Hello,
I’m debating on buying the scout, but all the videos I see the scout in it is dragging slowly across the table. Has anyone put 5990s on it or something stronger to get it to walk and not drag its feet?
Thanks in advance!
The best scout videos I have ever seen are here:
nodna.blogspot.com/2008/04/biped-scout-project.html
According to the text he used TowerPro MG995 servos, which I think have now been superseded by the MG996R.
I’m working on an OpenServo based scout biped, but it is a long way off being able to walk sensibly.
Thanks for the reply,
The gait in the video is much better and the bot doesn’t look as weak. I’m curious if anyone has used stronger servos to get a smoother/stronger gait to carry weight.
I read a post stating that the scout would be a poor framework for use in the mech-warfare competition but if the brat could be used why not the scout. I just worried if there is an issue with any of the ankle/hip roll servos caring the weight with a reverse knee joint.
Would love to hear some insight from scout owners!
If the scout is taller than the brat, then it would probably be easier to knock over than the brat, if that is possible in the warfare thing.
I think the current issue right now is building a mech that can carry the weight (power, weapon, camera, and communication systems). More weight = stronger servos which I would think the ankle/hip servos are probably the more critical.
The more affordable kit packages all seem to come with fairly weak servos so an upgraded is a must. Just curious if there is anyone on these forums with any experience in pushing either the scout or the brat a bit further!
The BRAT makes a great mech base. We have a thread coving it’s use. It’s still in development, but we have made a video of it walking with an additional 12 oz. on the top proving it can take the added weight.
Forum thread…
lynxmotion.net/viewtopic.php?t=5224
The Scout is a handful due to it’s large DOF in the legs. Just the servo calibration can take some time to complete and requires patience. The video James made is lifting the legs, they’re not dragging. He made the gait like that to make it look more natural. People don’t lift their legs a foot high when walking, so there is no reason to make your robot lift the legs 2 inches. 
In the following video the robot is using 5645 servos, the power is tethered, but the battery is on board. The cable actually starts to pull on the bot at the very end.
Video…
youtube.com/watch?v=uxqeKt7Y44c
The BRAT is easier to get walking due to it’s fewer DOF in the legs. It’s just much easier to make walk because the gait is so simple. Fewer servos equals simpler / easier gait.
Here is a video of the BRAT with Lynx209 chassis and hip rotate added. It’s also very stable.
Forum thread…
lynxmotion.net/viewtopic.php?t=5328
Video…
youtube.com/watch?v=c8VH69curNA
I’ve been running what is essentially a BRAT, but with a fourth hip rotation servo similar to James’s design carrying an IP camera, two airsoft guns, 350 rounds of ammo, twin laser pointers, additional target PCB with two 3x3 target plates and an hour’s worth of batteries to power it all. The main difference is the upper ankle servos and hip extension servos are HS-5990tg. The remaining are HS-645mg. Oh, and I’m running all the servos at 7.4V. I got tired of this design and decided to explore my own version of a mini-Scout, also 4DOF. Take a look!
Perhaps this is a newbie question but:
Do the dynamixel servos work with a scout frame? Perhaps use the bioloid software for developing gates and working with the additional DOF?
I’m preparing to buy the bioloid kit to begin working with biped robotics and would love to carry over some of it to work with the Scout. Granted not sure if the AX-12 will give me the power needed for carrying anything other than the frame itself.
That’s pretty awesome! Question, with all the weight and the current servos you have, have fast can you move in a straight line?
The AX-12 runs on a higher voltage pack than common r/c hobby servos. It has roughly the same torque per volt as a good digital r/c hobby servo so, provided you run them at the proper voltage range, they should have more than enough torque to carry the weight of a scout. the two style servos though are not mechanically interchangable though, and they have unique bracket systems, so unless you are talking about building a 12dof biped using the bioloid brackets in a configuration similar to the scout it is not clear what you think working with one while eyeing the other really gets you in the long run.
Excellent response! Thank you.
youtube.com/watch?v=o8_LxmgE4og
Fast enough for ya? 8) Gait still needs a lil tweaking and I need to adjust the head to maintain level for ease in piloting, but you get the idea.
That’s the best I have seen Clyde walk. Great job!
James has Hunchback walking with the wifi camera now. Waiting for a battery pack (just for the camera) before we show video, but it’s coming. 8)
My brat is more of a mini biped, but it packs on plenty of weight and walks fine to demonstrate weight vs. performance. I’m using 5645’s for the 6 servos in the legs and everything else is using 475HB’s except the head is using a 422.
My brat with a solid billet aluminum head two arms and two grippers, when you add it all up, it is much heavier than the base platform, however, the 5645’s work fine carrying the extra weight.
I have recently changed the walking gait to move twice as fast as before, but I don’t have any video of it yet. I can shoot some video of the faster walking gait and post it later.
Well… We’re waiting! 
Looking forward to this. Wow, wish I was in Chicago area. I’d challenge you to a duel! 