I have recently purchased the Tri-Track Chassis Kit without Electronics. For background, my plan is to make a customized J5-like robot that is controlled through a C++ program on a Raspberry Pi using a serial connection to the BotBoarduino which in turn controls the Sabertooth 2x5 R/C Motorcontroller, servos and sensors. I plan to use the Raspberry Pi camera module to track faces with OpenCV and control the pan/tilt brackets (acting as the head rather than J5’s sensor head). I’ve come up with a few questions I have regarding the project.
Where does one mount the Sabertooth 2X5 R/C Motorcontroller on the Johnny 5? I can’t seem to find any pictures that show the Sabertooth mounted and I don’t see it mentioned in the assembly guides. Are people just drilling holes to mount this somewhere?
I have purchased the 12V 2800mAh battery, I didn’t realize it does not fit inside the deck of the Tri-Track Chassis. Would it be sensible to cut the shrink wrap and re-arrange the batteries (without changing the circuitry) and re-shrink wrap it? (I’m not sure what to expect here)
I would prefer to use 1 power source for the whole robot, it doesn’t seem like that is commonly done. My Raspberry Pi is 5V up to 700mAh, the BotBoarduino could take maybe 8.5V, the Servos (from what I read) need 6V, and of course the 12V DC motors. Would it be possible to use switching regulators to use the 12V I have and supply all these devices? Is this not recommended? Why or why not?
According to the assembly guide, it’s easies to use double-sided tape and assemble it inside the chassis. See step 19: lynxmotion.com/images/html/build115.htm
No - bad idea. It’s best to purchase a battery pack with a different configuration, or in your case, two 6V 2800mAh packs.
Consider 2x 6V batteries and a voltage regulator for the Pi. Alternatively you could use one 12V pack and several regulators.
The Johnny 5 gets about 10-15 minutes of operation between charges, using a 6V and a 12V pack. You might consider an 11.1V LiPo pack instead - it will be more expensive, but lighter weight and more easily fit inside the frame.
I have cut a 24V ‘C’ battery pack in half, to fit between the timing belt drive (HexaTraxx Moose 6WD elsewhere on this forum).
Buying the appropriately sized batteries is best, as recommended by Coleman. However you can do it.
Carefully cut through the wrap, then you’ll have to cut through the two flat copper conductors. A heavy knife can be used to do this if you’re careful. You’ll have to re-establish the electrical connections with a pair of 16-18 Ga. insulated wires. Re-wrap the cut ends of the battery back.
