7 ms·
I once built a micro-mouse from scratch, intending to compete. I built a Z80 based computer with 8KB RAM and 8KB ROM, programmed directly in Z80 assembler. I
by ColinWright 3y ago
I once built a micro-mouse from scratch, intending to compete. I built a Z80 based computer with 8KB RAM and 8KB ROM, programmed directly in Z80 assembler.
I build the chassis from perspex and brass, turning my own spacers to hold the various boards in the right places. I used DC motors, made my own power controllers, opto-isolators, shaft encoders, IR wall distance detectors, servo steering assembly, bearings for the front wheel, ...
Everything.
Then the night before the competition I blew out my one and only EEPROM by plugging it into the programmer backwards.
Never got to compete.
But I still have Harvey[0] somewhere. I should pull him out and make a series of videos about his construction. But it was 35 years ago and the technology has changed ... I doubt anyone would be interested, especially because he never competed.
But I was proud of building the computer from scratch and having it work first time, and of being able to run down my homebuilt section of "corridor" without hitting the walls. At the time no mice had run diagonally, so I really was in the running, provided it ran.
Oh well.
[0] No, not named after the cocktail[1], but after the smallest species of mouse in the UK. It's the "Harvest Mouse", or "Micromys minutus".
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harvey_Wallbanger https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harvey_Wallbanger
- cookieperson 3y agoPlease do document this and share it. Just because you didn't get to compete doesn't mean what you did wasn't awesome
- ColinWright 3y agoThat's very kind, and you've made me start to think about it seriously. I'd have to find him first, of course. And find some space to lay out the pieces to photograph. Hmm ...
- blopp99 3y agoPlease do!
- blopp99 3y agoI wanna see Harvey! Would like to see a blog or video about it!