Nexus Workshop Information
Registrations for the Techfest Nexus Workshops closed for all centers. Registrations for the Nexus CommQUEST still open. Click here to register for the Nexus CommQUEST.
NEXUS includes two day workshops conceptualized around Wireless Communication between Robots at various centers around the country. The participants will learn about emerging technologies like Wireless Communication, Swarm Robotics and Microcontroller Programming in this workshop. Along with this, the participants will also be able to build an Autonomous Grid-solving Robot. This two day workshop will cover various practical activities along with the theoretical concepts covered throughout the sessions. The activities will be performed with the programmable research platform specially designed by TRI. This platform includes a wireless communication module, microcontroller based board, programming tools, sensors, actuators. We believe the practical activities will enrich the Embedded C programming, PC hardware interfacing skills of the participants. Attending this workshop will drive your instinct to deliver in the domain of robotics and wireless communication.
Prerequisites:
Other than an understanding of Simple C, we expect nothing from the participants except enthusiasm.
The content of this workshop and its depth caters extremely well to both new comers as well as the more experienced Robotic enthusiasts.
Workshop Content:
The workshop will cover following topics in two days:
- AVR series Microcontrollers
- Programming
- Sensors
- Actuators
- Motor drivers
- Wireless communication
- Working with CC2500 Wireless Transceiver module
The cost of the workshop includes:
- Programmable Robotics platform (iBoard AVR mini)
- Pre and post workshop hand outs and training material
- Training fee
- Participation certificate
- Take away KIT including a pair of CC2500 ready to use Modules, Microcontroller Board, Sensors, Chassis (scroll down for content of the KIT).
This will be accompanied by a detailed manual of the Programmable robotics platform. This platform is useful in building various applications like Swarm Robots, PC control robots, Grid solving robot, line following robot, etc.
The cost of the workshop is Rs. 3350/- per team .
The maximum number of participants per team is 4.
An optional amount of Rs. 500/- will be charged over the base amount for participants choosing to take back the mechanical components of the kit.
The workshop is conducted for two consecutive days in 4 sessions, each session being 4 hour long. Each session time is equally distributed in theory accompanied by practical activities.
Each Successfully Registered team is expected to bring 6 AA sized batteries and one 9V Battery.
Insight on the different topics covered in the workshop:
- AVR series Microcontrollers:
- What is a Microcontroller?
- Different microcontrollers available.
- Why AVR?
- Features of ATmega8.
This session will give an introduction about different microcontrollers used in the industry and elaborate on the upside of AVR series microcontrollers and different features offered by this family of microcontrollers.
Programming:
- Embedded C programming.
- Using Programmers' notepad.
- Working with Makefiles.
Programming in embedded C will be the objective for this session. The tools like Programmers Notepad, Makefiles will be introduced in detail. A due attention will be given to good programming practices. The practical activities will include writing programs for on-board peripherals like switches, LEDs.
Sensors:
- Line detection sensors
- Junction detecting sensors
- Temperature sensors
- Sound sensors
- Touch sensors
The capability of any system depends on the quality of sensors. Activities will include calibration and interfacing of these sensors with ATmega8. Building autonomous robots that follows line and detects junctions in a grid.
Actuators:
- DC geared motors
- Stepper motors
- RC Servo Motors
Details of various types of motors and actuators will be studied. Special attention will be imparted to DC and stepper motors. Other unconventional modes of actuation like Pneumatics and artificial muscles will be discussed in brief. Hands on sessions will include controlled driving of DC motors in different drive configurations.
Motor Drivers:
- Electromechanical: Relays
- Solid-state drivers: H-bridge, IC drivers
Principles of motor drivers including electromechanical and solid-sate drivers will be covered. Concepts of fly-back diodes, snubbers and other different strategies to reduce interference will also be studied.
Wireless Communication:
- Different options for Wireless Communication
- Specifications of CC2500 module
- Different modes of operation of CC2500
- Configuring CC2500 module
- Interfacing CC2500 with ATmega8
This session will emphasize on the need of wireless communication, different ways to satisfy this need. One way to establish wireless communication using CC250 will be introduced in detail. Activities will include interfacing CC2500 to ATmega8 and Computer, configuring it to operate in different modes, transmitting and receiving multi-byte data between microcontroller and computer.
The Take Away Kit includes:
The Controller board
- Built around widely used ATmega8 microcontroller
- 18 on-board digital I/O pins
- To connect sensors
- To connect motor driver
- 2 general purpose switches and LEDs
- RS232 level shifter for direct communication with Computer.
Sensors
- An IR sensor array
- For line detection
- For junction detection
Chassis (available with workshop fees of Rs. 3850/-)
- Laser cut, powder coated MS chassis
- 2 geared DC motors.
In order to proceed with your registration we would request you to deposit the amount (via DD only) at your nearest ICICI branch in our account or courier us the DD at the below mentioned address. Please note that any amount deposited by cash/cheque is not acceptable.
The account details are:
Account Name - " TRI Technosolutions Private Limited "
Service Branch - "Mumbai".
Account number - "002005018738"
ThinkLABS mumbai address:
TRI Technosolutions Pvt Ltd
113/114,1st Floor Phulora CHSL
Opposite IIT Main Gate, Powai
Mumbai - 400 076
Ph: +91-22-25789732-33-34-36-40
Fax: +91-22-25789737
