I am planning to buy one M100RAK robotic kit and wonder if I could replace the “SPG785A-5.0 Power Gearbox” (for shoulder & elbow) with more powerful “SPG7950A-4.3-360 Servo Power Gearbox (servocity.com/html/spg7950a- … ation.html)” per-assembled units. Would that be a plug & play sort of operation or require any additional mounting hardware? Could it be modified in the kit as a special order? Please advise. Actually, my aim is to strengthen the shoulder and elbow joints to achieve greater accuracy and strength at the far reach points.
“SPG7950A-4.3-360 Servo Power Gearbox” provides a 400 degree rotation with a potentiometer so I think theoretically it should serve the purpose of rotating the shoulder and elbow joints appropriately however, I am worried about its mechanical connections/integration with the rest of the assembly. Please advise.
Furthermore, the M100RAK assembly guide (pdf) enlists 4 clamping hubs, one for each joint. However, in the M100RAK youtube assembly video, each joint is assembled using two clamping hubs. Does the kit come in different variants like basic/complete? I just want to ensure that the M100RAK kit comes with everything (complete hardware) to build the arm in a running state excluding the electronics. Otherwise, is it advisable to buy individual parts separately and build the arm (Could you please enlist down all the parts and their quantities included in the kit and the additional parts required to add a wrist rotate and gripper assemblies).
Your kind cooperation and guidance is highly requested and appreciated in this regard.
Many thanks for the informative reply. I really appreciate that. I am excited about the new M100RAK. What is the expected date of release? I am more concerned about the integration of high torque servos in M100RAK, if that’s what V2 could offer, I can wait for it. Can you prepare one V2 complete kit on a special order (I cannot wait for long since I have deadlines from my school)? I do not have finance constraints that’s why I am looking into the option of upgrading M100RAK with high torque servos. If the V2 could offer that, I think that would be great. What changes are to be expected in V2 other than 0.77" mounting pattern.
Please advise.
Ok that’s great. What is the expected date for the availability of V2 at robotshop? I just want to plan my timelines so, any approximate date of arrival?
You can BUT two considerations: first, you can only do this with the NEW M100RAK (we don’t have any in stock yet). This ensures that the hole pattern matches the new 0.77" spacing - note that the frame uses the “old” 0.625" while the hub uses the new 0.77". Second, you may need additional spacers so the gear on the SPG7950A does not contact eh gear used in the base. This will take some experimentation.
We have not played with the new gearbox, and it’s a hybrid of the new and old mounting pattern. You’re considering making changes during a transition period where parts being shipped may have the new or old pattern. The M100RAK arms being shipped are fine, it’s the additional parts which may cause an issue. Hard to advise.
Two hubs in the elbow and two hubs in the wrist.
Nope - just the one version, though there will be a V2 coming out shortly which uses the larger 0.77" mounting pattern and all metal gears (priced accordingly). Functionality is identical, and it will look very similar too.
The kit does not include the electronics or power supply. Everything else is included.
Not advised at all - it’s not the easiest of kits to part out, especially during this transition period. Far too great a chance that parts, even properly selected, might not fit because of “old” vs “new” mounting patterns.
The parts and quantities are listed in the user manual. There is no wrist rotate option yet, so we suggest creating a custom flat mounting plate which can connect between the M100RAK and a standard Hitec servo to be used as the wrist rotate, which can then be connected to the Lynxmotion Mini Grip Kit.
The M100RAK is still meant to be used with the 785HB servos - the brackets are made specifically for that. We may come out with a higher torque version in the near future, but currently the brackes can only fit the 785HB. If you order the arm now, you will likely get the current version (plastic gears). We will be updating the code and images as soon as we receive the new version. You can place the order and specify V2 in the comments section, and the price will be updated accordingly. If you need something a bit more powerful, then there are the Invenscience robotic arms as well you might consider.
Metal gears as well (optional before, in V2 it’s standard).
Should be a few weeks - best to place your order to reserve a unit because during the transition we are not ordering high quantities to ensure our description online is accurate. Add comments indicating you would like it to be the V2.
