Robot Builder's Sourcebook : Over 2,500 Sources for Robot Parts 1st Edition

I was prepared to be unimpressed with this book when I heard of it coming out. What could Gordon McComb be thinking? After all, in the midst of the Internet age, why would someone want to compile a resource book filled with web links that are bound to disappear and change the instant the book was published? Especially after having created the classic meat and potatoes book on hobby robotics "The Robot Builder's Bonanza", this work seemed like it should have been added as an appendix. The other question kept popping into my head. Couldn't it all have been done better from some Internet site?Upon opening this Whole Earth Catalog of robotic nuts, bolts, and you name it resources I soon realized how really much I missed in my endless hours of Google searches on the subject. McComb has covered the corners of what would constitute the current information on the subject of robotics. Several hundred pages filled with names, addresses, phone numbers, tips, and web sites that compel the reader to hit the net and follow-up on some new found nuggets of information.I've crept from room to room in my house gazing at the various subjects. Then it kind of struck me; it's sort of nice to find someone who's done most of the work for you without going blind in front of the monitor. Reconfirmed, books will never die.The reality is if you're thinking of robots it's all here in this book, spelled out in what ever flavor you like. Even if you find only a handful of new ideas or sources, this book for the price is a valuable guide.

Whether you're interested in robots, hobby electronics, or diy electronics, this is a great addition to your reference library. One of the best features is that McComb describes and explains the concepts for a lot of the category of parts that are in the book (for example, motors, gears, all sorts of sensors, materials, etc.) He also marks the vendors that he's used in the past, so it's easy to find a trustworthy vendor if you don't have time to look into all the vendors that he lists.You will not be disappointed.

Wow, better and more features and robotic products than expected.

GREAT !!

If you spend much time thinking about building robots, this book is a must have. It is a great read and a good reference book. I couldn't put it down for all the pictures, educational comments, tutorials, vendor references, and articles relevant to building my robots.I've been in the Dallas Personal Robotics Group for four + years and served as an officer. These pages taught me a bunch of new, useful info. Info like the name and sources for those wheels that roll forward and sideways - Omniwheels, where to find Electro luminescent "glow wire", etc. Also, I now know where to find my chart on screw sizes, metric conversion and screw cross-referencing to metric. There are even pages referencing books, with one-liner summaries, to focus my search for further reading.Sources and suppliers for common and unusual parts abound as well as their URLs. Even a website with additional or more current URLs is maintained to help me.The book is alphabetical by robot topic with the most relevant info. There is an index for parts and components by categories as well as an reference index by company name.I love the pictures and overview of new and current products, like- the motion control, Isopod state machine from New Micros Inc.- the Quadravox digital sound boards- the OOPic Micro controller and 2 page explanation.tutorial- the perspective and explanation or the Parallax BS2 Basic Stamp and its cousins- the extensive info on servos and servo controllers- as well as good practical info on many sensors, even how to make a simple foam pressure sensor.If you are going to cruise the Internet to learn more about robots and robot building peruse this book first. It has the most relevant info cleanly organized and explained for you.All in all, I have too many dog-eared pages marking topics that ignite my creativity and imagination. You can be sure I'll be building more neat robots, easier because of this book. My thanks to Gordon McComb and McGraw Hill!

This book was written in 2002!! It shouldn't even be for sale anymore because almost half of the websites don't even exist anymore - that being nature of the internet most sites only last 6 months. By the way - just use google and you'll at least fine up to date information. Big big disapointment and lost dollar await you if you buy this rag.

The Robot Builder's Sourcebook in many ways a must buy for those who are going to start off building their first Battlebot(TM). The skills to be resourceful and save money are very important in robotic combat, not to mention the ability to get those special custom parts to get your bot running. With Robot Builder's Sourcebook, you are provided with an Internet yellow pages of sorts to save valuable time wandering through links. Although unfortunately I have found that, due to the fast growing nature of the sport, not to mention the Internet, some valuable sites have inevitably been overlooked or outdated. But this is a small price to pay for its convenience in finding parts and great prices it provides.The sourcebook also inserts several "mini-articles" that provides some basic information and tips that will certainly be useful to many types of robot builders. However I found that the articles and tips pages crowd the book and are impeding to the true purpose of its pages as a quick reference. This can be especially extraneous if you have specified interests concerning robotics, such as robotic combat. The articles can serve valuable purpose though and definitely are a must have for those who still need aid in implementing/buying the right parts for their robot. A choppy read, as expected, but well worth the money for its usefulness.