Robot to drive Camera

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1

Good afternoon all,

First sorry for my poor english, i am french…
Then Sorray again because I am a 100 % newbie about robotics and electronics.
I would like to build a robot able to transport my camera and get closer to animals. (I am a wildlife photographer).
My question is : what should i buy to be able to build this robot ?

Infos :

  • camera weight : 2 kg
  • able to be driven in grass (5/10 cm high)
  • More silent as possible

Thank you very much

Quentin

2

Note that we accept both French and English on this forum, though as you can suspect, more members are English. What you want to do sounds a lot like this:
thefutureofthings.com/4778-beetl … to-africa/

burrard-lucas.com/beetlecam

It’s up to you to choose between 4WD, 6WD or tracked. Some preliminary ideas:

4WD
robotshop.com/en/lynxmotion- … r-kit.html

6WD
robotshop.com/en/mantis-6wd- … r-kit.html
robotshop.com/en/lynxmotion- … a6wd2.html

Tracked
robotshop.com/en/lynxmotion- … r-kit.html

Note that none of these are waterproof.

Once you choose a platform, you can add a pan/tilt (and roll?)
robotshop.com/en/pan-tilt-se … boxes.html
Ex: robotshop.com/en/381-aluminu … ystem.html

This can all be controlled via RC remote. You would need additional accessories like wireless video, RC remote / receiver, battery, wiring etc.

Alternatively if you want to just purchase a “ready to go” platform:
robotshop.com/en/defense-sec … lance.html
Ex: robotshop.com/en/wi-fi-enclo … oller.html (camouflage might be an option)

Note that most platform manufacturers do not take any special care regarding noise - none of these are made to be “silent”, but those which are fully enclosed are less noisy.

3

Wow Thank you for this answer well detailed.

About RC remote / receiver / etc… do you have some suggestions ?
What are the advanges of a 6 WD instead of 4WD ?

Quentin

4

Any idea how far away you want to be from the robot itself? If it’s <100m, then a stnadard RC remote would work well:
robotshop.com/en/wireless-rc … llers.html
Great value: robotshop.com/en/radiolink-a … eiver.html (receiver included, but you need batteries)
6WD more evenly distributes the load on the ground, so if you have a soft surface, it’s less likely to sink in. It’s also a question of which you find more attractive.

5

Yes the robot is to be driven at less than 100 m

If I buy this : robotshop.com/eu/fr/telecomm … otion.html

Do I need other stuff ? The tilt pan will be for a next time if it works properly.

Thanks a lot
Quentin

6

You would need one 11.1V LiPo or 12V niMh battery pack and charger. Ex:
robotshop.com/eu/fr/chargeur … -1025.html
robotshop.com/eu/fr/batterie … ni-mh.html

The remote control takes AA batteries. Assembly required, but everything is included.
If you plan to paint the frame, you should do so before assembly. Note that you can get camouflage laminate online which is very easy to apply and would help make it water resistant.
Last, experiment with soundproofing - for example add foam around the motors but ensure there is proper heat transfer.

7

Thank you Very much for your time !

I keep you in touch with the resultas :wink: