simple-robots/lego-ev3/pong-catapult/pong-catapult.md

pong catapult

One of the easiest robotics projects, with a single motor and repeatable interactions.

Distance where the ball launched could be controlled with motor speed.

Photos and video: lego-catapult-photos.md

Required components

• Lego Ev3
• wifi dongle
• microsd card
• some lego parts
• several ping pong balls

Steps

1. Install linux on sd card for ev3 brick. https://www.ev3dev.org/docs/getting-started/
   1. Download, unzip.
   2. If linux: sudo dd if=ev3dev-stretch-ev3-generic-2020-04-10.img of=/dev/sdb bs=4M status=progress conv=fsync
      1. then sync
   3. If windows: use win32diskimager or similar app.
   4. Wait 2-10 minutes so OS image is written to the card.
   5. Turn on, connect to wifi.
2. Test app for motors.
   1. Get the project from https://git.makerobots.eu/konstantin/lego-ev3-java .
   2. Update IP address.
   3. Connect motor to port A .
   4. Run gradle deployAndBrickRun task.
   5. When the brick beeped, press the right button to test motor.
3. Assemble a sturdy structure with a motor.
4. Place ball and test.
5. Iterate (structure and code) and try to launch a pong ball:
   • as far as possible
   • as high as possible
   • exactly 30 cm (use the plastic cup or some bowl)
   • exactly 1-meter distance.