Lynxmotion 4WD Chasis + Arduino + Motor Shield Questions

Lynxmotion Rovers, Sumo, and Tracked
1

Hi,

I recently purchased a Lynxmotion aluminum 4wd chasis.
robotshop.com/4wd1-robot-aluminum-kit-3.html

While the description recommends the Sabretooth controller along with a Basic Atom microcontroller, I would prefer to use arduino instead.

Can this chasis be run effectively by an Arduino Uno + Motorshield? Eventually I would plan on adding an XBee module for remote control via a joystick or PC.

In the event that I eventually want to upgrade to a Sabretooth (due to the regenerative properties), can a sabretooth be adapted to use arduino?

Finally, the 4wd chasis comes with the following motor
robotshop.com/lynxmotion-ghm-01-gear-head-motor-1.html

Is it possible to replace those motors easily with something that has more torque? My target load is approx 20lbs. Does it only fit Lynxmotion motors, or are other motors possible?

2

The Sabertooth can certainly be used with an Arduino without modification. If you really want a motor controller in shield format, consider the Mega Motor Shield. You can still stack an XBee shield on top of this. The issue with adding weight is not so much as the motors but that the tires are not “inflated” and they will run flat quickly. They retain their shape because they were moulded that way, not because there is air inside.