When we talk about the “front,” “left,” “right,” and “back” of the RedBot, we
are referring to specific sides of the robot when viewed from above.
Notice that we consider the Mainboard to be on the “back” of the RedBot
and the Bumper Whiskers and Line Follower Boards to be in the “front.”
Read on if you have the SIK for RedBot or are using the Wheel
Encoder Kit. If not, skip to the next section.
The Wheel Encoder Kit is a simple add-on sensor that can be used to
detect how far each wheel rotates. The wheel encoders will allow you to
monitor and control the distance the robot travels. The Wheel Encoder Kit
uses a multi-pole diametric ring magnet attached to the motor shaft. As the
motor spins, the ring magnet spins as well. This is detected by a small
magnetic sensor called a hall effect sensor. The RedBot can use this
sensor input to count / track the number of rotations of the motor and hence
how far the wheel moves.
NOTE:
You will likely need some scissors to open the Wheel Encoder Kit.
Also, the Encoder Kit might contain some extra parts (e.g. screws and
some blue mounting bars). You won’t need those, as the Shadow Chassis
