3 Simple Ways to
Share What You Make

With Instructables you can share what you make with the world — and tap into an ever-growing community of creative experts.

PhotosPhotos

Share one or more photos of a project, recipe, or whatever you've made, quickly and easily.

Get Started

Learn more & Get Tips

Step by StepStep-By-Step

Share your step-by-step photos with text instructions of what you made so others can do it too!

Get Started

Learn more & Get Tips

VideoVideo

Share your how-to video. You'll need your embed code from a video site such as YouTube.

Get Started

Learn more & Get Tips

Print PDF

Favorite

Robocam - Homemade Video Robot

last photo ←

Robocam is a heavy duty homemade robot platform supporting a video camera and transmitter. The platform for Robocam is made from plywood and threaded rods. Locomotion is provided by two surplus six volt motors connected to lawn mower wheels. Power is provided by a lead acid battery. Rather than use a modern transistor or IC based H-bridge, Robocam uses four electromechanical relays (which make great clicking noises when in operation). The camera is mounted on a hobby servo that allows the camera to pan back and forth under program control. The camera is connected to a battery powered transmitter. The transmitter broadcasts on TV frequencies so you can remotely monitor what the Robocam sees with a standard non-digital TV. Robocam can be controlled via low cost micro-controllers like the Arduino, Basic Stamp, Propeller, etc. (not shown). A power switch is mounted on the front of the lower platform to prevent the circuits and motors from draining the batteries when not in use.