SunFounder GalaxyRVR Kit for Arduino, Release 1.0
Now that we’ve mastered the art of color-setting, in the next step, we’ll integrate these dazzling displays with the
movements of the Mars Rover. Exciting times ahead!
Step 4: Move the Rover with Color Indication
Now, we’ll add color indications to the movements of the Mars Rover. For instance, we can use green for forward, red
for backward, and yellow for turning left or right.
To do this, we will add a control mechanism in our code that sets the color of the LED strip based on the Rover’s
movement. This will involve modifying our Rover control code to include our color control functions.
Let’s see an example of how we can do this:
Within the loop() function, we commanded the Rover to perform a series of actions by calling different functions.
Each action had its corresponding color display - green for moving forward, red for moving backward, and yellow
for turning. This color display feature was brought to life using the setColor() function, which manipulated the
brightness of each RGB color channel.
For the stop action, we introduced an engaging element - a breathing effect with a red and blue light. This was achieved
by cyclically adjusting the brightness of the red and blue channels within the stopMove() function. As such, upon
stopping, the LED strip transitioned colors between red and blue, creating a dynamic visual effect.
Now, our Mars Rover now possesses its own vibrant color effects, leaving behind a trail of color-coded signals, each
representing a unique movement.
Through this project, we’ve discovered how STEAM subjects can amalgamate to breathe life into an otherwise ordinary
machine, turning it into a vibrant, interactive, and fun learning tool.
Step 5: Summary and Reflection
In today’s lesson, we delved into the world of RGB LED strips, exploring how to manipulate them to display a vivid
array of colors. These brilliant hues breathed new life into our Mars Rover, transforming it from a mere machine into
a vibrant spectacle.
Now, I invite you to ponder - If it was you in the driver’s seat, how would you utilize these colors to enhance your Mars
Rover? What unique effects would you want it to exhibit?
Moreover, through the process, I hope you had a hands-on understanding of how diverse STEAM concepts can be
interwoven in an engaging project, providing you with a broader perspective of its practical applications.
See you in our next exciting adventure!
3.10 Lesson 10: Exploring the Mars Rover Visual System - Servo and
Tilt Mechanism
Welcome back, young explorers! In today’s adventure, we are going to delve into the fascinating world of the Mars
Rover’s visual system. Just like our eyes and neck work together to help us see and navigate our surroundings, our
Rover too needs a similar system to navigate the treacherous Martian landscape. And that’s exactly what we are going
to build today!
The visual system of our Rover has two main parts: a camera that acts as its “eyes”, and a tilt mechanism that acts like a
“neck”, allowing it to look up and down. By the end of this lesson, we’ll give our Rover the ability to “see” and “nod”!
First, we’ll build the tilt mechanism - a device that will hold our Rover’s camera and let it rotate vertically. It’s like
giving our Rover a neck, so it can nod its “head” or camera up and down!
Next, we’ll learn about the servo, the tiny yet powerful “muscle” that moves our tilt mechanism. We’ll understand how
it works and how we can control it using Arduino programming.
3.10. Lesson 10: Exploring the Mars Rover Visual System - Servo and Tilt Mechanism 75
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