/RopeTrolley

A remotely operated vehicle that rolls along on a rope.

Primary LanguageTypeScriptMIT LicenseMIT

Rope Trolley

Something like this but not this

This is a planning document for a November 2020 group project at Fox.Build.

We're going to build a remotely operated trolley that travels along an overhead rope. It will be very similar to a DIY cable cam.

Goals

  • Explore embedded Linux development with Nerves (It's OK if you've never used Nerves before).
  • Share our experience with others.
  • Have fun. At no point will we discuss the practical merits of this project. This policy will be enforced by aircraft.
  • Have a display-worthy thing to display in the front window of the space (stretch goal).

Hard Requirements

  • The device will be remotely operated over the Internet (as opposed to a LAN, cables, radio, etc..)
  • The device will have at least one actuator. Right now, that's a servo, but if you have a creative alternative, that's fine too. Other ideas: Make it an art sculpture with remote controlled LEDs, smoke, speakers, etc..
  • The device will have a hilarious name, ideally one based on an absurd acronym or something.
  • The device will run Nerves, an embedded Linux development framework.
  • The device will use a DC motor (no steppers for this one, OK?)
  • Operator will see a livestream from the device using an off-the-shelf webcam (no Pi cams)
  • Operator can remotely control the actuator
  • Operator can remotely move the device in both directions of the cable

Soft Requirements

  • Having an artistic, aesthetically appealing or fun exterior would be nice, as it would allow us to keep it on display in the front window as a member project showcase.

Similar Projects, Ideas

How You Can Get Involved

We need help with:

  • Software development
  • Design and engineering
  • Documenting the process (photos, documentation, blogs, etc..)
  • Art (project graphics, sculptures for the project body)
  • Other things

Please contact Rick if you would like to get involved. #ropeTrolley on Fox.Build Slack. https://foxbuild.slack.com/archives/C01D2JA4LG6