CheapBot-18

The CheapBot-18 is an great step up from the CheapBot-14 robot controller. The use of an inexpensive h-bridge gives the CheapBot-18 robot controller the ability to drive to its destination while operating its sensors.

Features of the CheapBot-18

  1. Inexpensive and flexible
  2. Contains four complete output ports (matched with two duplicate high power outputs) and five input ports (each port provides power and access to the microcontroller)
  3. Two double motor ports - perfect for an articulated robot body
  4. Simple to program in BASIC

The price for the CheapBot-18 version 1.0 (CheapBot-18) is $38.50 plus $4.00 S&H. The CheapBot-18 kit contains all the necessary parts except for solder. An assembled and tested CheapBot-18 is available for $48.50 plus $5.00 S&H. If ordered with a robot body, shipping is only $2.00.

Instructions for assembling the CheapBot-18
Instructions for making a progamming cable
Datasheet for the TA8080K motor driver used in the controller
A Squeak eToy demonstration program of the CheapBot robot
Link to Squeak Land where you can download Squeak eToys - it's free!

To program the CheapBot-18's PICAXE-18X, you'll need to download the PICAXE Programmer. It's free at this link