Flipper Planning Notes

Schematic

The circuit used for this robot is a modified version of Ben Hitchcock's Fred Popper. First, two 4700uF capacitors in place of the 3300 uF. This improves performance (longer firings) and weight balance. Second, we replaced the 33 K resistor with a 47 K, which increases the trigger voltage while decreasing base current, causing the solar engine to perform better. Finally, we added bypass diodes. These allow the current to short past the solar cell in the event that the cell is shaded. Given that the Turbot will spend most of its time with one cell in the dark, this greatly improves performance and should be used on any solar powered turbot.