Robix Rascal

Thesystem comes in a nice Tuff-Stuff toolbox that stores all the partsand tools. You get six servo-motors, two typesof project bases, anodized aluminum struts, nylon connectors, a gripperhand, wiring, PC software, an assortment of tools, and an adapter boxthat connects the Rascal to your computer through the parallel port.The kit also comes with a video and a manual. Eleven projects are outlinedin the basic kit -- everything from a slithering snakebot to a roboticarm to a golfer. he robots are controlled through a console (Windows orDOS) program that's easy to operate, but sophisticated enough to allowmacro programming for complex operations.TheElectronics Adapter of the RCS-6 connects through any parallel printerport of your DOS PC using your existing printer cable, so there isno need to open your computer. It works with laptops, too, and almostany PC will do, even an old PC-XT as long as it has a high-densityfloppy drive to load the software. Color screens are preferred butnot required, and even ancient CGA screens work fine.Thecomputer-interface is small in size and rests on the robot arm base.It turns commands from your computer into control signals for thesix servos. The interface also has two on/off outputs that can supply150 milliamps of drive current for LED's, relays, solenoids, etc.Also included are 0 to 5 volt analog sensor inputs and an 8-bit A/Dconverter as well as simple on/off switch-closure inputs. A low-voltagewall-mounted power supply for the electronics and servos is alsoincluded.The RCS-6 Softwareis designed so that users have the best of both worlds. In Teachmode, you can interactivelyteach your robot complete sequences of motions without typing:the move commands are typed in automatically. In Edit mode, you canedit,cut, and paste sequences, add comments, and execute lines or blockscausing the robot to run whole sequences or single moves.Accelerations andmax speeds are adjustable for each axis, allowing exploration ofimportant control themes. Robotprograms, called "scripts", can be saved and then recalledlater. There is also an additional layer of software for advancedusers, which allows control of the robot through scripts plus C language.