SMARS Courses and Certifications

Kevin McAleer

Pico SMARS - A Raspberry Pi Pico Powered SMARS

Learn to build and program a Raspberry Pi Pico-powered SMARS robot using MicroPython. Covers hardware assembly, wiring, and coding, with a live demonstration of the robot in action.

• YouTube
• 50 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

Kevin McAleer

Top 5 SMARS Issues and How to Fix Them

Troubleshooting guide for SMARS robots: addressing common issues with batteries, wheels, Bluetooth, motor shields, and tracks. Practical solutions for DIY enthusiasts.

• YouTube
• 28 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

Kevin McAleer

Wiring Up the SMARS Electronics

Learn to wire up SMARS robot electronics, including range finder, motor shield, and motors. Covers Arduino pinouts, wiring diagrams, and Bluetooth modules for beginners in robotics and 3D printing.

• YouTube
• 54 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

Kevin McAleer

SMARS - MPU-6050 & GY-271, Arduino Programming Robots

Learn to program SMARS robots with Arduino, connecting DOF sensors for accurate movement, collision detection, and 3D positioning. Gain practical skills in robotics and sensor integration.

• YouTube
• 1 hour 8 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

Kevin McAleer

SMARS Motor Control Arduino Programming - Movement

Learn to program SMARS robots using Arduino, covering basics of motor control and movement. Hands-on coding session included, suitable for beginners in robotics and Arduino programming.

• YouTube
• 1 hour 11 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

Kevin McAleer

SMARS Fusion 360 Design - Chassis

Learn to design a SMARS robot chassis in Fusion 360. Step-by-step guide covers sketching, shell creation, cutouts, motor holders, Arduino slots, and battery placement for both quad and wheeled versions.

• YouTube
• 1 hour 47 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

Kevin McAleer

Pico Bluetooth Remote Control for SMARS

Explore Bluetooth remote control for SMARS robots using Pico and MicroPython. Learn about communication protocols, serial communications, and Bluetooth module setup.

• YouTube
• 1 hour 2 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

Kevin McAleer

Paper SMARS - A Robot You Can Print

Design and build a printable paper robot using Fusion 360's sheet metal feature. Learn about material considerations, design techniques, and assembly methods for creating your own customizable SMARS robot.

• YouTube
• 1 hour 14 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

Kevin McAleer

OttoDIY and SMARS Robots

Explore OttoDIY and SMARS robots, their features, differences, and the exciting crossover version. Learn how to build your own and discover various remixes and resources for DIY robotics enthusiasts.

• YouTube
• 21 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

Kevin McAleer

Raspberry Pi Camera Module Design in Fusion 360 for SMARS Quad

Design a Raspberry Pi camera holder for SMARS quad robot using Fusion 360. Learn step-by-step 3D modeling, from initial sketch to STL file output, with measurements and dimensions provided for easy reproduction.

• YouTube
• 57 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

Kevin McAleer

Printing the Parts of the SMARS Quad Robot

Learn to print, assemble, and program a SMARS Quad robot using Raspberry Pi Zero and Python. Explore advanced features like computer vision, voice synthesis, and voice recognition in this hands-on series.

• YouTube
• 1 hour 7 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

Kevin McAleer

SMARS Next Steps & Recap

Comprehensive review of SMARS robot building series, covering past lessons and future directions. Explores additional robotics projects and resources for enthusiasts.

• YouTube
• 1 hour 11 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

Kevin McAleer

Loading the SMARS Arduino Code

Learn to load and test Arduino code for SMARS robots. Covers downloading, compiling, and transferring code, with a live demonstration and updates on the project's progress.

• YouTube
• 53 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

Kevin McAleer

Assembling the SMARS Parts and Soldering

Step-by-step guide to assembling SMARS robot parts, including soldering motors, adding battery and Arduino board. Ideal for beginners interested in low-cost, open-source robotics projects.

• YouTube
• 1 hour 16 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

Kevin McAleer

3D Print the SMARS Parts

Learn to 3D print SMARS robot parts: download files, slice with Cura, use Octoprint, choose colors, and prepare for assembly. A step-by-step guide for beginners in robotics and 3D printing.

• YouTube
• 1 hour 9 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video