Society of Robots - Robot Forum

Electronics => Electronics => Topic started by: madsci1016 on September 13, 2009, 07:59:42 PM

Title: Need a make a micro-controller powered R/C controller. Where to get enclosure?
Post by: madsci1016 on September 13, 2009, 07:59:42 PM
I want to make a micro-controller powered remote for my 4WD skid steer GPS navigation autonomous robot. ( I will put all the info and pictures up when I finish the project)

I need a (hopefully ergonomic) enclosure to house the micro-controller, radio, lcd panel, controls  and battery, as well as have two analog control sticks when I need to control the robots remotely.

My two options are:

Get an empty enclosure built just for what i need ( but i haven't been able to find any in any online robot or R/c stores.)

Rip apart a controller for a cheap R/c car and use the parts i need. However i haven't been able to find (even on Ebay) a cheap car that's skid steer. (like tractor treads, so on the controller it's two analog sticks the move up and down)

Any thoughts? has anyone tried this before?
Title: Re: Need a make a micro-controller powered R/C controller. Where to get enclosure?
Post by: Half Shell on September 13, 2009, 08:08:40 PM
If you're willing to wait, I just got free samples from OKW enclosures, and I was VERY impressed by what they sent me and what I got for free.

http://www.okw.co.uk/ (http://www.okw.co.uk/)

Note: I'm in America and they still shipped it to me for free.

PS please don't abuse this - I love this resource.
Title: Re: Need a make a micro-controller powered R/C controller. Where to get enclosure?
Post by: madsci1016 on September 13, 2009, 08:12:51 PM
Woah! Well quick browsing and it looks like they may have what i need.

But before i continue, can you clarify your statement about abusing them. ( i don't want to do that).

I just need one or two enclosures, how should i go about getting them?
Title: Re: Need a make a micro-controller powered R/C controller. Where to get enclosure?
Post by: madsci1016 on September 13, 2009, 08:33:36 PM
On second look, it doesn't seem they have exactly what I need. Any other ideas?
Title: Re: Need a make a micro-controller powered R/C controller. Where to get enclosure?
Post by: Joker94 on September 13, 2009, 08:49:52 PM
He means by that is only ask for samples if you intend to use them, and when you do ask for samples you often have to give lots of of details, some of which you will have to make up if you don't work for an electronics or engineering company. so don't get really fast fetched when you make stuff up.
Title: Re: Need a make a micro-controller powered R/C controller. Where to get enclosure?
Post by: madsci1016 on September 14, 2009, 09:25:32 PM
I looked through some stuff but didn't find anything i liked. Any other ideas?

Bookmarked the site for the future though; and I work for Navy, R&D in robotics no less. I'm sure i could talk them into a bunch of samples. (Not that I plan on abusing them however. :-)
Title: Re: Need a make a micro-controller powered R/C controller. Where to get enclosure?
Post by: ArcMan on September 16, 2009, 03:23:12 PM
I get all of my enclosures from www.mouser.com (http://www.mouser.com).
Mouser handles several manufacturers, but I usually go with Bud Industries.