simple solar robot

in this instructable i am going to show you how to build a simple solar powered robot.

(the pictures below are in order from the list)

like any project you will need some parts and tools.

parts 
1x solarbotics scc2224
1x 1.5-3 volt pager motor
3x paper clips
optional
google eyes
wire (to make antennae)

tools
wire cutters
ca or super glue
soldering iron
solder
hot glue gun
clamp (optional)

Step 1: The body

first begin by gluing the motor to the underside of the solar cell with ca glue. note how the power leads are facing the solar cell's connection pads. clamp if necessary until the glue dries. again the pictures are in order so if you get stuck look at the pretty pictures.

Comments

[IVT]

Very well thought and practical, thank you corn holio for sharing. I will try this with two toothbrush heads on either side of the motor instead of pins. Nanobots invading !

[Parkerk2]

Ok so I bought that solar panel and the motor and it didn't work. I also checked the motor and it worked. Got any suggestions?

[IVT]

If the solar panel is like the one in the picture, it is a good chance that it may be faulty. These are cheap panels, mostly made without appropriate Quality Control. Better check the voltage from panel under sunlight with a voltmeter first. If you do not have a voltmeter, you may check it with first with a green led (most of them 3v), then a red led(1,5 v). Green check is for avoiding burning the red led if voltage level is high. Generally you would see nothing with green led but a glow in red. Be sure that you test with the correct led pin + to + and - to - since leds are diodes working only one way.

[corn holio]

your motor may draw too much current. i would recommend that you add a solar engine to the robot (miller configuration, google it) this project was designed to "pave the way" for people who want to get started in B.E.A.M. robotics. thats why it does not have a solar engine built into it. i have been building beam bots for years and i have acquired a lot of knowladge on the subject. i will release some more instructables on how to make all sorts of solar engine, and i may post some videos. please do not get frustrated as it takes away the fun of building these things (belive me it turns a simple weekend project into a living hell) so all and all dont get frustrated and i am always ready to help
cornholio

[Parkerk2]

Thanks but can you put the exact url that you bought the solar panel because I don't want to buy the wrong solar panel.

Thanks!

[corn holio]

http://www.solarbotics.com/product/scc2422/
hope this helps

[Parkerk2]

Hey where did you get the solar panel

[corn holio]

www.solarbotics.com it is an sc2224 or you could use any other 3 volt solar cell

[grundisimo]

Good job! This is definitely something i'll have to try.