Minimal mouse

This low cost kit is designed to enable students to get involved in micromouse schools competitions. The basic objective of the micromouse competition is to design a wheeled mouse capable of following a white line on a black track- at the highest possible speed!

The basic minimal mouse construction can be fast if set up right, as our 2003 teams found out in the local schools competition. Very smooth running mice which run fast can be extremly difficult to set up or even keep on the table.

Construction Hints

Frame side cutouts must be correct size for gearbox, too small or too big makes for a rough running gearbox.

Test motor gearboxes in both directions, one runs backwards on the mouse.

Web Links

Nelex
http://www.setpointessex.co.uk/index.php?page=nelex
The suppliers of the minimal mouse kits. NELEX was a science and technology regional organisation which is now fully incorporated into SETPOINT Essex. NELEX is still operated by Arthur Catterall and supplies science and technology equipment to schools.
Nelex old web site www.nelex.org.uk
You can request a catalogue by sending an e-mail to mike@setpointessex.demon.co.uk

Basic Minimal Mouse Circuit
An article posted on the Internet by Steve Woolley, January 1999 NELEX at Bancroft's School, Woodford Green, Essex, IG8 0RF. The article describes the basic minimal mouse circuit and a strip board layout. (In Word format)