CHAPTER 27 ■ ENCOREBEAM Robots
There’s a whole class of tiny, simple robots that utilize solar panels instead of batteries. These are called
BEAM robots. Because of their limited intelligence and size, they’re easy to make. BEAM robots seem to
attract artisans as builders, as some BEAM robots are absolutely stunning to behold.
The lack of a battery requires the robot to stand motionless for long periods at a time, charging a
capacitor from its solar panel (see Figure 27-6). Then, in a rapid burst, the robot releases the power through
its brains and motors, and begins the cycle again.
Figure 27-6. Appetizer, a BEAM robot, charging its rear capacitor from its front solar panel
Because they don’t have a battery, BEAM robots often lack a power switch. Instead they wander around
all day, and sleep at night.
If you’re interested in learning more, check out the Solarbotics company web site,
http://www.solarbotics.com/.
Resistor Networks
If a robot circuit contains a lot of resistors of the same value, purchasing a part that contains multiple
resistors in the same package can save space.
A resistor network, also called a resistor array, consists of many resistors in a single part (see Figure 27-7).
Depending on the package, the resistors may be electrically independent of each other, they may be wired so
that one end of all of the resistors connects to a single pin, or they may have bizarre arrangements employed
for bus termination. Before ordering, be sure to examine the manufacturer’s schematic to determine the
layout you desire.