Crawlspace Rover - What parts do I need?

Help & Support Robot Parts
1

Hello,

I’m looking at putting together a camera rover that I can drive through low-clearance, wet, or otherwise unpleasant crawlspaces so as to take photos and inspect them. I saw a post about this from a little while ago, but I realized that I have no idea what all I would need to know to build one of these and instead of trial and error, I’d just ask someone to help me pick the parts I need for the job.

Some Info about what I have/am looking for in a rover:

  • Low Profile (12" max height I think)
  • Relatively waterproof (going through puddles of undetermined depth, hopefully no more than a few inches)
  • Decent traction for movement and going up small slopes, looking at using treads over wheels (crawlspaces can get hilly with slick barriers if I go through a puddle)
  • Controllable via controller or phone, probably controller preferred so as to use the phone for my camera
  • Able to mount and at least angle/move my camera (I have a GoPro 10 that I can control through my phone)
  • Light source (camera does not have flash…)

My budget is preferred $200-$500. Above that will be a bit more of a pinch than I would like but is not out of the question.

Thank you for your time.

2

Is it a hobby project of you’re planning it for a Rover competition? What processor/s do you want to use? Raspberry pi?

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3

More professional than hobby use, but otherwise yes, I’d classify it as hobby.
As for processor, I have no idea, hence why I’m here. Preferably something simple that can run the vehicle/the components.

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4

OK. I think at first you can make a prototype using a Zumo chassis, Compatible motors, motor driver, Raspberry pi and a RPI camera. When you see how your prototype is working, you’ll get idea about what modifications must be done. You may have to design your own chassis later and add linear actuators, High voltage motors, sensors etc. depending on your intention.

5

WiFi does not work in a crawl space. It is not the same as a Drone with a line of sight. Feel free to visit www.inspectioncrawlers.com and you are welcome to contact me if needed with your build