reference is required |
| ADC channel | 8 | 6 | CFG used as ADC6 by configuration, and ADC7 from the Reserved PIN |
| Connecting with prototype breadboard | Supported | Not supported | Solder pads is provided for DIY interfaces to connecting with prototype breadboard |
| USB driver | Compatible with all main systems | Doesn't compatible with WIN7/WIN8 Express Edition | Driver will never failed to install thanks to the onboard FT232 |
| Firmware fixing | Supported | Not supported | Firmware can be fixed by using the onboard FT232, no extra programmer is needed |
AlphaBot Features
- Raspberry Pi/Arduino interfaces, works with either one separately, or both
- Arduino extend header, supports Arduino shields
- Modular design, plug-and-play modules like line tracking, obstacle avoidance, speed measuring, etc. eliminating the trouble of connecting mess wires.
- LM298P motor driver with diode protection circuit, more safety
- LM2596 voltage regular, provides stable 5V power to the Raspberry Pi/Arduino
- TLC1543 AD acquisition chip, allows the Pi to use analog sensors
Accessory Shield Overview
Accessory Shield integrates common used accessories/components listed as follows :
- Joystick (5 directions)
- Adjustable potentiometer
- Buzzer
- RGB LED
- Temperature sensor
- 3-axis digital accelerometer
- High precision RTC
- 0.96inch OLED
- XBee interface
What's on the UNO PLUS
- ATMEGA328P-AU
- AMS1117-3.3 : 3.3V voltage regulator
- NCP1117ST50T3G : 5V voltage regulator
- FT232RL : USB to UART convertor
-
Arduino interface
- compatible with standard Arduino interface with two additional analog inputs A6 (config the CFG), A7
- solder pads provided, supports prototype breadboard
- ICSP interface
- MICRO USB connector : for uploading program OR serial port debugging
- Power output header : 3.3V OR 5V, voltage level configured by the onboard power configuration switch, used as power output OR common-grounding with other boards
- FT232 pins : for burning Bootloader into the microcontroller
- DC input : 7V ~ 12V
- Reset button
- Power indicator
- Serial port Rx/Tx indicator
- User LED
- Power configuration switch : for configuring the operating voltage
-
Bootloader selection switch
- turn ON : the board will reset when power-up OR other USB devices were detected connecting to the PC
- turn OFF : the onboard program runs immediately when power-up, and the board will not reset when other USB devices were detected connecting to the PC
What's on the AlphaBot Mainboard
- Raspberry Pi interface: for connecting Raspberry Pi
- Arduino interface: for connecting Arduino
- Motor interface
- Ultrasonic module interface
- Servo module interface
- Obstacle avoidance module interface
- Speed measuring interface
- Battery holder: supports 18650 batteries
- Reserved power input (not soldered): for connecting other external power supply
- Arduino expansion header: for connecting Arduino shields
- UART interface: for connecting Bluetooth module, to control the robot remotely via Bluetooth
- SPI interface: for connecting NRF24L01 wireless module
- Line tracking module interface
- TLC1543: 10-bit AD acquisition chip, allows the Pi to use analog sensors
- LM298P: dual H bridge motor driver chip, up to 2A current
- Anti-reverse diode
- Power switch
- LM2596: 5V regulator
- Power indicator
- UART switch: turn on to enable serial communication between Raspberry Pi and Arduino
- IR receiver: control the robot remotely via infrared
- Raspberry Pi/Arduino selection: select the Raspberry Pi or Arduino to control the robot peripherals
Photos
AlphaBot mainboard
AlphaBot mainboard back view
AlphaBot mainboard
AlphaBot mainboard back view
AlphaBot mobile robot
AlphaBot mobile robot back view
AlphaBot mobile robot
AlphaBot mobile robot
AlphaBot multi-function robot
AlphaBot multi-function robot
AlphaBot multi-function robot
AlphaBot multi-function robot
AlphaBot + Raspberry Pi
AlphaBot-Pi Raspberry Pi robot
AlphaBot-Pi Raspberry Pi robot
AlphaBot-Pi Raspberry Pi robot
Examples
Infrared line tracking robot
Infrared obstacle avoidance robot
Ultrasonic obstacle avoidance robot
Infrared/Bluetooth remote control robot
Video monitoring robot
Note: photos are FOR REFERENCE ONLY, the other boards/modules/accessories are NOT included in the price.
Documentation:
User Manual
AlphaBot Assembly Diagram
Schematic
Demo code