Here’s a idea fresh off the cnc. Uses a 42mm planetary motor (I know that’s a bit overkill but what the heck!). The plates are made of .250 thick 6061 and both inner and outer plates are identical right now. Once I get all dimensions just right, the outer plate will be .125 and won’t have a cut-out for the motor like the inner does.
A shoe box size robot would use 4 of these. They take about 30 minutes to cut for each plate. 17 track links, two small sprocket sets and one large sprocket set plus idler bearings.
Any thoughts?
If four track sets are to be used, I’d look at making the tracks such that they can rotate to more easily adapt to differing terrain.
I agree. A minimum rotation of the tracks on the center axis (motor) would help them deal with terrain.
I’m thinking 15 or 20 degrees in either direction might work well. Now just to design that feature.
Thanks for the input!
That looks over the top! I like it…
Real nice…!
I agree on the track compliance. Why not connect them together with a differential so that they function like a rocker-boogie?
Alan KM6VV
Hmmmm
Rocker- boggie kinda like the Mars probes… I like it!
A differential would let the tracks pivot while holding a center platform between the tracks level. Interesting idea!
The differential connection between the tracks holds the center platform as you describe, and applies an opposite torque to the opposite side tracks. yeah it is neat!
Alan KM6VV
I want one!
And some sort of rocker-bogie too! Maybe even a pivot on the central chassis, to give it that rockcrawler ability to conform to lateral as well as cross-wise (??) deflections. And add shocks, and …
I get so excited sometimes.
This looks like a great track setup. But, ya think it is beefy enough?
Actually, this makes the screws and standoffs the ‘weakest link’. Perhaps an equally sturdy way of attaching the inner and outer plates is needed?
I’ve never worked with tracks, but I like these!
Pix are a little small to be able to judge fastener sizing, or is it my eyes…
I like SHCS for assembly.
Alan KM6VV
Very nice. I would love to see them on a complete robot. Damn, I wish I had a cnc
Find a Tech Shop, learn to run the machines, make parts!
Alan KM6VV
Two track units are complete now. I used 252 rpm motors for a trial. Lots of speed and lots of torque. I may need to drop down to 120 rpm to keep motor current under control.
The standoffs are temporary. I’ll run some cnc parts off to replace the standoffs once I get a chassis built.
Gotta run the rest of the aluminum parts off this weekend and order some more track sections.
I’m thinking I might offer small part runs on my Cnc center. If you’ve got a good idea, send it to me.
One more thing,
I’ve got a Techno Isel Davinci cnc fit with a Gecko G540. It runs Mach3 beautifully. I’m thinking of putting it on eBay. It’s got ball screws and an Aluminum t-slot table. I’ll probably ask $1000 plus shipping if you want to start making your own parts.
It got retired the day the Tormach arrived.
Glad to hear those standoffs will be beefed up.
If the rest of the bot is built as sturdily as the track, this will be a bombproof bot! And I think you will find that 120 rpm motors provide sufficient speed and power. Tracked vehicles don’t have ‘speed’ as a critical trait, they tend more towards ‘unstoppable’.
If I could afford CNC… ah, well, I can’t. But I CAN be insanely jealous.
At this point, I believe your robot could kick my robot’s ass…
Lol, that sounds like a good bumper sticker!
I want one!!!
Wow, vuja de… the feeling that none of this has happened before and you have no idea what will happen next.
Creepy…