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Ask Slashdot: Robotics or Electronic Kits For Wounded Veterans?
An anonymous reader writes I am currently a combat veteran in the care of the VA Hospital. A lot of veterans here suffer from PTSD and other injuries related to combat and trauma. As part of the healing process, the VA finds it good that we take up hobbies such as art or music, and they supply us kits and stuff to put together and paint. This is great, but many of us younger veterans have an interest in robotics and electronics. Do you know of some good and basic robotic and electronic kits that can be ordered or donated to Veterans out there? Any information would be appreciated.
adafruit and Sparkfun.
Contact them and ask. otherwise those are the places to buy from.
Do not look at laser with remaining good eye.
The Lego Mindstorm kit is fairly good for entry level robotics (by default programmed in a drag and drop GUI) and can be modded to take C or Java code as well.
They are a little pricey but you can share sensors and motors if you have enough connections on your controller.
Good stuff, I used them for my college AI class (it was required material for the class)
Lego Mindstorm comes immediately to mind, as it gets you DOING things with robots rather than getting bogged down in implementation. (The informal motto of the Dallas Personal Robotics Group at one time was "It's harder than it looks!", and they weren't kidding.)
Heathkit keeps talking about making a comeback, but I'm in an "I'll believe it when I see it" mood these days.
Ramsey Electronics has a LOT of kits. Most of them require basic soldering skills. However, they do sell some electronic experimenters kits, that don't require soldering.
SparkFun RedBot
The Arduino Robot
Just plain old Arduino, RasPi, etc hackery.
For the radio minded, Elecraft has some cool ham radio kits.
If you want to start with a pre-built robot - Sparki is pretty good - https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/arcbotics/sparki-the-easy-robot-for-everyone
Arduino base
Already assembled (you don't have to try to do that part)
Modular
Think of it as a prototype unit to play with before you try to build one yourself.
Another great bit would be to build a 3D printer (e.g. Printrbot). Get's you the mechanical bits you crave along with a mid-level development platform, and robot that you can then use to build parts for your next robot.
Point being, if you don't understand the mechanics, programming, and electronics grab a system that has those already done - then use those as stepping stones into areas you want to move into.
Final thought - Thanks for your service!
Everyone else, call your congressional rep and tell them these guys deserve the best we can give them! That's the least I can give to someone willing to get their arse shot off so I can be comfy and drive a desk 9-5.
Great robotics set for you and your (inner?) kid. :-)
If you are in San Diego and combat wounded there are opportunities for you to get out of the hospital and intern at a local government lab to learning robotics. Ask your transition coordinator.
Check this one...
www.tetrixrobotics.com
Gee, I have a medical problem, and I like widget. I know you should use gadget to treat medical problem, but I want to use widget. Can you give me widget for this?
You're looking at PTSD. The Zen guys have a discount for veterans. Mind you, veterans are the most entitled, self-absorbed, over-worshiped segment of our society; but this is medical treatment for people with a medical condition. I don't mind being helpful, but I don't want to compromise the integrity of my social position on the topic of veterans by appearing concerned because they're specifically veterans.
Support my political activism on Patreon.
Adafruit and Sparkfun get a number of their kits from Solarbotics (solarbotics.com). May as well go straight to the source.
Why would they require anything different than any other electronics "discovery" kit? I mean, are we talking about guys with no hands so the kit needs to be prosthetic friendly? Or maybe it needs to be a kit that can not be used to make an IED?
Serious question, what does PTSD or whatever have anything to do with this question?
Anyway, it's a sad sad thing that HeathKit no longer exists...
If you want news from today, you have to come back tomorrow.
usrockets.com
I am not sure if you would be interested, but I would not mind to wasting couple hours on weekends teaching you a bit on how to program.
(I was one of the guy who planned Fort Belvoir military hospital in VA and bunch of my friends went through the war.)
I'm not sure who makes them, but they do look like a lot of fun for the dextrously inclined (I prefer Basic-compatible LEGO and traditional steel Meccano), and the end result is usually something that walks, beeps, rolls and/or shoots soft projectiles.
Political debates have me rolling my eyes so much I think I got optical whiplash. I should sue. - Foamy The Squirrel
Not entirely about robotics, but if you like tech and if you're over at Walter Reed, you should check out the Wounded Warrior Cyber Combat Academy (http://w2cca.org/) if you're looking for something to keep your mind occupied and are interested in technology, and especially security. The w2cca folks basically help train you for a cybersecurity job after you get out, and the training is really nuts-to-bolts (starting with basic hardware/software and moving on). Great team, and very focused on the mission and those they're serving. Doesn't hurt that it's also been endorsed by Gen Alexander. So, you can rehab and build skill for the future at the same time. Even if you're not at Walter Reed, it might be worth reaching out to them: I know they're working on setting up similar programs at some of the other VA hospitals.
You can follow some beginning electronics (analog/digital/microcontroller) courses: http://www.pyroelectro.com/edu/
The kits for the courses are available (for a reasonable price) at http://gadgetory.com/index.php?route=product/category&path=66
http://goo.gl/JlX692 Link to the standard vex kit.
Also, there are endless projects with arduino, but it's naturally a bit more technical. So I guess it depends a lot on skill level with electronics programming.
So I'd probably say Lego for the truly basic beginner, Vex for some prior knowledge but wanting a bit more robust system. And then for the well experienced arduino.
I'd startup a conversation with these folks www.botball.org. My son and several of his friends have participated and it was a great experience for them. While the kits are a pricey, the setup they use for competition isn't. Once you have the kits it shouldn't take that much effort to let the vets do their own thing or even organize botball-esque events within the VA.
CPL
U.S Army
1985-1990
Medical Hold
1989-1990
I have a nice suggestion for you. Get a beagleboard (beagleboard.org)
Use it to learn Linux and linux programming.
Also use it to learn Android. Write yourself an Android app.
Guess what? You can get a really, really good job. In the NYC
market, Android devs start at 75k.
Cost:
beagleboard plus accessories: $100.
6 months of learning.
That's it. Good luck.
I don't know if this is too beginner level, but I think it's worth a mention: Snap Circuits. It's kind of like those old learn electronics kits with the spring connectors, but in this case they snap together with magnets. I would think if you went through all the kits you would learn all the basics pretty quickly, and then you'll be more comfortable moving on to the arduinos, etc.
Also checkout RobotShop for more advanced stuff.
"I have never let my schooling interfere with my education." - Mark Twain
For a lot of robotics work you need to be able to install software on the computer. Not sure if that would be a problem or not, but Arduino and Lego both require good access to the computer. Something like a Raspberry Pi or Oodo which is already a computer itself might be a better starting point if there are restrictions on accessing a host computer.
Helping with organizational effectiveness is our job.
Amateur (Ham) Radio is a great hobby and community for veterans. It provides opportunities for those who just want to talk to others around the world all the way to those who want to work on the leading edge of electronics and communications technology. Public service is a major purpose of Amateur Radio too. I'm sure veterans who contact the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) at http://arrl.org will find something interesting and rewarding.
Jameco has a ton of them from very basic to Pi and Arduino type stuff. From basic electrical theories to complex robotics.
http://BuildInstruments.com
There's a collection of acoustic, electronic, digital instrument kits as well as guitar pedals, amplifiers, etc.!
Acoustic = guitar, banjo, bass, electronics are moog synths and theremins. there are tube kits, transistors,
everything.
https://www.radioshack.com/pro...
Parallax has a nice kit that works with a Arduino. http://www.parallax.com/robots...
Thank you for your service!
"I say we take off, nuke the site from orbit. It's the only way to be sure."
Many of our members are veterans (Lots of fun stories there!)
I will donate a rail car kit to the first 5 veterans who come by for a visit and Asks for Thomas.
Our web site is: http://www.modelrailroadclub.o...
Meetings are Thursday nights.
I ran across a pick-up truck emblazoned (it was actually very tastefully done) with "advertising" for this non-profit while in Annapolis a few weeks back. Seems that their charter at least touches on what you're after: "Our charter is to fund projects and programs and support activities that successfully empower wounded veterans, improving their quality of life by keeping them connected to their families, friends, community and the world." They seem to focus pretty heavily on the technology side of things (including handing out Google Nexus tablets, and Iris helobots) so it might not hurt to connect with them to see if they have any resources they could offer. http://www.connectedwarrior.org/contact-form/index.php
https://www.sparkfun.com/products/12643
It should fit neatly into their programs and it's low cost. Needs a few Rigol scopes and other doodads of course. But $5k should setup a very nice intro level program that would help vets decide if they wanted to pursue engineering degrees. Also be a good job for a vet w/ an electronics MOS to help staff it.
...then it's actually a GREAT way to forget bad things in the past. The best thing in the world you can do for the wounded mind is to occupy it with something interesting and challenging to do, at least something pleasing and rewarding.
I've built one of the biggest electronics labs I've personally ever seen, not even the technical schools I've visited can match it, and I have to admit...just the building process itself (you know, getting the parts off eBay, the local flea markets, ham-fest, local radio amateurs and electronics stores that are closing down and selling out) is a lot of fun, in fact - to me...it's downright addictive.
I've had some seriously though times in my life, more than I care to mention here - and I think both the electronics lab (and being a Christian) has literally saved my life many times over. There is nothing so soothing to my mind than to be able to safely close my lab-doors, sit down in front of my huge stash of millions and millions of brand new components acquired for pocket-cash (really petty cash!) - knowing...I could literally build a time machine in there.
Away from people, away from messy interfering thoughts, away from everything that's bad. Just ME and pure science. I love it. Nothing like it in this world (to me).
So yes, by ALL means get into electronics, it is SO rewarding.
What this world is coming to - is for you and me to decide.
I was trying to do some robotics... I could not find ANYTHING that would help me put together the mechanical aspect of the whole thing. As far as I got was buying the (I think it was 10 bucks) USB board from radio shack that you solder together. It lets you control pretty much anything from simple PC software. Actually, even with an EE degree (which I haven't used in 23 years), there was a bit of a learning curve with wiring up the output pins to relays in order to get anything to actually work, but when it did - man was that a blast (for a geek type). I took the kids' old battery controlled car that they used to drive around the driveway in and turned it into a robot... well, OK, it could only go forward and backwards at full speed - but it was cool!
http://www.bristolwatch.com/
http://www.circuitstoday.com/
http://forum.allaboutcircuits....
http://www.bowdenshobbycircuit...
And here's a neat project to make a lab power supply out of an old PC power supply http://www.electronics-tutoria...
I'm an electronics kit maker getting ready to go to Kickerstarter to raise funds to expand our kit.
I *was* thinking that we should do a gift level where a kit would go to the person donating, and one to a school, but perhaps sending kits this direction might be more helpful. The catch is I'm not sure how to connect the "gift" kits to the veterans who might appeciate them.
Suggestions?
I highly reccomend the Arduino. Its inexpensive, easy to interface with, has tons of online support, and examples of how to us most modules work by just connecting a few wires. For all the kids that wanted to grow up and be a mad scientist, this is the solution. Think, Design, Build, Enjoy.
Seems more reasonable.
a BsD box that found out about the GOAL HERE? HOW CAN Mr. Raymond's this is consistent has been my only when done playing Another special fear the reaper eerors. Future I
http://www.shapeoko.com/
It can be easily configured as a 3D printer, so would be suited for use in-doors w/o hearing protection: http://www.shapeoko.com/wiki/i...
Assembly instructions here: http://docs.shapeoko.com/
Sphinx of black quartz, judge my vow.
The mini dragon rover from Qualcomm might be an option. https://www.qualcomm.com/invention/research/projects/robotics/micro-rover
You can't go wrong with these two items...
http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3433933
http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=28733516
Many technicians and engineers got their start this way. If you want to go robotics later, you'll have the electronic theory to go with it.
I second AdaFruit and Sparkfun as excellent sources for electronics kits and components (though it is mostly AdaFruit kits that I have built - all excellent). Lego Mindstorm is fun too (I was a FIRST Lego League coach for four years) AND you can do some really sophisticated stuff with them. Robotics yes, but not really electronics.
As an old Air Force guy (3 years active duty and 6 years in the Air Guard - all a long time ago - long before 911), a ham, and a Make Magazine contributor, I'd be happy to put something together and host a web based arduino-electronics class for any group of vets that is interested in this. Besides an Arduino and the kits/components, vets will need access to a computer and a soldering station set-up. A syllabus might go something like this:
1. Arduino basics - blinky project.
2. Simple Ardunio breadboard project. Something like controlling the flash rate of a LED with a potentiometer or a temperature sensor or run time.
3. Soldering basics (with one of the learn to solder kits).
4. Build an Ardiuno Shield (maybe a motor controller board or something else of interest).
5. Build something interesting with the motors.
6. Onwards and upwards.
Class could be a weekly short "lecture" followed by Q&A, demonstrations, etc. I think the first class should be quite small to see how it goes.
My favorite thing about Arduino is, when you learn how to program an Arduino, you are really learning how to program in C. OK, C is old hat but there sure is a ton of embedded development still going on in C. Not a bad skill to pick up from your hobby.
Leave a comment or contact me here: dan AT retro-tronics dot com if interested. I might not be the best qualified to do this but I am willing and able to do it. Maybe there are others out there interested in working on something like this as well.
Aim High!
Anonymous Coward Dan
I've built Kossel/Delta 3D printers for about $500, and then the really cool thing is designing and printing things with it.
Vets could even experiment with printing and fitting their own prosthetics and potentially serve themselves better and save the VA a ton of money.
Someone with mod points please take a look.
2 Comments:
1: Thank you for serving. Just remember that you and other soldiers like yourself (myself included) sacrificed their rights, in order to protect the rights of the people that are taking to this board to incite hate. People like that will never understand all that went into giving them the right to say what they want to say without fear of repercussion. They will never understand the fear of censorship, and while the vocal minority may speak the loudest, take heart in knowing that you've also protected the rights of those who only speak when thoughts need to be expressed for the betterment of their fellow citizens.
2: The Lego Mindstorm Kits are amazing. Fun to play with, compatable with all Lego kits, (which makes for some wacky inventions), and very educational. The drag and drop interface lets you do plenty, but once you link the controller up with bluetooth, and start playing with the actual programming languages, the real potential is unlocked.
Didn't realize that I was posting Anon... 2 Comments: 1: Thank you for serving. Just remember that you and other soldiers like yourself (myself included) sacrificed their rights, in order to protect the rights of the people that are taking to this board to incite hate. People like that will never understand all that went into giving them the right to say what they want to say without fear of repercussion. They will never understand the fear of censorship, and while the vocal minority may speak the loudest, take heart in knowing that you've also protected the rights of those who only speak when thoughts need to be expressed for the betterment of their fellow citizens. 2: The Lego Mindstorm Kits are amazing. Fun to play with, compatable with all Lego kits, (which makes for some wacky inventions), and very educational. The drag and drop interface lets you do plenty, but once you link the controller up with bluetooth, and start playing with the actual programming languages, the real potential is unlocked.
If you have no background in electronics at all, this might be a good place to start:
http://www.innovatoys.com/kits-labs/50-in-one-electronic-project-lab/165
Very basic analog and radio circuits, which in my opinion is the best place to start, and at under $30 it won't break the bank. You'll go through all the projects pretty quickly - but then you can start experimenting with your own circuits. No soldering required - just connect the pre-tinned wires to the connector springs. I had a similar kit from Radio Shack when I was young and first getting into electronics, and I loved it. I even ended up stripping it of parts to use in my own projects when I graduated to building circuits on perfboard.
Whatever kit you begin with, analog or digital, you'll want a Digital Multi-Meter, or DMM. It doesn't have to be a good one, and these days a cheap one can be had for 10 or 15 dollars. Because you're just beginning, I suggest not getting an auto-ranging meter - you'll maintain a better sense of where you are and what you're doing if you have to pay attention to the range setting.
Best of luck to you sir; if electronics continues to interest you then you're in for a lot of fun!
'The Economy' is a giant Ponzi scheme whose most pitiable suckers are the youngest among us and the yet-unborn.
with the intro of EV3 - you could put out the call to FLL message boards to see if people retiring their NXT care to pack it up and send it off. It' still perfectly serviceable (and came with more default sensors than EV3) and since you're not fiddling with innards, the new ideas and extensions of contraptions tend to flow fairly well. Any kits you find have been through a half dozen years of middle schoolers - good luck wrecking them.
"Win treats sysadmins better than users. Mac treats users better than sysadmins. Linux treats everyone like sysadmins."
Let the vets read 1984.
Then beat some sense into them with the book.
Why should we feel sorry for people who got wounded forcing a belief system on others that the majority of us aren't willing to accept?
Analogy time:
You've been kidnapped.
Your kidnapper says "I'll give you video games, a cell phone with unlimited data, and a bunch of burgers if you go and shoot the evil pig dogs at the police station".
Without having enough information to determine whether these pig dogs are in fact guilty of unthinkable acts, or that the course of action propose is likely to make things better for all or at least most involved, you proceed.
You get shot by a police officer.
Why, again, are we to feel bad for you?
I am an Iraq War veteran and CTO of a small technology company in northern Virginia, Perfecta Federal. If there's anything we can do to assist you with learning about electronics, computers, etc. We'd be happy to assist. You can contact us at admin@perfectafederal.com
When I was a kid growing up in the 60's 70's, you could get a heathkit or radio shack P-box kit for not much money to play & learn electronics, but today, I don't know where you go, maybe do some searching on Amazon, ebay and the like. See if you can find an amateur radio operator nearby, GOOD source of information about such things.
I'd like to try building prosthetic limbs with others sharing my condition and interest in such activities. Perhaps even robotic ones.
I am looking for the right Veterans Organization (Semper Fi to my fellow Marines) to give some Dell Optiplex PCs.. USB 2.0, 200 GB disks, Intel Video. I served during the first Gulf war, so I know what you are talking about. Any suggestions. North Texas is preferred to reduce shipping costs.
Win if you can... Lose if you must... But always CHEAT!
If it interests you, inexpensive USB-DTV dongles and free software.
The citizens of the Rest of the World who have no say on who's the looney in charge of your army?
When was the last time the USA army acted to protect the USA citizens' skanky ass (instead of imposing the USA's convenience over people from any other nationality)? 60 years ago, perhaps? How many of those veterans are still alive?
http://www.parallax.com
Another small robot company.
I find seriously offensive the hero treatment "war veterans" receive in your country.
I have lived in places (and visited many more) that have been seriously damaged due to being "incorrectly aligned" politically. As insulting as my comment can be to you, I find it insulting to have a front-page article in Slashdot devoting resources to war veterans. Of course, in your society, you are free (and expected) to take care of those you think that are patriots — But you have to understand that many of us cannot relate to those patriots in any different way than we would relate to mass-murderers.
Parallax would be happy to provide some Boe-Bot or Shield Bot with Arduino kits to some veterans. Just contact me by e-mail and we'll sponsor some hardware for you guys. kgracey@parallax.com Ken Gracey
sounds like the perfect way to have some combat shocked zealous soldier to invent terminators or other crazy robot evil genius wet dreams.
Sadly, a Libertarian cannot force his views on another, and freedom cannot spread as does the cancer known as religion.
At my high school, they use lego mind storms as the start of robotics. They are between 350-500$, so fund-raising might be needed, but lego mind storms are very interesting. They can be made to draw, solve puzzles, sing, play games, and basically anything else people can think up.