Here`s one for us hackers and modders! Linux powered robot with 2.4 gHz two-way radio controller. Video from the camera on deck of the robot feeds back to the screen on the controller.

This is the same radio that provides the smooth and great control for the RFL robot. Not as fancy, but there`s no video feedback on the RFL bot. And, there`s somewhat easier to program (don`t need a pic programmer) device on board. It has it`s own C compiler You simply use the gnu compiler with a library for the ARM-9 chip.

Both the bot and the controller use ARM-9 chips, both have USB ports. Not much is known yet, the builders haven`t published everything, like schematics and all yet, but it`s comin` so they promise.

I was able to get one of these for less than a hundred bucks. Inspection of the box and any mods will come later. Another site is doing a breakdown and take apart and another has done something like I`ve done here.

The big question is "what about tilting the video camera?" Other bots are a little crude at this, but from my cursory inspection, a little arm can come out through the clear plastic cover to an awaiting servo arm. If all goes well I can program one of the gpio`s (right there on the pc board, all shiny, and waiting to be soldered to). The gpio (I hope) will provide the servo drive signal, and if so, then maybe I use a spare switch on the controller to gradually run the camera up and down.

Being able to change camera elevation is important to bot builders... It`s my goal for hacking into this bot.

What else is needed? Lot`s of IR to help it not bump into things, when you are looking elsewhere. And some edge detectors facing down to keep you from accidentally driving down the stairs. Just basic stuff - should be easy to add. How easy? We will hopefully hear from the manufacturer soon with details, meanwhile, I can dig around a bit myself. After all, I yam a modder and a hacker!