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Rover-001b

A modular RC rover platform built around Arduino, Raspberry Pi, and 2020 aluminum extrusion. Designed as a clean, serviceable robotics platform and future mobile node for Project Vapor.

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Overview

Purpose-Built for Experimentation

Rover-001b is the second-generation VaporWare Labs rover platform. It begins as a robust RC-controlled rover and evolves into a mobile robotics testbed for autonomy, computer vision, Home Assistant integration, and autonomous docking.

Current Hardware

Architecture

Arduino Nano Every
RadioMaster Boxer + ER4 receiver
TB6612FNG motor driver
TT gear motors
Raspberry Pi 5 (planned)
2020 aluminum extrusion frame
3D printed mounting brackets

Current Status

Hardware bring-up is underway. Motor wiring, RC receiver, and Arduino control software are being validated. Next milestone: stable RC control and power-system refinement.

Design Goals

Engineering Priorities

Clean, modular, serviceable wiring
Reliable RC control baseline
Separation of real-time and high-level computing
Camera and computer vision support
Home Assistant and Project Vapor integration
Future autonomous docking and charging

Roadmap

Next Milestones

Complete RC control testing
Install robust 5V power system
Integrate Raspberry Pi 5
Implement Pi-to-Arduino telemetry link
Add camera and vision processing
Home Assistant integration
Autonomous docking experiments

Why It Matters

A Mobile Vapor Node

Rover-001b combines embedded systems, robotics, mechanical design, power electronics, and software integration into one evolving platform. It serves as a practical engineering sandbox and a stepping stone toward a fully autonomous mobile assistant.