Maze Runner - Pheriperal Upgrades

Introduction

Mechanical construction and peripherals of Maze Runner were lacking. With this upgrade it was added the 433MHz Radio, Igus cable holders, Pan&Tilt mechanism, USB camera, refurbished mechanical fixtures for the Raspberry Pi.

Objectives

• New fixture for Raspberry Pi Board
• New fixture between RaspberryPi and HotBlack Shield
• Add fixture for Pan & Tilt
• Add fixture for 433MHz Radio
• Use Igus cable holder to pass the servo cables
• Lable the servo wirings

 Before

 After

StepByStep Workflow

Step 1: Boards Fixture

Improve fixture between Raspberry Pi and Shield.

Final configuration uses a M2.5x25 Screw, two M2.5 nylon washers to protect the PCBs, a plastic M2.5 spacer cut to size and a M2.5 female to male spacer to connect the stach to the base. Plastic spacers are cut to size.

Step 2: Layout

Plan the layout of the new pheriperals

Step 3: Masks

In order to make precise drilling, the best way is to make a paper mask as a visual aid for the vertical screwdriver.

Step 4: Drill

Use a vertical drill with the right insert to punch holes in the base. The hole for the servo motor is first done roughly with the vertical screwdriver. Holes for the board base are done by drilling the two at the same time, ensuring good alignment between the two.

Step 5: File

The hole for the Pan servomotor is refined using files of various sizes and roughness, cleaning and enlarging the hole to fit. Residues on the dilled holes are removed.

Step 6: Assembly

 All components are bolted together and assembled in the following order:

• Pan Servo and the base for the boards.
• Board Stack
• 433MHz Radio
• Tilt mechanism and USB camera

Step 7: Labels and Cable olders

Cables are labled and an IGUS cable holder (coming from a keyholder :P) is used to collect the cables in a tidy way.

Conclusions

With this upgrade, there is no risk for the boards to come loose and short with the bolts and new peripherals are avilable to continue with the development of the robotic platform.