Please help me identify correct components

Community General Discussions
1

Hi,

Desparate Dad here looking to build a Robot Wars Robot :) 

Purpose: to build a small lower power, version of the RobotWars TombStone.

  • 2 wheels at the back each with it's own motor that can allow tank style manouvering.
  • A 3rd Motor to turn the 'lawnmower' style blade.
  • 2 stage plan, Stage 1 build a steerable robot.
  • Stage 2, Add weaponry :)

Kit we have:

  • Controller: Saturn XR4 4 Channel
  • Receiver: Lightweight 6 Channel (Came with Controller)
  • Rechargeable Battery: 7.2V NiMH Came with Tamiya Grasshopper
  • Probably irrelevant kit we have:
  • ESC: ESC TEU-101BK
  • Motor: 380 Motor (w/Pinion Gear) 
  • Servo: Futaba S3003

If anyone can offer any advice, much appreciated.

The questions I currently have are:

  1. Which Sabertooth  (or any other) controller will work best with the above power.
  2. Which motors will work with chosen motor controller and above power.
  3. Do i need geared motors ?
  4. Where/what Chassis would be good base for me to add the components and subsequent robotic/weponary extras.

I have trawled the internet and have a vague shape if the info/options but the keyword here is Vague.......

Thanks in advance for anything

2

Hope this helps:Which motors

Hope this helps:

Which motors will work with TigerShark controller and above power.

Why Tigershark? You need a DC motor controller which accepts RC input and can supply the current (at the voltage) which the motors need at ~1/3 stall. https://www.robotshop.com/en/rc-motor-controllers.html

Do i need geared motors ?

Yes - you can use DC geared motors connected directly to the wheels. If one goes in the wrong direction, simply switch the wires. https://www.robotshop.com/en/gear-motors.html

Where/what Chassis would be good base for me to add the components and subsequent robotic/weponary extras.

Custom chassis is best. Start with 2D wood cutouts, then move to aluminum. Lynxmotion offers the SES system which might help with creating a quick frame, and RobotShop offers quite a few modular frame systems.

The “robot” you plan to make isn’t all that complex since it’s almost enirely RC. You’ll need:

* Use Google Sketchup to create a basic robot.

More info here: https://www.robotshop.com/blog/en/how-to-make-a-robot-lesson-1-3707

Also, SERVO magazine has a series on creating combat robots just like this. You might want to contact them to get back issues.

3

thanks

Thanks again Cbenson,

Very much appreciated, still expanding the knowledge before purchasing. Top tip on the Servo magazine too, looks good.

I also have no idea what I meant by ‘Tigershark’ as I actually meant SaberTooth :)  

Allowable mistake for a Newbie I hope…

Will post a piccy once we get it built cheers

 

4

Sabertooth

Sabertooth DC motor controllers are quite popular and reliable. Very good choice.

https://www.robotshop.com/en/rc-motor-controllers.html?general_brand=Dimension+Engineering