How to Build a Robot - The BeetleBot

step 1
All the parts you need
Here ar the parts you will need:

the robot parts'
2 - 1,5V motors
2 - SPDT switchs mechanically easy to trigger
2 - AA battery
1 - AA battery holder
1 - plastic or wooden pearl
1 - heat shrink that will fit over the motor shaft

This might cost you less then 10$ cdn.
1,98$ for both motors
1$ for the battery holder
1,98$ for both SPDT switchs
ok ok maybe 10$ is a lot!

I like to buy my stuff here
http://www.solarbotics.com/
http://allelectronics.com/
http://www.goldmine-elec.com/default.htm
http://www.bgmicro.com/

If you recycle it might be all FREE! Try searching old VCR, PS2, old toys, printer, etc
Back then, I use to recycle EVERYTHING, I got everything FREE, old VCR are very good for gears and something SPDT switchs!!! Playstation have great super good motors, the one that makes the laser move.

the tool to complet the robot
1 - safety glasses
1 - soldering iron
1 - glue gun
1 - wire strippers
1 - side cutter
1 - scissors, knife, x-acto, etc

You need some 1,5Volts motor, not 3V or no event 12V!!
Each motors are powered by a SINGLE AA battery! You will draining your battery if you use bigger motor. You can find them in toys or even at your local dollarrama, in little car, fans, etc! ( beware, they might really suck you battery down )

the SPDT swiths need to be really sensitive! I have order some the order day that where to hard to activated, that might cause some problems and the robot might not even avoid obstacles but rather hug them until death. These swiths are the most expensive part of the robot... around 1$ to 4$ each. The one I use are from Cherry.
http://www.cherrycorp.com/english/switches/sealed/dcjk.htm

You should check http://www.solarbotics.com for some great motors. They even have a SPDT switch in store! I have never tried them but Grant did.

Here is a picture of the Solarbotics switchs in use. The beetlerobot was build by Grant McKee, the engineer for Solarbotics but currently works for WOWWEE in Hongkong ( poor Grant! :P)

http://grant.solarbotics.net/images/MISC/Beetle_bot-IMG_3138.jpg

http://grant.solarbotics.net/Misc.htm