Build Your Own All-Terrain Robot

I've purchased and read (well partially) several books written about robotics. The reason I mentioned partially is they all disappoint me to near disgust. They all re-hash silly things such as resistor color codes, number systems, and skim over discrete electronic component operational theory - often erroneously. The authors even copy and paste microcontroller instruction tables into the book! (This information can be found free on the web.) Anything to stuff the pages. All this is available in other books on the subject of basic electronics. I'll step off the soap box long enough to say thanks to these authors: Brad Graham, Kathy McGowan, and Brad Graham. This book descibes great ideas for home built machines for guys with real tools. Although it still lacks in some areas, it should provide the really mechanically oriented with inspriation to build some utilitarian machines. You won't find any ideas for toys made from hose clamps and duct tape with a 9 volt battery for a base in this book. So, if all you have access to is a soldering iron and a hobby shop this isn't the book for you. But, if you're looking to get real with some machines to entertain and/or do some work then this book is a must read.

A great book for beginner's and intermediate robot builders. The book gives a great overview from structural to electrical construction and gives good advice on what to buy and where. It provides an brief explanation of each device and how to make it work best without getting into the complicated workings of each device (unlike David Cook, author of Robot Building for Beginner and its sequel ) I used it extensively when i first started out and still use it for reference. It is a fairly new book so none of the information is really outdated. <br /> <br />If you want to build radio controlled robots then this is the book to get. Good price and a long-lasting buy. Easy to read and understand (except in some of the radio sections, they take a little bit of thinking). <br /> <br />Cons: I wish he would have included more advice on where to find some of the parts. He does list some websites in the back but i had better luck searching what i needed in google. He doesn't talk to much about "aftermarket" antennas for both the video/audio reviver or R/C unit. <br /> <br />Really the only other draw back was then he talked about speed controllers. It is probably the most confusing section and boring. He didn't talk about how to hook everything up either. As far as speed controllers go he didn't discuss dual over single motor controls per unit and amperage considerations. I didn't see anything about fuses or breakers in there either which are important in protecting what will be an investment. <br /> <br />Finally he didn't talk about where to get motors if you don't want to or can't get old used wheelchairs. <br /> <br />Overall it is a good book and deserves a look from any builder.

I read this book, I loved all the way through!!!! <br />Full of instructions, and helpful pictures, this book is awesome! <br />My friend is reading it, on my recomendation, he loves it! Anyone who's read it that I know really liked it. It's very easy to understand. The author, Brad Graham, did a great job! <br />An out-of-this-world read!!