It’s time to continue with the MOOC DuckieTown course and build the newest DB21J (4GB) DuckieBot.
Although I did consider buying an older (& cheaper) RPi version, the newest version should be less stress full, since it (should) work with the newest online course.
First impressions:
- Great online content (building/setup).
- Started 2022 MOOC already (wo. robot).
It is free, great content & possibility to drive virtual only. - Shipping the DuckieBot was relative fast (China → Europe).
- Building the DuckieBot was quite straight forwards too.
- Installing the laptop/flashing was also straight forwards (so far).
(To bo ounest, this is what I was dreading the most.) - Could not buy EU version. So I having some additional costs. 🙁
- First-boot of this robot was an issue, due to cost down. The official Jetson Nano is replaced with a nockoff, which did not boot from SD. Together with the DuckieTeam it was resolved..
- Calibration of all sensors went straight forwards.
(Although using live CAM feed, a different browser is needed.) - Planned to join the MOOC 2025 April edition, but that’s delayed.
- The MOOC 2025 September started…
Road & tiles…
I decided to create the road-tiles & the traffic signs (optional?) myself.
- Road tiles: nexgen-protection-mat-6pcs-180x120cm-black.
- Tape: pictogrammenwinkel.nl: TA1204, TA1205, TA1303, (blue: TA1208).
- Traffic sing stands: laser cutting my own stand, when needed.
After adding some tape & cutting:
So, that looks like a nice result. I should have bought at least 2×6+1 tiles, for driving that 8-figure… And definitely need some more signs, looking to the potential hazards down the road.
The 2024 MOOC
I did enroll the 2022 MOOC version before, but never installed any software. Let’s continue debugging/running the DB21J… Currently there is also a 2024 MOOC, let’s try that & start building the robot:
Issue-1 (solved): driving straight (on one tile) is impossible. Somehow this robot turns 90 degrees on one tile, while it should driving ‘forwards’… This is one of the settings in calibration, but was also related to issue-2.
Issue-2 (solved): after moving/turning the actuators are stalling. This is related to the caster wheel. It could block after moving over one or tow tiles. (Replaced by 2nd caster, which seems to work better. Actually, I should have used the hard side of the floormats too, which decrease friction with the caster wheel.)
Issue-3: Not able to join teams-environment: appreantly it’s not possible to join with a “@hotmail” adres. So lagging solution space…
Currently (August), the robot is back in the box…
The good news: my own DIY RPi-Pico-W robot is running around now!
October 15th
Yeah, the 2025 MOOC finally started!
