We do have a demo of the Desktop Rover with videotelepresence - Live streaming java H.263 video with our applet embedded in a web page for control - we have kept it sort of secret until we are finished making the cue management software to keep everyone from fighting over the controls.
We should have it available for all in the next month or so.
The mac.com link below links to a PDF of our Desktop Rover Brochure - which was just completed today! it hasn't even been put to film for printing yet!
What we have done, is to power up many Desktop rovers on the same frequency (we have 4 channels available, A,B,C and D), and then ONE transmitter - and line up the rovers and start controlling ---- ALL of them at once.
It doesn't take long and things start getting chaotic. I realize that most of our customers won't ever try this - but since we have many many Rovers in stock, we have done this a few times!
Thank You everyone for your interest in our Desktop Rover miniature tracked vehicle!
I only wish our website was ready for this traffic! We have been quite overloaded today!
In addition, I would like to inform everyone that we at plantraco have added some very interesting features to the Desktop Rover that I think you will want to know about!
1. INFRARED LASER TAG SYSTEM!
2. COMPUTER INTERFACE TO TRANSMITTER BOX - AND ACCOMPANYING JAVA SOFTWARE (Which will run on any computer that has a Java 1.2 (Java 2) Virtual Machine. This includes Win 95-2000 and, yes, Mac OS X ! We have not tested on Linux, but if you have JVM and a serial port, you should be in business!
3. Various plastic modifications - prevent rubber track derailment and other mundane bug fixes
The mac.com link below links to a PDF of our Desktop Rover Brochure - which was just completed today! it hasn't even been put to film for printing yet!
I hate to claim that our Desktop Rover can be all things to all people, but I must mention, that with our Telecommander Software which interfaces to the Desktop Rover Transmitter, you can control the commands to the Desktop Rover from your Computer - AND over the Internet in client/server mode!
This is a revolutionary Radio Control functionallity that we are offering as an accessory item for our Desktop Rover.
So, there are many possibilities:
Set up a streaming webcam and your friend can control your rover over the internet! He can see it over streaming video, and you are there physically - You can set up a battle between two Rover's - (oops forgot to mention in this message that we have added an Infrared laser tag game to every rover! (revised version coming in a couple weeks))
The rover can also be used just as a little diversionary "toy" for when you need a break from the computer screen, or are watching a progress bar for more than a minute - take a little cruise over the keyboard and papers on the table! Small desktop accessories like pens and coffee cups become life size obstacles to explore, climb, and conquer for the Desktop Rover!
Check out the PDF
The mac.com link below links to a PDF of our Desktop Rover Brochure - which was just completed today! it hasn't even been put to film for printing yet!
Please send more details about this "bee cannon" - I don't exactly understand.
ufoman@plantraco.com
We do have a laser tag game system, that is going to be released in just a couple weeks. Instead of making it a module, we are including it with every Desktop Rover - built in!
We crammed the logic software on our existing Rx microchip onboard - sound effects and LED flashing and all!
I will paste in my previous response below - Wow - we sure did get slashdotted today! My fingers are going to bleed!
Thank You everyone for your interest in our Desktop Rover miniature tracked vehicle!
I only wish our website was ready for this traffic! We have been quite overloaded today!
In addition, I would like to inform everyone that we at plantraco have added some very interesting features to the Desktop Rover that I think you will want to know about!
1. INFRARED LASER TAG SYSTEM!
2. COMPUTER INTERFACE TO TRANSMITTER BOX - AND ACCOMPANYING JAVA SOFTWARE (Which will run on any computer that has a Java 1.2 (Java 2) Virtual Machine. This includes Win 95-2000 and, yes, Mac OS X ! We have not tested on Linux, but if you have JVM and a serial port, you should be in business!
3. Various plastic modifications - prevent rubber track derailment and other mundane bug fixes
The mac.com link below links to a PDF of our Desktop Rover Brochure - which was just completed today! it hasn't even been put to film for printing yet!
We have had some adverts running in Model Airplane News and RC Modeller, but only for the last several months - not years.
In addition, I would like to inform everyone that we at plantraco have added some very interesting features to the Desktop Rover that I think you will want to know about!
1. INFRARED LASER TAG SYSTEM!
2. COMPUTER INTERFACE TO TRANSMITTER BOX - AND ACCOMPANYING JAVA SOFTWARE (Which will run on any computer that has a Java 1.2 (Java 2) Virtual Machine. This includes Win 95-2000 and, yes, Mac OS X ! We have not tested on Linux, but if you have JVM and a serial port, you should be in business!
3. Various plastic modifications - prevent rubber track derailment and other mundane bug fixes
The mac.com link below links to a PDF of our Desktop Rover Brochure - which was just completed today! it hasn't even been put to film for printing yet!
We have a new improved model coming in a few weeks.
This one has a built in Infrared Laser Tag Game. It doesn't shoot physical pellets, which would be cool too, but it does fire IR beams at other rovers - complete with sound effects and chip logic to keep score!
Please check the PDF linked below for the latest info on our Desktop Rover.
This Slashdot situation comes at a time that it a bit too close for our product release! I am trying to get the message out that we have some very interesting improvements that are worth waiting a few weeks for!
Our latest Desktop Rover has a Laser Tag system added - so up to 4 rovers can shoot each other up with Infrared beams - complete with microprocessor controlled game logic and spacey sound effects and LED to keep track of the score.
We also have added a computer interface jack to the transmitter box! see the PDF linked below:
Please note: Our latest version of the Desktop Rover is not yet in stock, we should have it in about 2 weeks - 10th of September or so.
We will update our webpage with all the new feature of the rover (Lasertag, and Computer Interface), so thanks for your patience.
Oh another thing! We will be sending new versions of the Desktop Rover to every customer who purchased the "model 1" Desktop Rover - We want happy customers, and although this Free replacement policy will be costing us thousands of dollars, we feel that it is important for everyone to see the new model with all of its cool capabilities. Also, since you need 2 Desktop Rovers to play laser tag, we know that if we give one to every customer of model 1, they will likely purchase a second rover and maybe even our Java based Telecommander Software and Interface Cable (RS-232 or USB).
Download our PDF and have a look!
I have posted a PDF file of our latest Brochure for the Desktop Rover. It isn't yet on our site - maybe tommorow, so for today, you can get it from our mac.com site:
With our Java based Telecommander Software, we are heading in the direction of "Brains - on the PC"
Our latest Desktop Rover has a Laser Tag system added - so up to 4 rovers can shoot each other up with Infrared beams - complete with microprocessor controlled game logic and spacey sound effects and LED to keep track of the score.
We also have added a computer interface jack to the transmitter box! see the PDF linked below:
Please note: Our latest version of the Desktop Rover is not yet in stock, we should have it in about 2 weeks - 10th of September or so.
We will update our webpage with all the new feature of the rover (Lasertag, and Computer Interface), so thanks for your patience.
Oh another thing! We will be sending new versions of the Desktop Rover to every customer who purchased the "model 1" Desktop Rover - We want happy customers, and although this Free replacement policy will be costing us thousands of dollars, we feel that it is important for everyone to see the new model with all of its cool capabilities. Also, since you need 2 Desktop Rovers to play laser tag, we know that if we give one to every customer of model 1, they will likely purchase a second rover and maybe even our Java based Telecommander Software and Interface Cable (RS-232 or USB).
I am rambling again!
Download our PDF and have a look!
I have posted a PDF file of our latest Brochure for the Desktop Rover. It isn't yet on our site - maybe tommorow, so for today, you can get it from our mac.com site:
We thought about doing this for stringing Cat-5 ethernet in the suspended ceiling.
We still want to try it - our current B&W PTV16 camera has good performance in low light (our B&W CCD is IR sensitive, and is rated to something like 0.1 or 0.2 lux).
Our latest Desktop Rover model has tons of torque - its almost "unstoppable" which we like!, so it could carry a fishing line, and then you could pull the fishing line from the other end tied to the Cat-5 Ethernet cable.
So, in theory, this stuff is possible!
What can be a bit of a challenge (or a problem depending on your attitude), is that the rover could quite easily get knocked onto its back, and then it would be tough to recover, but hey, this is a real world problem, so if you plan your "missions" carefully, you might have great success! I would guarantee that you would have a lot of fun at least!
Please note: Our latest version of the Desktop Rover is not yet in stock, we should have it in about 2 weeks - 10th of September or so.
We will update our webpage with all the new feature of the rover (Lasertag, and Computer Interface), so thanks for your patience.
Oh another thing! We will be sending new versions of the Desktop Rover to every customer who purchased the "model 1" Desktop Rover - We want happy customers, and although this Free replacement policy will be costing us thousands of dollars, we feel that it is important for everyone to see the new model with all of its cool capabilities. Also, since you need 2 Desktop Rovers to play laser tag, we know that if we give one to every customer of model 1, they will likely purchase a second rover and maybe even our Java based Telecommander Software and Interface Cable (RS-232 or USB).
I am rambling again!
Download our PDF and have a look!
I have posted a PDF file of our latest Brochure for the Desktop Rover. It isn't yet on our site - maybe tommorow, so for today, you can get it from our mac.com site:
>How much noise does this thing make? It's >small but is the noise low enough so that it >can be used for simple spying.
It IS a bit of a whizzy noisy gearbox - this is something that we had to live with in our mechanical design. Give us a year or so and we should have an even smaller version with a quiet gearbox.
>How big an incline can this thing handle?
This same gearbox (helical wormdrive) does have the advantage of great torque! Our very latest revision of the Desktop Rover has more powerfull FETS (power transistors), and this gets more zap to the motors. The rover can carry a full canned beverage without difficulty. If it has good traction, the rover can climb a very steep incline - nearly vertical, but of course center of gravity issues will come into play as well.
In Summary, Plantraco's Desktop Rover is not a super speedy tracked vehicle - rather, it is a highly maneuverable, 4 inch length, R/C vehicle with some interesting features.
Our website will be updated with the new features of the Desktop Rover, and also our PTV16C (CMOS Color camera with increased battery life).
We have added:
1-Laser Tag
2-Computer Interface to Transmitter Box - with Telecommander Java software package (GUI interface software for scripting commands).
3-Bug Fixes - we fixed a problem in which rubber tracks could derail from the rover, and we also increased speed and power and radio range
The mac.com link below links to a Plantraco PDF of our Desktop Rover Brochure - which was just completed today! it hasn't even been put to film for printing yet!
We will be adding it to our website (in the HELP ME section - in the next day or so)
Oh, If any of you are in Chicago, you can visit us at the International Hobby show in Rosemont Convention Center - (ihobbyexpo.com)
Below is a link to the new Desktop Rover PDF:
Please view it - it has the latest info on our Desktop Rover - including the Telecommander Software - which I think many readers at slashdot will like to know about!
You may wish to wait for the new version of the Desktop Rover with Lasertag and Computer Interface - coming in just a few weeks:
Thank You everyone for your interest in our Desktop Rover miniature tracked vehicle!
I only wish our website was ready for this traffic! We have been quite overloaded today!
In addition, I would like to inform everyone that we at plantraco have added some very interesting features to the Desktop Rover that I think you will want to know about!
1. INFRARED LASER TAG SYSTEM!
2. COMPUTER INTERFACE TO TRANSMITTER BOX - AND ACCOMPANYING JAVA SOFTWARE (Which will run on any computer that has a Java 1.2 (Java 2) Virtual Machine. This includes Win 95-2000 and, yes, Mac OS X ! We have not tested on Linux, but if you have JVM and a serial port, you should be in business!
3. Various plastic modifications - prevent rubber track derailment and other mundane bug fixes
The mac.com link below links to a PDF of our Desktop Rover Brochure - which was just completed today! it hasn't even been put to film for printing yet!
I think there will be a lot of slashdot readers who will enjoy our Java Telecommander Software - See below:
Thank You everyone for your interest in our Desktop Rover miniature tracked vehicle!
I only wish our website was ready for this traffic! We have been quite overloaded today!
In addition, I would like to inform everyone that we at plantraco have added some very interesting features to the Desktop Rover that I think you will want to know about!
1. INFRARED LASER TAG SYSTEM!
2. COMPUTER INTERFACE TO TRANSMITTER BOX - AND ACCOMPANYING JAVA SOFTWARE (Which will run on any computer that has a Java 1.2 (Java 2) Virtual Machine. This includes Win 95-2000 and, yes, Mac OS X ! We have not tested on Linux, but if you have JVM and a serial port, you should be in business!
3. Various plastic modifications - prevent rubber track derailment and other mundane bug fixes
The mac.com link below links to a PDF of our Desktop Rover Brochure - which was just completed today! it hasn't even been put to film for printing yet!
We do have an online demo of the Telecommander Software - but we don't yet have que management so you must wait.
Thank You everyone for your interest in our Desktop Rover miniature tracked vehicle!
I only wish our website was ready for this traffic! We have been quite overloaded today!
In addition, I would like to inform everyone that we at plantraco have added some very interesting features to the Desktop Rover that I think you will want to know about!
1. INFRARED LASER TAG SYSTEM!
2. COMPUTER INTERFACE TO TRANSMITTER BOX - AND ACCOMPANYING JAVA SOFTWARE (Which will run on any computer that has a Java 1.2 (Java 2) Virtual Machine. This includes Win 95-2000 and, yes, Mac OS X ! We have not tested on Linux, but if you have JVM and a serial port, you should be in business!
3. Various plastic modifications - prevent rubber track derailment and other mundane bug fixes
The mac.com link below links to a PDF of our Desktop Rover Brochure - which was just completed today! it hasn't even been put to film for printing yet!
desktoprover_brochure.pdf
With our new 3 Channel RC, this could be accomplished.
We are adding a Laser Tag and Computer Interface right now:
Thank You everyone for your interest in our Desktop Rover miniature tracked vehicle!
I only wish our website was ready for this traffic! We have been quite overloaded today!
In addition, I would like to inform everyone that we at plantraco have added some very interesting features to the Desktop Rover that I think you will want to know about!
1. INFRARED LASER TAG SYSTEM!
2. COMPUTER INTERFACE TO TRANSMITTER BOX - AND ACCOMPANYING JAVA SOFTWARE (Which will run on any computer that has a Java 1.2 (Java 2) Virtual Machine. This includes Win 95-2000 and, yes, Mac OS X ! We have not tested on Linux, but if you have JVM and a serial port, you should be in business!
3. Various plastic modifications - prevent rubber track derailment and other mundane bug fixes
The mac.com link below links to a PDF of our Desktop Rover Brochure - which was just completed today! it hasn't even been put to film for printing yet!
We have what you want (Computer Interface) - it just hasn't been released yet!
Talk about blowing our press release:)
I post again:
Thank You everyone for your interest in our Desktop Rover miniature tracked vehicle!
I only wish our website was ready for this traffic! We have been quite overloaded today!
In addition, I would like to inform everyone that we at plantraco have added some very interesting features to the Desktop Rover that I think you will want to know about!
1. INFRARED LASER TAG SYSTEM!
2. COMPUTER INTERFACE TO TRANSMITTER BOX - AND ACCOMPANYING JAVA SOFTWARE (Which will run on any computer that has a Java 1.2 (Java 2) Virtual Machine. This includes Win 95-2000 and, yes, Mac OS X ! We have not tested on Linux, but if you have JVM and a serial port, you should be in business!
3. Various plastic modifications - prevent rubber track derailment and other mundane bug fixes
I want to post a PDF of our Desktop Rover Brochure - which was just completed today!
Hello! Bud here, from Plantraco!
ummm - Cluster them eh?
You mean tie 2 or more together? Yes, this cna be done - maybe if you have some micro robotics needs you could use 2 rovers.
Here is a link to the PDF of our Desktop Rover Brochure - which was just completed today!
It isn't even on our website yet
desktoprover_brochure.pdf
We have several!, but they are in a different category of micro RC - Our Desktop Rover is a slow moving micro vehicle that can turn on a dime - which the Mini-Z and other wheeled vehicles cannot do.
We are releasing a new version of the Desktop Rover in the coming weeks - and we have added Laser Tag and a Computer Interface. See the link I have posted to our PDF - from mac.com instead of our website - which has been overloaded today! 500 users per minute! Wow!
Thank You everyone for your interest in our Desktop Rover miniature tracked vehicle!
I only wish our website was ready for this traffic! We have been quite overloaded today!
In addition, I would like to inform everyone that we at plantraco have added some very interesting features to the Desktop Rover that I think you will want to know about!
1. INFRARED LASER TAG SYSTEM!
2. COMPUTER INTERFACE TO TRANSMITTER BOX - AND ACCOMPANYING JAVA SOFTWARE (Which will run on any computer that has a Java 1.2 (Java 2) Virtual Machine. This includes Win 95-2000 and, yes, Mac OS X ! We have not tested on Linux, but if you have JVM and a serial port, you should be in business!
3. Various plastic modifications - prevent rubber track derailment and other mundane bug fixes
We would be happy to have you as a customer! Check back to our website in a few weeks for the new Rovers!
I want to post a PDF of our Desktop Rover Brochure - which was just completed today!
Thank You everyone for your interest in our Desktop Rover miniature tracked vehicle!
I only wish our website was ready for this traffic! We have been quite overloaded today!
In addition, I would like to inform everyone that we at plantraco have added some very interesting features to the Desktop Rover that I think you will want to know about!
1. INFRARED LASER TAG SYSTEM!
2. COMPUTER INTERFACE TO TRANSMITTER BOX - AND ACCOMPANYING JAVA SOFTWARE (Which will run on any computer that has a Java 1.2 (Java 2) Virtual Machine. This includes Win 95-2000 and, yes, Mac OS X ! We have not tested on Linux, but if you have JVM and a serial port, you should be in business!
3. Various plastic modifications - prevent rubber track derailment and other mundane bug fixes
We want happy customers!
I want to post a PDF of our Desktop Rover Brochure - which was just completed today!
Thank You everyone for your interest in our Desktop Rover miniature tracked vehicle!
I only wish our website was ready for this traffic! We have been quite overloaded today!
In addition, I would like to inform everyone that we at plantraco have added some very interesting features to the Desktop Rover that I think you will want to know about!
1. INFRARED LASER TAG SYSTEM!
2. COMPUTER INTERFACE TO TRANSMITTER BOX - AND ACCOMPANYING JAVA SOFTWARE (Which will run on any computer that has a Java 1.2 (Java 2) Virtual Machine. This includes Win 95-2000 and, yes, Mac OS X ! We have not tested on Linux, but if you have JVM and a serial port, you should be in business!
3. Various plastic modifications - prevent rubber track derailment and other mundane bug fixes
We want happy customers!
I want to post a PDF of our Desktop Rover Brochure - which was just completed today!
desktoprover_brochure.pdf
Slashdot Mirror
We do have a demo of the Desktop Rover with videotelepresence - Live streaming java H.263 video with our applet embedded in a web page for control - we have kept it sort of secret until we are finished making the cue management software to keep everyone from fighting over the controls.
We should have it available for all in the next month or so.
The mac.com link below links to a PDF of our Desktop Rover Brochure - which was just completed today! it hasn't even been put to film for printing yet!
desktoprover_brochure.pdf
That would be fun!
What we have done, is to power up many Desktop rovers on the same frequency (we have 4 channels available, A,B,C and D), and then ONE transmitter - and line up the rovers and start controlling ---- ALL of them at once.
It doesn't take long and things start getting chaotic. I realize that most of our customers won't ever try this - but since we have many many Rovers in stock, we have done this a few times!
Thank You everyone for your interest in our Desktop Rover miniature tracked vehicle!
I only wish our website was ready for this traffic! We have been quite overloaded today!
In addition, I would like to inform everyone that we at plantraco have added some very interesting features to the Desktop Rover that I think you will want to know about!
1. INFRARED LASER TAG SYSTEM!
2. COMPUTER INTERFACE TO TRANSMITTER BOX - AND ACCOMPANYING JAVA SOFTWARE (Which will run on any computer that has a Java 1.2 (Java 2) Virtual Machine. This includes Win 95-2000 and, yes, Mac OS X ! We have not tested on Linux, but if you have JVM and a serial port, you should be in business!
3. Various plastic modifications - prevent rubber track derailment and other mundane bug fixes
The mac.com link below links to a PDF of our Desktop Rover Brochure - which was just completed today! it hasn't even been put to film for printing yet!
desktoprover_brochure.pdf
I hate to claim that our Desktop Rover can be all things to all people, but I must mention, that with our Telecommander Software which interfaces to the Desktop Rover Transmitter, you can control the commands to the Desktop Rover from your Computer - AND over the Internet in client/server mode!
This is a revolutionary Radio Control functionallity that we are offering as an accessory item for our Desktop Rover.
So, there are many possibilities:
Set up a streaming webcam and your friend can control your rover over the internet! He can see it over streaming video, and you are there physically - You can set up a battle between two Rover's - (oops forgot to mention in this message that we have added an Infrared laser tag game to every rover! (revised version coming in a couple weeks))
The rover can also be used just as a little diversionary "toy" for when you need a break from the computer screen, or are watching a progress bar for more than a minute - take a little cruise over the keyboard and papers on the table! Small desktop accessories like pens and coffee cups become life size obstacles to explore, climb, and conquer for the Desktop Rover!
Check out the PDF
The mac.com link below links to a PDF of our Desktop Rover Brochure - which was just completed today! it hasn't even been put to film for printing yet!
desktoprover_brochure.pdf
Please send more details about this "bee cannon" - I don't exactly understand.
ufoman@plantraco.com
We do have a laser tag game system, that is going to be released in just a couple weeks. Instead of making it a module, we are including it with every Desktop Rover - built in!
We crammed the logic software on our existing Rx microchip onboard - sound effects and LED flashing and all!
I will paste in my previous response below - Wow - we sure did get slashdotted today! My fingers are going to bleed!
Thank You everyone for your interest in our Desktop Rover miniature tracked vehicle!
I only wish our website was ready for this traffic! We have been quite overloaded today!
In addition, I would like to inform everyone that we at plantraco have added some very interesting features to the Desktop Rover that I think you will want to know about!
1. INFRARED LASER TAG SYSTEM!
2. COMPUTER INTERFACE TO TRANSMITTER BOX - AND ACCOMPANYING JAVA SOFTWARE (Which will run on any computer that has a Java 1.2 (Java 2) Virtual Machine. This includes Win 95-2000 and, yes, Mac OS X ! We have not tested on Linux, but if you have JVM and a serial port, you should be in business!
3. Various plastic modifications - prevent rubber track derailment and other mundane bug fixes
The mac.com link below links to a PDF of our Desktop Rover Brochure - which was just completed today! it hasn't even been put to film for printing yet!
desktoprover_brochure.pdf
Actually, that is not correct.
We have had some adverts running in Model Airplane News and RC Modeller, but only for the last several months - not years.
In addition, I would like to inform everyone that we at plantraco have added some very interesting features to the Desktop Rover that I think you will want to know about!
1. INFRARED LASER TAG SYSTEM!
2. COMPUTER INTERFACE TO TRANSMITTER BOX - AND ACCOMPANYING JAVA SOFTWARE (Which will run on any computer that has a Java 1.2 (Java 2) Virtual Machine. This includes Win 95-2000 and, yes, Mac OS X ! We have not tested on Linux, but if you have JVM and a serial port, you should be in business!
3. Various plastic modifications - prevent rubber track derailment and other mundane bug fixes
The mac.com link below links to a PDF of our Desktop Rover Brochure - which was just completed today! it hasn't even been put to film for printing yet!
Bud Kays
plantraco.com
desktoprover_brochure.pdf
We have a new improved model coming in a few weeks.
This one has a built in Infrared Laser Tag Game. It doesn't shoot physical pellets, which would be cool too, but it does fire IR beams at other rovers - complete with sound effects and chip logic to keep score!
Please check the PDF linked below for the latest info on our Desktop Rover.
This Slashdot situation comes at a time that it a bit too close for our product release! I am trying to get the message out that we have some very interesting improvements that are worth waiting a few weeks for!
Our latest Desktop Rover has a Laser Tag system added - so up to 4 rovers can shoot each other up with Infrared beams - complete with microprocessor controlled game logic and spacey sound effects and LED to keep track of the score.
We also have added a computer interface jack to the transmitter box! see the PDF linked below:
Please note: Our latest version of the Desktop Rover is not yet in stock, we should have it in about 2 weeks - 10th of September or so.
We will update our webpage with all the new feature of the rover (Lasertag, and Computer Interface), so thanks for your patience.
Oh another thing! We will be sending new versions of the Desktop Rover to every customer who purchased the "model 1" Desktop Rover - We want happy customers, and although this Free replacement policy will be costing us thousands of dollars, we feel that it is important for everyone to see the new model with all of its cool capabilities. Also, since you need 2 Desktop Rovers to play laser tag, we know that if we give one to every customer of model 1, they will likely purchase a second rover and maybe even our Java based Telecommander Software and Interface Cable (RS-232 or USB).
Download our PDF and have a look!
I have posted a PDF file of our latest Brochure for the Desktop Rover. It isn't yet on our site - maybe tommorow, so for today, you can get it from our mac.com site:
Sincerely
Bud Kays
managing director
plantraco.com
Mindstorms are quite cool!
But they have the "brains" on board.
With our Java based Telecommander Software, we are heading in the direction of "Brains - on the PC"
Our latest Desktop Rover has a Laser Tag system added - so up to 4 rovers can shoot each other up with Infrared beams - complete with microprocessor controlled game logic and spacey sound effects and LED to keep track of the score.
We also have added a computer interface jack to the transmitter box! see the PDF linked below:
Please note: Our latest version of the Desktop Rover is not yet in stock, we should have it in about 2 weeks - 10th of September or so.
We will update our webpage with all the new feature of the rover (Lasertag, and Computer Interface), so thanks for your patience.
Oh another thing! We will be sending new versions of the Desktop Rover to every customer who purchased the "model 1" Desktop Rover - We want happy customers, and although this Free replacement policy will be costing us thousands of dollars, we feel that it is important for everyone to see the new model with all of its cool capabilities. Also, since you need 2 Desktop Rovers to play laser tag, we know that if we give one to every customer of model 1, they will likely purchase a second rover and maybe even our Java based Telecommander Software and Interface Cable (RS-232 or USB).
I am rambling again!
Download our PDF and have a look!
I have posted a PDF file of our latest Brochure for the Desktop Rover. It isn't yet on our site - maybe tommorow, so for today, you can get it from our mac.com site:
Sincerely
Bud Kays
managing director
plantraco.com
desktoprover_brochure.pdf
We thought about doing this for stringing Cat-5 ethernet in the suspended ceiling.
We still want to try it - our current B&W PTV16 camera has good performance in low light (our B&W CCD is IR sensitive, and is rated to something like 0.1 or 0.2 lux).
Our latest Desktop Rover model has tons of torque - its almost "unstoppable" which we like!, so it could carry a fishing line, and then you could pull the fishing line from the other end tied to the Cat-5 Ethernet cable.
So, in theory, this stuff is possible!
What can be a bit of a challenge (or a problem depending on your attitude), is that the rover could quite easily get knocked onto its back, and then it would be tough to recover, but hey, this is a real world problem, so if you plan your "missions" carefully, you might have great success! I would guarantee that you would have a lot of fun at least!
Please note: Our latest version of the Desktop Rover is not yet in stock, we should have it in about 2 weeks - 10th of September or so.
We will update our webpage with all the new feature of the rover (Lasertag, and Computer Interface), so thanks for your patience.
Oh another thing! We will be sending new versions of the Desktop Rover to every customer who purchased the "model 1" Desktop Rover - We want happy customers, and although this Free replacement policy will be costing us thousands of dollars, we feel that it is important for everyone to see the new model with all of its cool capabilities. Also, since you need 2 Desktop Rovers to play laser tag, we know that if we give one to every customer of model 1, they will likely purchase a second rover and maybe even our Java based Telecommander Software and Interface Cable (RS-232 or USB).
I am rambling again!
Download our PDF and have a look!
I have posted a PDF file of our latest Brochure for the Desktop Rover. It isn't yet on our site - maybe tommorow, so for today, you can get it from our mac.com site:
Sincerely
Bud Kays
managing director
plantraco.com
desktoprover_brochure.pdf
Bud from Plantraco.com here!
Specs Answers
>How fast does it go?
6 inches per second is the "cruise speed"
>How much noise does this thing make? It's >small but is the noise low enough so that it >can be used for simple spying.
It IS a bit of a whizzy noisy gearbox - this is something that we had to live with in our mechanical design. Give us a year or so and we should have an even smaller version with a quiet gearbox.
>How big an incline can this thing handle?
This same gearbox (helical wormdrive) does have the advantage of great torque! Our very latest revision of the Desktop Rover has more powerfull FETS (power transistors), and this gets more zap to the motors. The rover can carry a full canned beverage without difficulty. If it has good traction, the rover can climb a very steep incline - nearly vertical, but of course center of gravity issues will come into play as well.
In Summary, Plantraco's Desktop Rover is not a super speedy tracked vehicle - rather, it is a highly maneuverable, 4 inch length, R/C vehicle with some interesting features.
Our website will be updated with the new features of the Desktop Rover, and also our PTV16C (CMOS Color camera with increased battery life).
We have added:
1-Laser Tag
2-Computer Interface to Transmitter Box - with Telecommander Java software package (GUI interface software for scripting commands).
3-Bug Fixes - we fixed a problem in which rubber tracks could derail from the rover, and we also increased speed and power and radio range
The mac.com link below links to a Plantraco PDF of our Desktop Rover Brochure - which was just completed today! it hasn't even been put to film for printing yet!
We will be adding it to our website (in the HELP ME section - in the next day or so)
Oh, If any of you are in Chicago, you can visit us at the International Hobby show in Rosemont Convention Center - (ihobbyexpo.com)
Below is a link to the new Desktop Rover PDF:
Please view it - it has the latest info on our Desktop Rover - including the Telecommander Software - which I think many readers at slashdot will like to know about!
desktoprover_brochure.pdf
Bud Kays - Plantraco
Well, its still kicking --- ummm sortof!
Its just crawling along very slowly.
but yes, score one for being slashdotted!
Bud from Plantraco here:
You may wish to wait for the new version of the Desktop Rover with Lasertag and Computer Interface - coming in just a few weeks:
Thank You everyone for your interest in our Desktop Rover miniature tracked vehicle!
I only wish our website was ready for this traffic! We have been quite overloaded today!
In addition, I would like to inform everyone that we at plantraco have added some very interesting features to the Desktop Rover that I think you will want to know about!
1. INFRARED LASER TAG SYSTEM!
2. COMPUTER INTERFACE TO TRANSMITTER BOX - AND ACCOMPANYING JAVA SOFTWARE (Which will run on any computer that has a Java 1.2 (Java 2) Virtual Machine. This includes Win 95-2000 and, yes, Mac OS X ! We have not tested on Linux, but if you have JVM and a serial port, you should be in business!
3. Various plastic modifications - prevent rubber track derailment and other mundane bug fixes
The mac.com link below links to a PDF of our Desktop Rover Brochure - which was just completed today! it hasn't even been put to film for printing yet!
desktoprover_brochure.pdf
I think there will be a lot of slashdot readers who will enjoy our Java Telecommander Software - See below:
Thank You everyone for your interest in our Desktop Rover miniature tracked vehicle!
I only wish our website was ready for this traffic! We have been quite overloaded today!
In addition, I would like to inform everyone that we at plantraco have added some very interesting features to the Desktop Rover that I think you will want to know about!
1. INFRARED LASER TAG SYSTEM!
2. COMPUTER INTERFACE TO TRANSMITTER BOX - AND ACCOMPANYING JAVA SOFTWARE (Which will run on any computer that has a Java 1.2 (Java 2) Virtual Machine. This includes Win 95-2000 and, yes, Mac OS X ! We have not tested on Linux, but if you have JVM and a serial port, you should be in business!
3. Various plastic modifications - prevent rubber track derailment and other mundane bug fixes
The mac.com link below links to a PDF of our Desktop Rover Brochure - which was just completed today! it hasn't even been put to film for printing yet!
desktoprover_brochure.pdf
Yes, we supplied The Sharper Image with our Twin-Turbofan Flying Saucers a few years ago.
They may carry them again for the holiday season this year
Bud Kays
plantraco.com
We do have an online demo of the Telecommander Software - but we don't yet have que management so you must wait. Thank You everyone for your interest in our Desktop Rover miniature tracked vehicle! I only wish our website was ready for this traffic! We have been quite overloaded today! In addition, I would like to inform everyone that we at plantraco have added some very interesting features to the Desktop Rover that I think you will want to know about! 1. INFRARED LASER TAG SYSTEM! 2. COMPUTER INTERFACE TO TRANSMITTER BOX - AND ACCOMPANYING JAVA SOFTWARE (Which will run on any computer that has a Java 1.2 (Java 2) Virtual Machine. This includes Win 95-2000 and, yes, Mac OS X ! We have not tested on Linux, but if you have JVM and a serial port, you should be in business! 3. Various plastic modifications - prevent rubber track derailment and other mundane bug fixes The mac.com link below links to a PDF of our Desktop Rover Brochure - which was just completed today! it hasn't even been put to film for printing yet!
desktoprover_brochure.pdf
With our new 3 Channel RC, this could be accomplished.
We are adding a Laser Tag and Computer Interface right now:
Thank You everyone for your interest in our Desktop Rover miniature tracked vehicle!
I only wish our website was ready for this traffic! We have been quite overloaded today!
In addition, I would like to inform everyone that we at plantraco have added some very interesting features to the Desktop Rover that I think you will want to know about!
1. INFRARED LASER TAG SYSTEM!
2. COMPUTER INTERFACE TO TRANSMITTER BOX - AND ACCOMPANYING JAVA SOFTWARE (Which will run on any computer that has a Java 1.2 (Java 2) Virtual Machine. This includes Win 95-2000 and, yes, Mac OS X ! We have not tested on Linux, but if you have JVM and a serial port, you should be in business!
3. Various plastic modifications - prevent rubber track derailment and other mundane bug fixes
The mac.com link below links to a PDF of our Desktop Rover Brochure - which was just completed today! it hasn't even been put to film for printing yet!
desktoprover_brochure.pdf
We have what you want (Computer Interface) - it just hasn't been released yet!
:)
Talk about blowing our press release
I post again:
Thank You everyone for your interest in our Desktop Rover miniature tracked vehicle!
I only wish our website was ready for this traffic! We have been quite overloaded today!
In addition, I would like to inform everyone that we at plantraco have added some very interesting features to the Desktop Rover that I think you will want to know about!
1. INFRARED LASER TAG SYSTEM!
2. COMPUTER INTERFACE TO TRANSMITTER BOX - AND ACCOMPANYING JAVA SOFTWARE (Which will run on any computer that has a Java 1.2 (Java 2) Virtual Machine. This includes Win 95-2000 and, yes, Mac OS X ! We have not tested on Linux, but if you have JVM and a serial port, you should be in business!
3. Various plastic modifications - prevent rubber track derailment and other mundane bug fixes
I want to post a PDF of our Desktop Rover Brochure - which was just completed today!
desktoprover_brochure.pdf
Hello! Bud here, from Plantraco! ummm - Cluster them eh? You mean tie 2 or more together? Yes, this cna be done - maybe if you have some micro robotics needs you could use 2 rovers. Here is a link to the PDF of our Desktop Rover Brochure - which was just completed today! It isn't even on our website yet
desktoprover_brochure.pdf
The Kyosho Mini-Z cars are really great!
We have several!, but they are in a different category of micro RC - Our Desktop Rover is a slow moving micro vehicle that can turn on a dime - which the Mini-Z and other wheeled vehicles cannot do.
We are releasing a new version of the Desktop Rover in the coming weeks - and we have added Laser Tag and a Computer Interface. See the link I have posted to our PDF - from mac.com instead of our website - which has been overloaded today! 500 users per minute! Wow!
Thank You everyone for your interest in our Desktop Rover miniature tracked vehicle!
I only wish our website was ready for this traffic! We have been quite overloaded today!
In addition, I would like to inform everyone that we at plantraco have added some very interesting features to the Desktop Rover that I think you will want to know about!
1. INFRARED LASER TAG SYSTEM!
2. COMPUTER INTERFACE TO TRANSMITTER BOX - AND ACCOMPANYING JAVA SOFTWARE (Which will run on any computer that has a Java 1.2 (Java 2) Virtual Machine. This includes Win 95-2000 and, yes, Mac OS X ! We have not tested on Linux, but if you have JVM and a serial port, you should be in business!
3. Various plastic modifications - prevent rubber track derailment and other mundane bug fixes
We would be happy to have you as a customer! Check back to our website in a few weeks for the new Rovers!
I want to post a PDF of our Desktop Rover Brochure - which was just completed today!
desktoprover_brochure.pdf
Thank You everyone for your interest in our Desktop Rover miniature tracked vehicle!
I only wish our website was ready for this traffic! We have been quite overloaded today!
In addition, I would like to inform everyone that we at plantraco have added some very interesting features to the Desktop Rover that I think you will want to know about!
1. INFRARED LASER TAG SYSTEM!
2. COMPUTER INTERFACE TO TRANSMITTER BOX - AND ACCOMPANYING JAVA SOFTWARE (Which will run on any computer that has a Java 1.2 (Java 2) Virtual Machine. This includes Win 95-2000 and, yes, Mac OS X ! We have not tested on Linux, but if you have JVM and a serial port, you should be in business!
3. Various plastic modifications - prevent rubber track derailment and other mundane bug fixes
We want happy customers!
I want to post a PDF of our Desktop Rover Brochure - which was just completed today!
desktoprover_brochure.pdf
Thank You everyone for your interest in our Desktop Rover miniature tracked vehicle! I only wish our website was ready for this traffic! We have been quite overloaded today! In addition, I would like to inform everyone that we at plantraco have added some very interesting features to the Desktop Rover that I think you will want to know about! 1. INFRARED LASER TAG SYSTEM! 2. COMPUTER INTERFACE TO TRANSMITTER BOX - AND ACCOMPANYING JAVA SOFTWARE (Which will run on any computer that has a Java 1.2 (Java 2) Virtual Machine. This includes Win 95-2000 and, yes, Mac OS X ! We have not tested on Linux, but if you have JVM and a serial port, you should be in business! 3. Various plastic modifications - prevent rubber track derailment and other mundane bug fixes We want happy customers! I want to post a PDF of our Desktop Rover Brochure - which was just completed today!
desktoprover_brochure.pdf