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The SmartRover is an open source project that is revised and based on the SmartCar project in so far as providing open source software and hardware components accompanied by integrated libraries for optimal usage. In contrast to the SmartCar project which provides a terrain and a miniature vehicle the SmartRover is further developed and customised to explore and accomplish mission tasks on a martian terrain. The project is designed to resemble and offer a close to real-life experience on how a martian exploration could be whilst providing leeway for the user in terms of having mission tasks and functionalities at their disposal.
Mars has captivated humans interest since we first set an eye to the star-like object in the night sky. Setting itself apart from its shimmering siblings, each compelling in its own way. Prior to technologies unimpeded advancements telescopes were the only means of getting a glimpse of the reddish planet and its intriguing features. Up until now. With our customised martian terrain and fully equipped SmartRover users will be ready to explore a martian terrain and get to experience what was previously restricted to only scientist. Therefor our motivation is to offer a close to real-life experience of what it would look and feel like to experience the mystical and foreign planet Mars.
In this section you will find the necessary resources and information that will enable you to operate the SmartRover efficiently. A useful link for understanding the cross-platform application Arduino IDE which is written in C++ is Arduino - Getting started. It will provide with easy paint by numbers installation guide along with a detailed description of its functionality and role.
The latest update and build for Macintosh users can be found on official Downloads page. It will provide adequate details and work out of the box. An additional link is Getting Started with Arduino on Mac OS X in case the aforementioned does not work.
The latest update for Windows users is Getting Started with Arduino on Windows and should like Macintosh work straight out the box.
The library in which the SmartRover operates is accessible on Smartcar shield where the library is provided and needed. In addition you will need Wire along with Servo which are included with the Arduino IDE. The method and procedure is described in detail in this Arduino - Libraries comprehensive and eloquent guide. Worth mentioning is that the recommended installation procedure of installing the Smartcar shield is through the library manager. Proceed by opening the Arduino IDE and open the library, navigate to Sketch then proceed to Include library and lastly Manage libraries. In the search field just simply fill in the name of the library you want to install(Smartcar shield) and click on install. Upon a new release, a notification will be seen through your IDE for update request.