Sparky - DIY Web-Based Telepresence Robot

Step 12 COMPUTER & PERIPHERALS

One reason why the current Sparky is so small is due the inspirational size of the Mac Mini. It was a remarkable realization that the computing power needed to drive this project was becoming diminishingly small. Previous efforts included a full-sized G4 desktop, a Luxo Lamp iMac, and even the rarely-sighted Mac Cube. Ive even begun to poke around at the idea of an iPhone Sparky, but that has its own issues&

Connecting the computer hardware is straightforward. Looking at the back of the Mac from L to R, there is a power cable, Ethernet (to MAKE Controller), Firewire (iSight), monitor cable, USB (MAKE Controller), another USB (keyboard & mouse). All of the excess cabling, power bricks, etc& are zip-tied and wedged into the chassis. There are three AC power cords  the Mac, LCD monitor and the MAKE board  which all go into a 3-way splitter plugged into the DC-to-AC inverter, packed snuggly next to the 12 v. battery. The Ethernet and USB cable plug into the MAKE Controller, one for data, the other for power.

At this point, its a working WiFi-enabled computer, powered by battery, connected to the MAKE board and sitting on wheels (but not yet drivable). Now is a good time to test things. Fire it up and troubleshoot any issues with audio, video, WiFi, etc& Download and use Skype to make video calls. Be sure to clear all of these potential nuisances before moving on to the next phase.