NEX ROBOTICS SPARK V ATMEGA16 Hardware Manual page 7

SPARK V ATMEGA16 Hardware Manual
2. SPARK V ATMEGA16
Spark V is a low cost robot designed for robotics hobbyists and enthusiasts. It is jointly designed
by NEX Robotics with Department of Computer Science and Engineering, IIT Bombay. Spark V
will help you get acquainted with the world of robotics and embedded systems. Thanks to its
innovative architecture and adoption of the 'Open Source Philosophy' in its software and
hardware design, you will be able to create and contribute to, complex applications that run on
this platform, helping you acquire expertise as you spend more time with them.
Spark V robot is based on ATMEGA16 microcontroller. It has 3 analog white line sensors, 3
analog IR Proximity sensors, 3 directional light intensity sensors and Battery voltage sensing.
Robot has support for 3 MaxBotix EZ series ultrasonic range sensors. It also has support for the
servo mounted sensor pod which can be used to make 180 degrees scan for the map making.
Robot can be powered by 6 AA size rechargeable NiMH batteries. Robot has built-in Smart
Battery Controller which charges the battery in intelligent way and also monitors the battery
charge level when robot is in operation. Robot has onboard FT232 based true USB to serial TTL
converter. Robot programming is done using NEX Robotics Bootloader via USB port. There is
no need to use external programmer. Robot has 2x16 alphanumeric LCD, Lots of LED indicators
and Buzzer etc. for quick debugging. Robot has onboard socket for XBee wireless module for
multi robot and robot to PC communication. Robot has two low power 60 RPM DC geared
motors which are powered by L293D motor driver with the top speed of 66cm/second.
Note: You need to buy MaxBotix EZ series ultrasonic range sensors, XBee wireless module and
rechargeable NiMh Batteries separately.
Figure 2.1: SPARK V Robot
© NEX Robotics Pvt. Ltd. and ERTS Lab IIT Bombay, INDIA 7