Return to Charger Flag

[toolbelt]

If you can't see that the bot is back in the charger unit from you home/windows you may want to add a simple flag unit to the charger.  I used a piece of wire and attached it to the charger.  At one end I added a 'flag' made out of Silver duct tape.  When the bot is 'Out' the weight of the wire causes the flag to be UP, when 'IN' the charger the flag is DOWN.

I first measured from the bottom of the charger cage to the upper shell, added 1/3 more to that length.  At that 1/3  point I put a 360 twist (loop) in the wire.  Next I inserted the wire into the wire handle of a paper clamp moved it so the handle was in the 360 twist.  At the long end of the wire I bent it into a 'U' shape so there wouldn't be a shape point.  Added the flag made from Silver duct tape at the 1/3 end and clamped it to the edge of the charger at the center/top of the unit.  When Junior is out it hangs straight up and down.  When Junior returns he hits the wire causing it to move upward and thereby lowering the flag.  The insulated wire (#14 solid) protects it from the charger plates and does not scratch the shell of Junior.

All I have to do is look out the window and check the position of the flag.

[RobotLady]

Cool!  I guess we'll have to cut a window into the side of the house our charger is on before I can install the flag...  We've got a large lawn with tons of trees (er, hiding places) where our little friend decides to hang out for awhile.  It would be nice to know when he's docked!

[shep874]

Hey it would be nice to have a camera on the bots that would transmit to a computer so that one could see what he is up to.  It would be especially nice at night, to see what evil things are hanging out in your yard..  If you come up with a unit, let me know..

[toolbelt]

This gal has one on her bot.  Try contact her.  As you will see she hasn't been too active.
http://betsielawnbott.com/lawnbott-live-and-chat/

[jzawacki]

WiFi cameras are easy.  Come on shep874, you should be able to do this without any problems..

[shep874]

When it come to electronics, I am not the sharpest tact in the box.  Mechanical. Gears. leverage, Some common sense and real-estate, is my forte.  When it comes  to electronics I usually use a crutch, like some of you experts.  Which I am so thankful for.  So any idea what would be my best bet to buy.....