Hakkit

Not rated 15,341

Hakkit
Hakkit

The Hakkit robotics shield serves as a breakout kit for the Arduino Uno R3. When assembled, the shield provides five standard servo headers that utilize the PWM pins on the Arduino and expands the analog pins to offer six inputs for sensors. This shield is the initial component of a range of robotics kits. The analog headers on the board are designed to be compatible with a variety of sensors that are planned for future release, allowing for easy connection and power supply. These headers utilize the same connectors as standard servos to minimize the number of different connectors and leads required for operation. The servo output connectors enable the use of servos or electronic speed controllers. It is important to note that when using electronic speed controllers with a Battery Elimination Circuit (BEC), the regulator on the board should not be used. If separate power for the Arduino is desired, the power jumper should be removed. Conversely, if the ESC's power supply is to be used for the Arduino, the jumper should be placed in the Arduino Power Source position. Not all speed controllers include a battery elimination circuit; however, if present, it is typically indicated on the packaging. The accompanying schematic illustrates the complete breakout of the utilized pins and the power supply circuit. Capacitors have not been added to the 7805 circuit, as the selected component has consistently provided an output voltage within the desired tolerance without them. Additionally, a header for a software serial port has been included, which employs the soft serial library within Arduino. This port is intended to facilitate future add-on modules and allow for interfacing with custom projects. The design of this robotics shield was accomplished using Fritzing, a free and open-source tool for circuit design and PCB creation, which is recommended for users to explore.

The Hakkit robotics shield is engineered to enhance the functionality of the Arduino Uno R3 by providing essential connectivity options for robotics applications. The five standard servo headers are strategically connected to the PWM pins of the Arduino, allowing for precise control of servo motors, which are critical for movement in robotic systems. The shield's design includes six analog input headers, enabling seamless integration with a variety of sensors, such as ultrasonic distance sensors, temperature sensors, and more, thereby expanding the capabilities of the Arduino platform for robotics projects.

The compatibility of the analog headers with standard servo connectors simplifies the wiring process, ensuring that users can easily connect sensors without the need for multiple types of connectors. This design choice not only streamlines the assembly of robotics projects but also enhances reliability by reducing potential connection errors.

The servo output connectors are versatile, accommodating both standard servos and electronic speed controllers (ESCs). When utilizing ESCs equipped with a Battery Elimination Circuit (BEC), careful attention must be paid to the power management of the system. The shield includes a power jumper that allows users to choose between powering the Arduino from the ESC or using an external power source. This flexibility provides users with options based on their project requirements, whether they prefer to use the ESC to power the Arduino or to isolate power supplies for improved performance.

The schematic provided with the shield outlines the pin configuration and the power supply circuit, which has been optimized for efficiency. The decision to exclude capacitors from the 7805 voltage regulator circuit is based on empirical testing, confirming that the voltage output remains stable and within acceptable limits without additional filtering components. This design choice simplifies the circuit and reduces the overall component count.

Furthermore, the inclusion of a software serial port header opens up possibilities for future enhancements and custom project integration. This feature allows users to implement additional communication protocols or connect various modules, expanding the versatility of the robotics shield.

Overall, the Hakkit robotics shield is a thoughtfully designed tool that significantly enhances the Arduino Uno R3's capabilities for robotics applications, providing a robust platform for developers and hobbyists alike. Its user-friendly design, compatibility with a range of sensors and actuators, and flexibility in power management make it an excellent choice for those looking to explore the world of robotics.The Hakkit robotics shield is a breakout kit for the Arduino Uno R3. When assembled the shield gives five standard servo headers taking advantage of the PWM pins on the Arduino and breaks out the analog pins to give six inputs for sensors. This shield is the first part of our range of robotics kits. The analog headers on the board are intended to be compatible with a range of sensors which we have coming soon the have been planned so that sensors can be plugged in and receive power. These are designed to use the same plugs as standard servos so as to reduce the number of different types of connectors and leads that are needed to use the shield.

The servo out connectors are there to allow the use of servos or electronic speed controllers (* See Note) allowing the robot or project to have the ability to move around. * Note: When using electronic speed controllers with BEC (Battery Elimination Circuit) you will not want to use the regulator on the board.

If you want to power your Arduino separately you should remove the power jumper. If you would like to use the power supply from you ESC to power your Arduino you should put the jumper into the Arduino Power Source position. Not all speed controllers have a battery elimination circuit but if they do it is usually listed as a feature on the packaging.

The above schematic shows the full breakout of the pins that we are using and the power supply circuit. We have chosen not to add capacitors onto the 7805 circuit as the voltage output from the chosen part has proven to provide an output voltage within the desired tolerance without the need of the capacitors.

Not shown on the above schematic we have also included a header for a software serial port. This uses the soft serial library within Arduino. We have planned this port to allow us to offer some interesting add-on modules in the future and to allow you to interface your own projects with the board. This robotics shield was designed using Fritzing which is a free and open source tool for designing circuits and creating PCBs.

We would highly recommend this as a tool for everyone to try. 🔗 External reference