RobotShop Robot Rover + encoder

Help & Support Robots & Kits
1

I want to develop AI (Particle filters, fastslam, ecc) so I need a well tested platform that minimize mechanical errors. I’m interested in RobotShop Robot Rover kit, but unfortunately it has no encoder. There is a way to easily insert one? The kit uses “Solarbotics GM9 gear motors” that are compatible with “Wheel Watcher Rotation Encoder”. They will fit the RobotShop Robot Rover mechanic?
Thanks

2

I have the same concern. The only thing stopping me from buying a RobotShop Rover right now is not knowing which encoder will work with it. Would be great to see compatibility info on a lot of these platforms.

I’m unclear, do you mean that I should get the following items to accomplish encoding on the RobotShop Rover?

RobotShop Rover (Tank)
robotshop.com/robotshop-rover-arduino-tank-kit-6.html

2 X GM17 Motors:
robotshop.com/productinfo.aspx?pc=RB-Sbo-41&lang=en-US

2 X Diedel Encoder Modules:
robotshop.com/diedel-encoder-module-gm17-gear-motor-2.html

Also, how do the GM17 motors compare to the GM9’s that come with the rover?

Thanks!
Ahmad

3

Great! thanks for the info.
On a related note, what should I get for encoding to work on this chasis?

robotshop.com/dagu-2wd-begginners-robot-chassis-2.html

4

Hi Galen,

Welcome to the RobotShop Forum. RB-Rbo-12: RobotShop Rover Development Platform does use the GM series motors, though it’s important to note that the encoder electronics associated with the Wheel Watcher Rotation Encoder protrude from either side and as such are difficult to integrate into the metal frame. To add an encoder to the RobotShop Rover, we are looking to add the Diedel GM17 Encoder from Solarbotics which is suitable for the GM17 gear motor (compatible with the Rover).

Also, we plan to soon release an encoder option for the DFRobotShop Rover. This will be a very basic encoder but functional.

Hope this helps,

5

Unfortunately there are no encoders for that platform.

6

Correct. The RobotShop Rover was made for the GM9 gear motors, and it’s just luck that the GM17 motors also fit.

GM9:
• Voltage: 5vdc
• RPM: 66
• Torque: 43oz.in (3.096 kg-cm)
• Current: 73.2mA
• Reduction: 143:1
• Shaft length: 7mm double-flat (one side)
• Size: 70.5x27x23 mm

GM17:
• Voltage: 6vdc
• RPM: 32.4
• Torque: 69oz.in (4.97 kg-cm)
• Current: 29mA
• Reduction: 228:1
• Size: 46.7x27.2x32.1 mm (excluding shaft)
• Weight: 35grams (1.23oz)

You will have 2x GM9 motors to spare.