Johnny Five - Mark III

Johnny Five in 2013

Back for it's 3rd try for glory, here's the new, redesigned Johnny Five autonomous racing vehicle in the final stages of configuration and development for Sparkfun's 2014 AVC (Autonomous Vehicle Competition):

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Here's what's changed (so far) for 2014:

• • Moved GPS to rear, elevated and added larger ground plane for improved reception

  • New, on board SD card-based video recorder with telemetry overlay

  • Pixy-based blob tracking camera (still in development)

  • Redesigned GPS power system (maintains GPS power during battery charge and change)

  • Custom LCD module with keypad for field diagnostics and configuration

  • New, object-based software

Here's what hasn't changed from 2013:

• • Using same custom IMU with stabilized compass module as last year

• Hall effect odometry sensor

  • Two-way telemetry system (for field testing)

  • OpenLog-based data logging system (independent from video logging subsystem)

  • ECX Torment, 1/10 scale chassis, but with upgrade steering servo

  • Johnny Five's trademark moving eyes (watches where he's driving)

What's Still in Development (and may be dropped before race time)

• • Software additions for the Pixy-based Tracking Camera

  • New collision detection/recovery subsystem

  • High Precision GPS subsystem

  • Victory announcement mechanism