Fischertechnik Robot Lock Picker

by ftking_83702 in Circuits > Robots

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Fischertechnik Robot Lock Picker

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How to create a programmable fischertechnik robotic lock picker!

I play with different educational manipulatives for a living. (Visit www.weirdrichard.com). Over the years I have built many robots!

I recently came across a great description of a device that would run through all the different possible combinations for a Master Combination Lock. Having a number of these locks without a combination, I thought this would be a great robotic project for this competition.

Unfortunately, I have not had the opportunity to render the step-by-step directions, so for now you will have to be content with some digital photographs.

UPDATE: I have posted pictures of an updated model using the PCS BRAIN.

LINKS:
A great analysis on finding a Master Combination Lock combination: http://www.jimloy.com/math/combo.htm

I want to cite Neil Fraser's locraker as the source of inspiration!
http://neil.fraser.name/hardware/locraker/code.txt
(This link was not working when I checked).

Note: I recommend Michael Sameks ft Designer to create CAD images of fischertechnik models.

Description of Robot

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According to Jim Loy, a generic dial lock has a certain amount of slop in the combination. The combination can be discovered by trying every combination in pattern in about 200 minutes. (In his test, he solved a lock in about an hour. In Neil's project, it took about 30 minutes.).

In my first version of the Lock Picker, I used a pile of fischertechnik elements including two 9 v motors, a PCS Programmable Brick with the PCS Robotics Contoller, and a simple touch sensor.

Have Fun!

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Have fun!

See my instructable on going to Morshausen!
( https://www.instructables.com/id/Traveling-to-fischertechnik-Convention-Morshausen/ )