Pi-top ALEX Manual

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pi-top [4] Robotics Kit | Alex Build InstructionsLast updated: 09/02/2021
ALEX
Build Instructions

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pi-top [4] Robotics Kit | Alex Build Instructions
What can Alex do?
Alex is a conguration designed for
autonomous driving and AI projects.
It incorporates a Pan-tilt Servo Motor mechanism mounted
on the front which gives the wide-angle camera sensor two
degrees of freedom - a full 180° of range in both axes. Its
Ultrasonic Sensor is also attached to the Pan-Tilt Servo Motor
mechanism which enables Alex to perform full 180° scans
to look for possible obstacles. Finally, the two high accuracy,
high power Encoder Motors are positioned at the front of the
vehicle; allowing for more accurate positioning for projects
such as line-following.
The pi-top [4] Robotics Kit oers ultimate modularity and
expandability, allowing you to customise or design any
conguration to suit your needs. Alex provides a large
range of sensor mounting points so you can adapt and
change it rapidly to suit the needs of your projects.
Need help?
pi-top.com
/support
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pi-top [4] Robotics Kit | Alex Build Instructions

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pi-top [4] Robotics Kit | Alex Build Instructions
pi-top.com | © 2021 CEED Ltd.
Contents
What parts do you need? ...................................... 4
How to use the rivets ............................................. 5
Using the rivet removal tool ................................. 6
Build guide ................................................................ 7
Let’s get started! ..................................................... 8
What’s next? .......................................................... 35

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pi-top [4] Robotics Kit | Alex Build Instructions
What parts do you need?
6-pin Encoder
Motor Cables
(For the Encoder Motors)
x2 3-pin Servo
Motor Cables
(For the Servo motors)
x2
Expansion Plate
(Sold separately)
x1
Chassis
x1
2x10
Build Plate
x1
120° Brackets
(2x2)
x10
4x8
Build Plates
x2
2x14 Build Plates
x6
Wheels
x2
Long Rivets
x12
90° Brackets
(2x5)
x4
Ultrasonic Sensor
x1
Camera
x1
90° Brackets
(2x2)
x7
Short Rivets
x84
Servo Motors
x2
Encoder Motors
x2
Castor Wheel
x1
pi-top [4]
(Sold separately)
x1
4-pin Sensor Cables
(For the Ultrasonic Sensor)
x1
Micro USB Cable
(For the Camera)
x1
M4 Wheel Screws
x2
Wheel Connectors
and Grub Screws
x2
Rivet Removal Tool
Screwdriver
2.5mm Allen Key
2mm Allen Key
Tape
x1
x1
x1
x1
x1
Also needed:

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pi-top [4] Robotics Kit | Alex Build Instructions
How to use the rivets
The Robotics Kit contains
two types of rivet:
Connecting
2Build Plates
Connecting
3 Build Plates
1.
Short Rivets Long Rivets
Short Rivets Long Rivets
2.
3.
4.
1.
2.
3.
4.
2
3

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pi-top [4] Robotics Kit | Alex Build Instructions
pi-top.com | © 2021 CEED Ltd.
Using the Rivet Removal Tool
1.
2.
3.

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pi-top [4] Robotics Kit | Alex Build Instructions
Build guide
a. Rear Bumper ........................................................ 9
b. Chassis ................................................................ 11
c. Castor Wheel...................................................... 12
d. Side Bumpers ..................................................... 13
e. Front Bumper ..................................................... 16
f. Expansion Plate ................................................. 19
g. Encoder Motors ................................................. 20
i. Wheels.................................................................. 23
j. Servo motors .......................................................24
k. Camera ................................................................ 27
l. Ultrasonic Sensor ............................................... 28
m. pi-top [4] ............................................................29
Connecting cables ................................................30
m
f
a
b
d
d
h
c
g
i
ke
j
l

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pi-top [4] Robotics Kit | Alex Build Instructions
Let’s get started!

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pi-top [4] Robotics Kit | Alex Build Instructions
Rear bumper
Part 1
Short Rivets
90° Brackets
(2x2)
x2
10x2 Build Plate
x1
Short Rivets
x4

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pi-top [4] Robotics Kit | Alex Build Instructions
Rear bumper
Part 2
Long Rivets
120° Brackets
(2x2)
x2
2x14 Build Plate
x1
Long Rivets
x4
Part 1

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pi-top [4] Robotics Kit | Alex Build Instructions
Connecting the rear bumper to the chassis
Chassis
x1
Short Rivets
x4
Short Rivets

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pi-top [4] Robotics Kit | Alex Build Instructions
Castor Wheel
x1
Short Rivets
x8
Short Rivets
Connecting the castor wheel to the chassis

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pi-top [4] Robotics Kit | Alex Build Instructions
Side bumpers
Part 1
x2
90° Brackets
(2x2)
x4
2x14 Build Plate
x2
Short Rivets
x8
Short Rivets

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pi-top [4] Robotics Kit | Alex Build Instructions
Side bumpers
Part 2
120° Brackets
(2x2)
x4
2x14 Build Plate
x2
Long Rivets
x8
Long Rivets
Part 1
x2

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pi-top [4] Robotics Kit | Alex Build Instructions
Connecting the side bumpers to the chassis
Short Rivets
x8
Short Rivets
Side A
Side A
Side B
Side B

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pi-top [4] Robotics Kit | Alex Build Instructions
Front bumper
Part 1
120° Brackets
(2x2)
x4
4x8 Build Plate
x2
Short Rivets
x8
Short Rivets

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pi-top [4] Robotics Kit | Alex Build Instructions
Front bumper
Part 2
Short Rivets
x4
2x14 Build Plate
x1
Short Rivets

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pi-top [4] Robotics Kit | Alex Build Instructions
Connecting the front bumper to the chassis
Short Rivets
x4
Short Rivets

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pi-top [4] Robotics Kit | Alex Build Instructions
Make sure the
Expansion Plate is
pointing in the
right direction!
Expansion Plate
Expansion Plate
x1
Short Rivets
x4
Short Rivets

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pi-top [4] Robotics Kit | Alex Build Instructions
Use the 2mm Hex
Key to tighten
Encoder motors
Part 1
Encoder Motor
x2
Wheel Connector
and Grub Screw
x2
2mm Hex Key
x2
Make sure you align
the at edge of the
motor correctly to the
Wheel Connector
x2