The Bestselling Robotics Book
New fourth edition -- ON SALE NOW!

Limited copies signed by the author!

Have fun while learning how to design, construct, and use small robots! This richly illustrated guide offers everything you need to know to construct sophisticated, fully autonomous robots that can be programmed from your computer.

Fully updated with the latest technologies and techniques, Robot Builder's Bonanza, Fourth Edition includes step-by-step plans that take you from building basic motorized platforms to giving the machine a brain--and teaching it to walk, talk, and obey commands.

This robot builder's paradise is packed with more than 100 affordable projects, including 10 completely new robot designs. The projects are modular and can be combined to create a variety of highly intelligent and workable robots of all shapes and sizes. Mix and match the projects to develop your own unique creations. The only limit is your imagination!

We have a LIMITED number of copies available, at a great discount price you don't want to pass up. Copies are signed by the author.

Table of Contents

Part 1--The Art and Science of Robot Building
Chapter 1. Welcome to the Wonderful World of Robotics
Chapter 2. Anatomy of a Robot
Chapter 3. Getting Parts

Part 2--Robot Construction
Chapter 4. Safety First (and Always)
Chapter 5. Building Robot Bodies—the Basics
Chapter 6. Mechanical Construction Techniques
Chapter 7. Working with Wood
Chapter 8. Build a Motorized Wooden Platform
Chapter 9. Working with Plastic
Chapter 10. Build a Motorized Plastic Platform
Chapter 11. Working with Metal
Chapter 12. Build a Motorized Metal Platform
Chapter 13. Assembly Techniques
Chapter 14. Rapid Prototyping Methods
Chapter 15. Drafting Bots with Computer-Aided Design
Chapter 16. Constructing High-Tech Robots from Toys
Chapter 17. Building Bots from Found Parts
Part 3--Power, Motors, and Locomotion

Chapter 18. All about Batteries
Chapter 19. Robot Power Systems
Chapter 20. Moving Your Robot
Chapter 21. Choosing the Right Motor
Chapter 22. Using DC Motors
Chapter 23. Using Servo Motors
Chapter 24. Mounting Motors and Wheels
Chapter 25. Robot Movement with Shape Memory Alloy
Part 4--Hands-on Robotic Projects

Chapter 26. Build Robots with Wheels and Tracks
Chapter 27. Build Robots with Legs
Chapter 28. Experimenting with Robotic Arms
Chapter 29. Experimenting with Robotic Grippers
Part 5—Robot Electronics

Chapter 30. Building Robot Electronics—the Basics
Chapter 31. Common Electronic Components for Robotics
Chapter 32. Using Solderless Breadboards
Chapter 33. Making Circuit Boards
Part 6--Computers and Electronic Control

Chapter 34. An Overview of Robot “Brains”
Chapter 35. Understanding Microcontrollers
Chapter 36. Programming Concepts: The Fundamentals
Part 7--Microcontroller Brains

Chapter 37. Using the Arduino
Chapter 38. Using the PICAXE
Chapter 39. Using the BASIC Stamp
Chapter 40. Interfacing Hardware with Your Microcontroller
Chapter 41. Remote Control Systems
Part 8--Sensors, Navigation, and Feedback

Chapter 42. Adding the Sense of Touch
Chapter 43. Proximity and Distance Sensing
Chapter 44. Robotic Eyes
Chapter 45. Navigating Your Robot
Chapter 46. Making and Listening to Sound
Chapter 47. Interacting with Your Creation
Chapter 48. Danger, Will Robinson

Robot Builder's Bonanza, Fourth Edition covers

• Parts, materials, and tools
• Building motorized wooden, plastic, and metal platforms
• Rapid prototyping methods
• Drafting bots with computer-aided design
• Constructing high-tech robots from toys
• Building bots from found parts
• Power, motors, and locomotion
• Robots with wheels, tracks, and legs
• Constructing robotic arms and grippers
• Robot electronics and circuit making
• Computers and electronic control
• Microcontrollers--Arduino, PICAXE, and the BASIC Stamp
• Remote control systems
• Sensors, navigation, and visual feedback
• Robot vision via proximity, light, and distance

This super cool mouse pad is for first-time Arduino programmers, and anyone else who needs a reminder on using a particular Arduino command. The pad measures 7-3/4" by 9-1/4", and has an open cell black rubber backing. The quick ref text is permanently dyed right into the high quality fabric that lines the top of the pad. Works with ball, LED, and laser mice. The reference text contains the most commonly used Arduino programming commands.

Select from either 1/8" or 1/4" thick backing. I prefer the 1/8" backing, particularly for use with my laptop. The thinner material is lighter, and can be easily rolled up to take little space in the laptop bag. For those who prefer the thicker and more cushioned backing we offer the 1/4" pad for just $1.50 more.

The open cell backing of the mouse pad is skid resistant.
The pad is available in both 1/8" and 1/4" thickness.

Now, you might have seen those custom imprinted mouse pads that are nothing more than a picture stuck under a piece of plastic. These aren't that kind! Our mouse pads use a high-density fabric that's permanently adhered to the rubber backing. The fabric is professionally dyed using color-fast inks that imded directly into the fabric. Our pads are naturally low-static, and washable.

Like our resistor color code reference cards, these Arduino quick reference mouse pads are affordably priced, and make great gifts, stocking stuffers, and handout material for schools and organizations. We offer quantity discounts when buying 20 or more pads, and we can even custom imprint the name of your school, business, or club. Send us e-mail for more information on bulk orders and custom imprinting.

Need help remembering your resistor color codes? (After nearly 45 years in electronics, I admit I need reminding now and then!) Want to introduce someone to the exciting world of electronics? This all-metal resistor color code card makes a durable and convenient pocket reference, ideal for home, work, shop, school ... anywhere!

Each card is printed in full vibrant color with a scratch-resistant coating. The card measures 2" x 3-1/2" and is printed on high quality 0.025" brushed aluminum -- no, not paper or plastic. These won't dog-ear, or get soggy in a puddle of Diet Coke when left on the table.

Put the card in your shirt pocket or find an empty slot in your wallet. Stick a magnet strip on the back and hang it on the metal case of your computer, scope, or tool box. Or use double-sided foam tape and tack it anywhere. They even work as bookmarks!

Stick a magnet or double-sided tape on the back
of the resistor color card and put it on on your
toolbox, work bench, even the kitchen refrigerator!

A set of colored rows and columns show you the resistance values for 4- and 5-band resistors, plus tolerance (standard and precision). Looking up or checking a resistance value is as simple as following the color bands left to right.

These resistor color code reference cards are affordably priced, and are perfect as inexpensive gifts, stocking stuffers, and handout material for schools and organizations. Want a card for everyone at work or in class? We offer quantity discounts when buying 25 or more cards. We can even custom imprint the name of your school, business, or club! Send us e-mail if you'd like more information on bulk orders and custom imprinting.