DIY robot lawn mower

[Two-Stroke]

Two-Stroke
So far what I'v learned the limitations of the different consumer robotic feedback products available.

Electronic Compasses are affected by Motors, Cars, even the iron railing on my mom's porch.
...

All the other stuff you mentioned, I know nothing about. But I'm surprised that electronic compasses are considered a viable product -- I have one on my cell phone and it's basically worthless.

Does "George" work well if you bypass all the automatic features and just run him as you would a model airplane? You mentioned that you had a keypad (with blue-tooth) for remote control.

 

[KennyV]

... I'm surprised that electronic compasses are considered a viable product -- I have one on my cell phone and it's basically worthless.

Two-Stroke,
Electronic compasses are very precise,
phone apps are a compromise with resources and the developers programming.... some are ok... some need to be swapped for better...

Tommy, Looks like you are well into a fun & useful project :thumbsup:...
:smile:KennyV

 

[Tommy]

Does "George" work well if you bypass all the automatic features and just run him as you would a model airplane? You mentioned that you had a keypad (with blue-tooth) for remote control.

Two-Stroke
Yes, but it does need the Encoders(2) even when mowing with the Keyboard. one encoder keeps the
speed constant no matter what the lawn slop, the other one keeps it going in straight lines even on
uneven ground(this one can be seen in the last picture I posted, it's connected to the bar coming off
the center of george. while plowing it needs the gyro to keep going straight as possible, unless I can
find a way to use the encoders.

Electronic compasses are very precise,

KennyV
From what I'v seen consumer Electronic compasses have a .1 deg resolution, I can get .006 deg
resolution with encoders, but encoders are incremental and require much processing power to
use in that function, but they are also not affected by large metal objects or electric motors. but
with encoders you must have very good contact with the ground, very hard to do in the winters
up here.

Tommy

 

[Tommy]

The original design I had in my head for the mowing deck was 3 scott classic reel type for
a 50" cut path. but the earthwise has a mulching blade, don't think a reel type could do
that, and may require removing the cuttings, is that the case?

Tommy

 

[KennyV]

Electronic compasses are very precise, But not something that comes to mind for small scale (within your yard) navigation, actually it would be the last... too many variables.
Navigation (electronic) airborne navigation was my field in the military...
much more accurate and easier to work with is 3-D navigation using global positioning... It is used on larger scale farming and is accurate enough to be within inches covering hundreds of acres ...
I use reel type mowers now and then in my larger areas, depending on the season. If I'm cutting short 2inch or less the reels work good taller than that it dose not work well... :smile:KennyV

 

[gardener]

Robot lawn mower. This is really a great gardening tool especially for busy people who do not have assistants at home. I would love considering owning one, but aren't these types so expensive?

 

[minkyung]

It is interesting. It is fun also. Very possible. But I am sure it is expensive to build. Also expensive to maintain. Japan is doing many robotics work for the house. Very good for old people without children at home. Lawn mowing is easy compared to housework.

 

[Two-Stroke]

It is interesting. It is fun also. Very possible. But I am sure it is expensive to build. Also expensive to maintain. Japan is doing many robotics work for the house. Very good for old people without children at home. Lawn mowing is easy compared to housework.

That's a good point -- but isn't lawn mowing similar to vacuuming?

 

[Tommy]

It is interesting. It is fun also. Very possible. But I am sure it is expensive to build. Also expensive to maintain.

minkyung
If you tried to build one fifteen years ago(before ebay/creaglist) the costs to build could be grounds
for a divorce, but not today(I hope). using electric motors which have far less moving parts then a gas
motor should be easier and less costly to maintain(just a guess).

One trick I use to keep build costs down is to use wood to test an idea then replace with metal once
it is perfected(example below, testing casters). PS: not sure yet if casters are the best idea, but I
now know that two casters are better then one on uneven surfaces(like a lawn).

Tommy

 

[Two-Stroke]

Tommy-

Thanks for posting the photos. Please keep us informed as "George" evolves.