SOLAROLLERS
Solar Rollers (solarollers? solarrollers?) are probably among everybody's first BEAM projects. They're fun for a quick build from junk parts, and it's always fun to watch them scoot.
Dragon
Dragon, my first ever roller and second ever BEAMbot, used a dozen 220uF caps strung in a tail "draggin'" behind the motor and a FLED SE. A junkbot, not particularly effective, and long since disassembled. Not even a photo remains, though you might spot the caps in Whirligig.
UJT Roller
I had a UJT and an SCR in my junkbox, so built this circuit from an article at Images SI. It was better than Dragon and I was so excited when it poppped little wheelies under the desk lamp! But compared to other SEs, it's not that great.
Girder
My first attempt at a competitive roller for the 2002 WCRG. I liked the curved body and it was fun to design and build. Nothing left now but the chassis! The SE and capacitor were fitted into the slot in the body. I should reassemble this for fun.
A second and more successful competitor, this ran into a wall in 2002 but placed 2nd in the 2003 WCRG. Similar to Girder, but lighter, a mere 10.5 grams without the solar panel.
My third in this series, intended for 2003 WCRG but not ready, so I ran Minim again. Will there be BEAM at 2004 WCRG?
Solar Speeder
An unmodified Solarbotics kit. I think this was my second SB kit. Works great, and at WCRG you get to race them. At least, you used to; looks like no more BEAM at the Games.
Future Project
Who knows what the future holds J But I bet it holds another Solaroller!
