Help in building a tracked robot

Community General Discussions
1

Dear Sirs,

I’m new in the forum and new in the world of robotics, so please be patient with me.

I’d like to build a small tracked robot that I’ll use as a testing platform which must have the following requirement: uses 2 dc brushless motors in both directions (fwd and reverse) and an electronic motors controller which will be remote from a serial port using a 5V signal.

can you address me in purchase the right parts with a budget around $200 ? Payload or speed are not a problem, I just need to understand how to remote control a scenario like this.

Regards

2

Dear Coleman,

I though about those parts

robotshop.com/eu/dfrobot-mobile-tank-base.html
robotshop.com/eu/Sabertooth-2x5-en-2.html
robotshop.com/eu/lynxmotion-bat-05-battery.html
robotshop.com/eu/lynxmotion-batc-01-72-volt-connect-2.html
robotshop.com/eu/droids-db9-serial-adapter-5.html

Do you think that they will work correctly together?

I haven’t find a device to recharge the batteries, could you advice me one, please?

if everything works together, I’d like to control saberthoot in simplified serial mode, I’ll place the order

Regards

Andrea

3

My idea was to remote with a pc a tracked platform, via serial port. Sure that I’ll need a microcontroller too? I guessed that the motor controller can be remote via serial port so I choose an adapter.

4

Hi a.depalo,

Welcome to the RobotShop Forum. Curious why you would be needing brushless DC motors (which are far more expensive than brushed motors)? These would obviously require brushless controllers as well. Almost all DC motors can be operated in either direction. If you want to control the robot via a serial port, you will need a microcontroller, motor controller, motors and gearboxes, as well as a frame, track system and battery. You can use an RF, Bluetooth, WiFior other connection with serial output to communicate remotely with the rover.

We encourage you to take a look at the “How to Build a Robot Tutorial” on GoRobotics.net.

Hope this helps,

5

Hi Andrea,

If you plan to make a robot, you’re just missing a microcontroller. You canuse the VEX charger and the correct power cable. Not sure why you need the serial adapter.

Sincerely,

6

If you want to simply control motors remotely via a computer, a serial motor controller and a serial adapter should suffice.

You could even go wireless by using a Bluetooth adapter or an XBee module for long distance.