The VDU Project!

The VDU Project (by Alon Walter - Israel)

VDU stands for Vector Directed Unit; Therefor the project is about a vehicle that moves in straight lines. The way it moves to a certain position from another is only by moving straight, and changing it's direction - the same technique that logo uses.

In the next pictures you'll be able to see the unit that I've built. The unit contains 3 engines. The first one rotates the inner body (with the wheels). the second lowers the drawing device, and the third moves the unit in a straight line in the direction the wheels are facing.

In order to control the unit, I programed in "Turbo Pascal 7" a program (it's a freeware if you want it) that controls the LPT1 port (usually the port you use for your printer).

I use the first data-pin to control the rotation engine, the second to control the lowering, and the third to the advancing engine. More specific in the downloadable file-package.

From this point forward it's a guided pictured tour, all the rest is on the downloadable file.

This is the connector I've built. It's made out from a printer-port cable. I connected the printer's side to a little carton box I've built. The screws are connected by order to all the wires.

Box with engine
That the box I've built. The "roof" of the box is a perfect square to make all the business simpler.
An engine is glued, and there's a hole exactly in the middle.

Rotating device added
A ring-like rotating object that contains to hoops with minimized friction is added. A rubber band connects the engine with the rotating hoop. Now when electricity goes to the engine, the outer hoop rotates.

Advancing device
This is the object that will be placed in the vacancy that was remained in the vehicle. It will be connected to the outer hoop. This object has two wheels that are rotated by a nail that is connected to an engine. the drawing object will be placed later in a way that the pen - when lowered - will be between the wheels.

Parking legs added
This is almost the final result. It's the two last pieces combined together, with the pen added to the last piece and 4 little legs, that were added to make the unit more stable, and to make it possible for the inner part to rotate.

Drawing device added
This is the result after adding the system that lowers the drawing device. (a rubber band pushes it up and the engine pushes it down when electricity goes through it).

Well the rest is the software. You can download it.
It contains the main program - "Zarboov.exe", a help file - "Help.txt" and some examples - "*.VDF". The program requires a mouse, and it has a graphical interface.

If there's some problems with the softwsre or if you have any comments or questions:
Email me.