I looked through the forum as best I could but didn't turn up much on what I'd like to know.
The project I have been brain storming is a small and simple two wheel drive rover for use in serious airsoft gaming. Basicly its a tubular chassis with a wheel at each end and a rigid dragging tail to keep the chassis from just spinning when I want it to go forward, and just a cheap wireless mini cam for an eye. It will idealy have tank style steering on a single stick. Plug and play type components would be nice but not a must. I’m pretty mechanicly inclined so assembly and design is not really an issue as is the actual programing needs for a simple project like this, since I have no prior experience.
I’ve found most or the parts that I think I will need; like the motors, hubs, and hard ware right here on lynxmotion.com, So I guess I could use some tips on the speed controlers and bot board needs, if any. I know these are simple problems but I would really appreciate the help. Thanks!!
A very advanced and refined version of what I am trying to do can be seen @ recon robtics.com
Sounds like fun. I am assuming that since you mentioned a min-cam, that it will have a mini-cam, I will assume that it is large enough that you will not be using continuous rotation servos and will need a motor controller.
So my guess is that you could easily go with similar stuff that is on the 4wd Rovers. That is for a motor controller you could use one of the Sabertooth controllers. Since you did not mention which motors, not sure which size (2x5, 2x10, 2x25).
Not sure from your description on what type of control you want:
Options include:
a) RC control - That is you have an RC controller that you use to control the motor controller. Can be configured for 1 stick or 2 stick mode - From the title of this thread, I think this is where you are leaning. Look at the RC 4wd tutorial for more details on how you might do this.
b) Something like the PS2 control: If you go with Atom Bot Board 2 with Basic Atom Pro, plus Ps2 stuff, you can probably use most if not all of the code for the 4wd rover.
Kurt nailed it. But I’d comment that you’d want to use differential steering, not “tank” steering. You won’t have any slippage as you would with tracks or 4WD. Think “Micromouse”, with a big camera!
I’m contemplating putting a Blackfin camera and WiFi on a mouse sized 'bot.
OK then guys to clarify and give the best specs I can I’ll make a list of requirments for the little guy.
Quick power-on (like flip the switch and have it ready to go in a few seconds)
R/C Differentail steering on a single stick
6-8inch R/C monster truck tires
3-4 inch diameter Square poly carbonate tubing, 12-18 inches long depending on space requirments(with internal support structure)
300ft line of sight range (should be good for a 100-150ft in the trees)
Robust (dropped over walls, tossed from behind cover, etc.)
2 hour constant run time
If space permits I would like to give it some offensive cappabilitys by putting a couple shortened airsoft r/c tank guns on it.
The motors I want to use are the PGHM-01 motors right off the sight, which I thik will need the 2x10 controler and bot board hooked up to an rc reciver (like the DSM2 modual on the sight too). I want the robot and the camera to be two seperate systems within the chassis sharing only the power supply so if one thing fry’s it dosen’t all fry.
The controler I want to construct will be the size of one of those big millitary type walkie talkies with the moniter attached and the stick with the neccesary switches recessed into it.
I did this project 2 years back for a competitive regional science fair after go to the nationals the year before. I liked the project a lot and thought it superseded mt previous project…I guess the judges didn’t think so.
Anyways, this should help you a lot!
P.S. haven’t been on this site in nearly 2 years. Wish i would get back into this stuff but who has the time?!
