This was a very simple critter. Essentially, there were two contact switches (See diagram), a and b. Depending on which switches were closed and which were open, the vehicle would activate motors according to the following table.
| Switch Contacts |
Cart Response |
Motor Drive |
||
| a | b | Right | Left | |
| 0 | 0 | turn right | - | On |
| 0 | 1 | move forward | On | On |
| 1 | 0 | turn left | On | - |
| 1 | 1 | turn left | On | - |
This puppy had speed to spare, let me tell you. It could tear right across the rug like it was one of those gas-powered remote control cars. Maybe I should have geared the motors down a little more, now that I think about it.
Here's a pretty good drawing of the finished product, to the left. Another critter made from my thrift store erector set.
The switches weren't quite placed properly or sufficiently braced. When I placed the thing on the floor, it hauled ass across the room and smashed itself against the wall.
Whee, I'm my own robot destruction derby!
