The Microcore

The microcore is a circuit that is patented by Mark Tilden and is used to control legged robots coordinating the legs and making them walk successfully. It is cheap, effective,and very,very simple. I am currently building a walker based on the tutorial at Andrew Millers page. If you are looking to build a robot this will be a fun one!

Here is a schematic of a microcore you might want to create on a breadboard to get to know how it works,I hope to make a PCB layout for those of you that might want a neater way to experiment. Anyway here it is.......

Sorry the graphics are poor, but its a scanned in image I made during English :)

Parts List: (circled resistor) - 1 megaohm (resistor)- 3.3 kilo-ohms  (capacitor)-0.22 uFarads The Chip is a 74C14 type Hex Inverting Trigger

Step 1: Create the above circuit on a breadboard. To power it use 3-10 volts VERY WELL REGULATED or a battery. If there are fluctuations it will freeze :?()

Step 2: When you powewr it up 3 of the LEDs will be on and will alternate with the other three. By holding down the PNC switch for about 2 seconds you will get 2 to run side by side. Hold the PNC down for about 3 more seconds and one will run. This is the most useful if you're trying to create a walker. By holding down the PIN you can reverse how the outputs change. Play around with it, and learn the different states it can provide you with.

Step 3: I haven't done anything more yet with my Microcore so please visit Andrew Millers site and see his instructions on creating a walker. I hope to add more info. as I progress with mine.

If you have any questions or comments Email me at:

KC8GOQ@aol.com