Defconbots autonomous sentry gun

Computers & Mobile Robotics Technology

Kevin Hjelden and his friend Joe built this autonomous shooter for this year’s Defconbots competition. They described the build before they started:

The electronics for this project are going to be relatively simple as well. To control the three servos (pan + tilt + firing), we are going to use the Pololu 8-channel servo controller. Normally we might use an atmega to do the control, however I already created code to control the pololu controller for another project and it’s really inexpensive/easy to use. If it required more complicated feedback or logic, a microcontroller might have been the better choice, but in this case it wasn’t, so the right decision was just to use the Pololu controller. To control the valve, we had two options. One was to use another channel on the servo controller and something like a Banebot motor controller to apply power to the electronic valve, the other was to use the servo that pushes the plunger to push a switch that opens the valve. The latter option was chosen.

Defcon Bot – [via] Link

Related:

  • @ DEFCON – The Kegbot project – Link
  • Defcon 15 round up – Link
  • Hackers on a Plane – Defcon – Link

14 thoughts on “Defconbots autonomous sentry gun

  1. Trevor_D. says:

    Dumb and off topic, I know…but I really like the song. Anyone know who its by?

  2. Wetwired says:

    Mirwais – Disco Science

  3. samurai1200 says:

    Ive heard it in a movie — im thinking fight club.

    anywho, I

  4. Wetwired says:

    Mirwais – Disco Science

  5. rabagley says:

    The movie you’re thinking of is Snatch

  6. stolie says:

    wow that would be cool to have outside your house or on your car or something

  7. Justin says:

    So is this TFC-inspired turret choose targets by color? I see its shooting all Blue Pepsi, or is it controlled?

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Gareth Branwyn is a freelance writer and the former Editorial Director of Maker Media. He is the author or editor of over a dozen books on technology, DIY, and geek culture. He is currently a contributor to Boing Boing, Wink Books, and Wink Fun. His free weekly-ish maker tips newsletter can be found at garstipsandtools.com.

View more articles by Gareth Branwyn

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