It’s time to continue with the MOOC DuckieTown course and bought the newest DB21J (4GB) DuckieBot.
Although I considered to buy an older (& cheaper) RPi version, the newest version should be less stress full, since it (should) work with the newest online course. And I want to learn from real robotics behaviour, which will be different then the simulated version..
First impressions:
- I realy like the online-documentation (building/setup).
- I started 2022 MOOC already, it is free to access and having great content.
- 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. - Issue: driving straight (on one tile) is impossible. Somehow this robot turns 90 degrees on one tile, while driving ‘forwards’…
What is going on? - The MOOC 2025 – April edition is moved to July 31…
Other hardware
I decided to create the road-tiles & the traffic signs (optional?) myselfs.
- 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 13 tiles, for driving that 8-figure… And definately need some more signs, looking to the potential hazards down the road.
The 2022 MOOC
I did enroll the 2022 MOOC version before, but never installed any software. Let’s continue debugging/running the DB21J…
