Society of Robots - Robot Forum
Electronics => Electronics => Topic started by: garriwilson on October 15, 2007, 06:32:06 PM
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Hey, I am building a tank and this is what I'm planning to do.
Put one servo per tread to a drive wheel and have a couple of wheels on each tread. This is the tread kit I want to use.
http://www.budgetrobotics.com/shop/?cat=154&shop=1 (click on their Tankbot XL link to get an idea)
I'll use my 2 hs-311 servos from my 50$ robot for drive. I'll use a 3 or 4 channel transmitter and receiver from servocity.com to control.
Also, I have a question. I want to make a gun on top that shoots plastic BB bullets. How do I make like an air compression chamber and use my transmitter to control it with 2 servos (one for left right, other for up down) and how do I set it off to fire?
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Why not just get this http://www.budgetrobotics.com/shop/?shop=1&cat=51&cart=504692 (http://www.budgetrobotics.com/shop/?shop=1&cat=51&cart=504692)
I know it might be expensive but setting up a tank chassis is VERY VERY ANNOYING. You will get very annoyed by it, so I would suggest buying the chassis or buying a toy which has tank tracks and just switching the motors it has in it already with your servos. Buy the chassis ready made!
The shooting part works like follows:
Have a push/pull solenoid open and close a valve to the compression chamber. Then you have a BB hopper which feeds the bullets down into a tube. The solenoid opens the valve and BB bullets fall into the tube and get shot out.
Alternatively, you could buy an airsoft gun ( like pistol or something) and use a servo to press the trigger mechanically.
also,
are you building this tank for the end effect or are you building it so that you can learn about robotics.
Probably, a good idea is to find a cheap BB shooting tank on eBay and base your project on that. Then when you're done with your tank you can have them fight each other. :D
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Sorry that thing is too expensive. And it would be a good idea to buy an rc tank but I just don't have the money.
Also this part REALLY confuses me. Look I'm getting all this stuff:
1. 6-channel Transmitter - http://www.hobbypartz.com/6trwccccopim.html (http://www.hobbypartz.com/6trwccccopim.html) - $29.95
2. 6-channel Receiver - http://www.hobbypartz.com/es6re.html (http://www.hobbypartz.com/es6re.html) - $29.95
3. 7.2V battery pack - http://www.hobbypartz.com/712ba.html (http://www.hobbypartz.com/712ba.html) - $13.95
4. Tank treads(changed) - http://www.vexlabs.com/vex-robotics-tank-tread-kit.shtml (http://www.vexlabs.com/vex-robotics-tank-tread-kit.shtml) - $29.99
5. The chassis - not sure what I'm going to do. If you guys have any suggestions it's REALLY helpful to me. Thanks
OK, this is the part I don't get. I want to put two servos side to side in the back to drive the treads. One servo per tread. I'm making it differential drive. OK, to go forward I push the stick up. Backwards, stick down. But since there's two servos, that's two channels and when I push the stick up, how do I make it use BOTH of the servos even though they're in different channels? Then, to go left I push it to the left, right then right. So when I push left that controls channel 1 right? and it makes the servo go forward. Then when I push right it turns on channel 2 and the other side's servo goes forward. Right?
Any clarifications are appreciated. I'm kinda confused on this stuff and I need help. Thanks in advance! ;)
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Hack a toy and get the whole platform!!
See the link in my signature!!!
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TrickyNeckro, I just wanted to know where you got your toy bulldozer. I found a lot on the internet but I'm not sure if they're already r/c, whether the treads are moving or stationary and other stuff. Here are some I found that I liked (please tell me if they're suitable and which one is the best):
1. http://toytruckcity.stores.yahoo.net/cat38ex.html
2. http://toytruckcity.stores.yahoo.net/cat38lexwime.html (it says it has metal tracks, what does that mean?)
and some other ones.
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those are models, not motorized
search google for "toy tanks" , "r/c tanks" , and "motorized toy tank"
Also, what is your budget for the chassis of the robot? how much are you willing to spend.
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hey,
my total budget will be 157.50$ That's how much I make a month at my school's cafeteria (I'm starting in November cuz they won't pay half of september if I start now.)
This is what I came up with:
1. 4 HS-311 Servos (for the excavator shovel)
2. Excavator Toy (I already found one and I'm sure of it. THe link is bad on the site so I couldn't post, sorry. :-[, but here is a picture of it: http://www.3000toys.com/images/NORSCOT/55096.jpg)
3. Transmitter+Receiver (6-channel) about a 100$
4. Some HDPE - around 15$ (optional) from McMaster Carr
5. Tank Tread Kit - 25$ (optional)
Total(least): 150-160$
Total(most with HDPE and tank treads)- 190-200$
All of these Include Shipping and Handling
Tell me what you think :P
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how long a range of remote control do u want???
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I've read through the thread and my 2 cents-
get a rc toy tank
keep those motors cause they're probably stronger than the 311 servos.
some already have a motorized turrent with a fire button (it fires red light from a led)
make it a semi auto (self reseting) so no reloading button necesary
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Thast why I was asking about range...
And I think garriwilson is after the learning experience and not the end product.
which I think is GREAT! ;D
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And I think garriwilson is after the learning experience and not the end product.
which I think is GREAT! ;D
Exactly right. That's why I haven't even started yet. And I changed my mind in one of the posts in this thread to make an rc excavator.
1. 4 of these awesome hi-torque servos for the shovel but cheap (is this a scam?): http://www.basicx.com/Products/robotparts/Servo1.htm) -56$ (about)
2. Excavator Toy (I already found one and I'm sure of it. THe link is bad on the site so I couldn't post, sorry :-[ . But here is a picture of it: http://www.3000toys.com/images/NORSCOT/55096.jpg)
3. Transmitter+Receiver (6-channel) about a 100$ (look at this and tell me if it's a bad site or a scam:
transmitter-(http://www.hobbypartz.com/6trwccccopim.html), receiver - (http://www.hobbypartz.com/es6re.html). I am suspicious of this site cuz they might send me the things without crystals or it might be cruddy if you know what I mean. How do I know it's a good site to order from?
4. Tank Tread Kit - 25$ (optional most likely won't buy it because excavator has tracks that are movable)
Total(least): 150-160$ (156$ is more exact but still not accurate)
Total(most with tank treads)- 190$
All of these Include Shipping and Handling
Tell me what you think :P
Rc range: at least 30 meters (is that 90 feet?) if that's short plz tell me.
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It will be incredibly difficult to mount servos on this:
(http://www.3000toys.com/images/NORSCOT/55096.jpg)
Did you think about adding the servos to make the tracks move? How on earth are you going to connect the servos? Also, if you make it a r/c excavator your servos will add weight to the shovel and you will need a really strong servo to support the rest of the servo ( kinda like a robot arm)
Those servos you posted are fine, but then again : How the heck are you gonna mount the servos and make the servos move the tracks???
For the range: Where do you want to drive it from? In the same room as you or in a different floor then you ( pointless without a wireless cam)
If its on the same floor use an R/C toy car receiver and transmitter.
So you need to start from scratch now.
I saw a kit by Tamiya which is an excavator or power shovel or power dozer kit.
(http://www.cmhobbies.com/catalog/632-70107.jpg)
Use that to get you started and it'll be easier to add servos to that then to the model you suggested.
hack that bulldozer kit and make it R/C
also I don't see where youre going with this rover? You want to build a motorized toy basically? as a learning experience?
Hope I helped,
Eric
Feel free to ask me any question
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It will be incredibly difficult to mount servos on this:
(http://www.3000toys.com/images/NORSCOT/55096.jpg)
Did you think about adding the servos to make the tracks move? How on earth are you going to connect the servos? Also, if you make it a r/c excavator your servos will add weight to the shovel and you will need a really strong servo to support the rest of the servo ( kinda like a robot arm)
Those servos you posted are fine, but then again : How the heck are you gonna mount the servos and make the servos move the tracks???
For the range: Where do you want to drive it from? In the same room as you or in a different floor then you ( pointless without a wireless cam)
If its on the same floor use an R/C toy car receiver and transmitter.
So you need to start from scratch now.
I saw a kit by Tamiya which is an excavator or power shovel or power dozer kit.
(http://www.cmhobbies.com/catalog/632-70107.jpg)
Use that to get you started and it'll be easier to add servos to that then to the model you suggested.
hack that bulldozer kit and make it R/C
also I don't see where youre going with this rover? You want to build a motorized toy basically? as a learning experience?
Hope I helped,
Eric
Feel free to ask me any question
maybe he could mount the servos on the main body and use a tendon like mechanism to power it
IDk how he's gonna do the propulsion though
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Yep,
Thats why the bulldozer kit I recommended is the best choice.
However, the bulldozer kit has DC motors, which I assume can be replaced by servos, but hey why get a modified servo when you could just pwm a motor?
garriwilson remember what you are trying to do here1 You want to learn more about robotics. Get a kit , build the kit, and then modify to your needs! You will learn a ton that way. also google is a great way to search for anything. Research is key!
Measure 7 times and cut twice!
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I wanted to put servos with like those rubber things to pull the arm from the main body. To drive the treads, I hope that the top is removable and then I'll add the servos and put the top back on.
Also, could you guys tell me if the websites I posted are good enough to order from. I am afraid the cheap transmitter and receiver are a scam or something. Just making sure.
And you guys didn't answer this part which really confuses me. IF you guys know please explain. Thanks
OK, this is the part I don't get. I want to put two servos side to side in the back to drive the treads. One servo per tread. I'm making it differential drive. OK, to go forward I push the stick up. Backwards, stick down. But since there's two servos, that's two channels and when I push the stick up, how do I make it use BOTH of the servos even though they're in different channels? Then, to go left I push it to the left, right then right. So when I push left that controls channel 1 right? and it makes the servo go forward. Then when I push right it turns on channel 2 and the other side's servo goes forward. Right?
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OK, this is the part I don't get. I want to put two servos side to side in the back to drive the treads. One servo per tread. I'm making it differential drive. OK, to go forward I push the stick up. Backwards, stick down. But since there's two servos, that's two channels and when I push the stick up, how do I make it use BOTH of the servos even though they're in different channels? Then, to go left I push it to the left, right then right. So when I push left that controls channel 1 right? and it makes the servo go forward. Then when I push right it turns on channel 2 and the other side's servo goes forward. Right?
You would use one channel for each servo. For example, channel 1 is up and channel 2 is down, the robot turns clockwise.
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Ok I trashed the whole excavator crap. I didn't think of how hard it would be to mount the servos.
Now I'm just gonna buy
1. A power drilll
2. Lots of HDPE
3.buy this saw thing http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10051&langId=-1&catalogId=10053&productId=100029025&N=10000003+502949+10401005&marketID=401&locStoreNum=8125
(WOW, the website is long).
4.Then I'm gonna buy treads from here (http://www.vexlabs.com/vex-robotics-tank-tread-kit.shtml)
If the price with the HDPE and treads comes out expensive, I'll buy this (http://www.budgetrobotics.com/shop/?shop=1&cat=49&cart=506529)
or this: (http://www.budgetrobotics.com/shop/?shop=1&cat=51&cart=506529)
5. I really want my robot to be able to dig like an excavator but I don't want to buy a whole model excavator and rip off the shovel. Is there any place I could just get the shovel?
Thanks! (Sorry I change my mind so much :-[)
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buy some safety googles, and maybe a clamp, too . . .
also, go to the back of the store and take some scrap wood near the cutting saws - you will need it as a mount to hold your HDPE while you cut
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I just noticed your post and remembered that I did something similar a couple years ago. Take a look at:
http://www.surveyor.com/cgi-bin/robot_journal.cgi/2006/02/13#008
http://www.surveyor.com/cgi-bin/robot_journal.cgi/2006/02/14#009
http://www.surveyor.com/cgi-bin/robot_journal.cgi/2006/02/18#010
It actually worked pretty well.
(http://www.surveyor.com/images/tank1.jpg)
(http://www.surveyor.com/images/tank7.jpg)
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The list I posted wasn't final and I decided to get this circular saw because the other one needs an air compressor.
Here: (http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10051&langId=-1&catalogId=10053&productId=100089166&N=10000003+500939+10401001&marketID=401&locStoreNum=8125)
also, go to the back of the store and take some scrap wood near the cutting saws - you will need it as a mount to hold your HDPE while you cut
in the back of what store? and do you mean clamp the HDPE to the wood?
Also, will this: (http://www.hobbypartz.com/es6re.html)-(I think this receiver is a pile of poop), work with this: (http://www.servocity.com/~servo/html/laser_6_fm_ground_systems.html)
Is this drill good: (http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053&productId=100005049)
And, do you guys know where to get a robotic arm with a shovel on the end? Kinda like an excavator. Or should I make it myself? If I do, the only thing I don't know is how to make the joints movable if you know what I mean. Like if I just put screws in it's going to be tight and inefficient. Is there a special way to do it.
Also, do you know those rubber things you put into servo arm holes and I believe they're called tendons? Should I use that for the shovel? Are they strong, or will they rip when the shovel tries to dig?
Sorry, I have a lot of questions. Thanks for your help!
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PVC Plastic: (http://www.budgetrobotics.com/shop/?shop=1&cart=506529&cat=103&)
Has anyone here ever used PVC plastic? I typed it in google it says PVC: poison plastic. OK... then why are they selling it as materials if it's poison?
Is it like HDPE? can you bend it or is it rigid? Light or heavy?
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my little bro has a sheet metal excavator with rods instead of tendons actually it's flat metal not rods, but oyu get the point)
you want a pic of it?
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you want a pic of it?
Sure, if it's not a problem for you. Because I didn't really get what you were talking about. Thanks!
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in the back of what store? and do you mean clamp the HDPE to the wood?
yeap . . . your other option is to hold the HDPE in your hand while you cut :P
Is it like HDPE? can you bend it or is it rigid? Light or heavy?
check out the three external links at the bottom of this page for more info:
http://www.societyofrobots.com/materials.shtml
(and ignore the poison stuff, its just media hype)
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heres what I took this morning.
hope it help
if you want bigger pics click on it. if you sill feeling greedy let me know :D
that thing is a trooper. it's been driven over by a 4ton bobcat and only the roof bent
(http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e398/RussianCommy/th_P1020658Medium.jpg) (http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e398/RussianCommy/P1020658Medium.jpg)
(http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e398/RussianCommy/th_P1020657Medium.jpg) (http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e398/RussianCommy/P1020657Medium.jpg)
(http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e398/RussianCommy/th_exc.jpg) (http://s43.photobucket.com/albums/e398/RussianCommy/?action=view¤t=exc.flv)
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Thanks for the pics! That helped. Where did you get it though?
BTW, I'm more interested in RC airplanes than robots. Sorry guys. I just like making airplanes and I want to get this kit: http://www.hobby-lobby.com/bellanca.htm
It looks affordable, cool, and a very good airplane. It comes with all the rc gear except the aileron's and servos for ailerons. I'll get those and make the ailerons myself. I hope I don't break it. ;D
I just need hinges for the ailerons. Do you guys know where I could get it like land stores (not online-I don't want to pay shipping for 1 gram thing lol) like Radioshack. Do 99 cent stores have them? Whatever I'll just look myself.
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OK,
i think you should try something new like building robots.
Don't get me wrong I love r/c planes and helicopters, but a robot can be used indoors and has a mind of its own (sorta..) ;D
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i think you should try something new like building robots.
I certainly would if I knew how to program and was able to make working circuits. I mean why not if you can?
It's just that I'm more interested in flying things, but I love electronics of robots. I love making the circuit boards, planning the chassis and actually building. I love all that stuff.
And could you guys tell me what a mechanical engineer does? I told myself that my career will have to do with airplanes and space travel, but can a mechanical engineer go into those areas?
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The forum knows everything ;D
http://www.societyofrobots.com/robotforum/index.php?topic=1914.0
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Thank you! ;)
So rocket engines kinda has something to do with space shuttles? Like making better engines? I wanna do that. :P
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Hey guys, I want to put a Spycam on an r/c airplane. I know how to mount it, but are there any cheap small lcd monitors that I can take to the park and use to look at where the airplane is going? Like a handheld thingy?
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do an ebay search for wireless camera handheld monitor (http://search.ebay.com/search/search.dll?sofocus=bs&sbrftog=1&catref=C6&from=R10&_trksid=m37&satitle=wireless+camera+handheld+monitor&sacat=-1%26catref%3DC6&sargn=-1%26saslc%3D2&sadis=200&fpos=ZIP%2FPostal&sabfmts=1&saobfmts=insif&ftrt=1&ftrv=1&saprclo=&saprchi=&fsop=1%26fsoo%3D1&coaction=compare&copagenum=1&coentrypage=search)
therre are tons on it, like this:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Wireless-Handheld-Color-Monitor-Pinhole-Camera-System_W0QQitemZ230183025156QQihZ013QQcategoryZ48632QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
froogle has a lot too (http://www.google.com/products?q=wireless+camera+handheld+monitor&price1=&price2=200.00&lnk=prsugg)
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I personally like helicopter more than airplanes because you need a large area for planes and helicopters are more stable for camera.
Think, if you put a camera on the plane , all you will see is a blur of images, since the plane is going to fast. A helicopter can hover so you will actually be able to see something.
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I'll kinda have to disagree with airman. even if a plane goes fast, you still won't see a blur unless you point the camera down
and we got that thing long time ago at a yard sale
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True, but why would you point the camera anywhere but down?
well , maybe if you want to see other r/c planes in the sky....
Also, garriwilson. What do you intend to use the plane for? surveillance or just for fun??
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ROFL, I'm not like from CIA or something. I'm not gonna use my rc airplane for surveillance. (I'm not a perv either lol)
I just want to fly it for fun and get some building experience. Also, I get to keep the radio system! Then for my future airplanes they could be ARF and I won't need to buy most things. As you guys often say buying things pays off later. ;D
Also, that airplane (bellanca decathlon) has ailerons but does not include servos for it. I want to get 2 spare servos for it and put them there. I need hinges! Anyone know where to get hinges??? And do I put them in different positions (so forward is up for one and down for the other)? Should I put a Y-harness?
P.S. Should I start a new thread because now it's kinda about and R/C Airplane NOT a Tank. :P
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I thought this home-made helicopter in Nigeria would inspire you some . . .
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/nigeriahelicopteroffbeat;_ylt=AsIVmuqaLsBZ9aRS3syKSG0DW7oF
(http://d.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/afp/20071021/capt.sge.lzy72.211007224231.photo00.photo.default-512x342.jpg?x=180&y=120&sig=2TzJfE5yNFpfdJqkBSD7EA--)
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Hey guys, should I get this and modify it?
http://www.hobbytron.com/AirsoftRCType90BattleTank.html
It look nice and pretty affordable. Although I'd like to know how it uses only 3 channels and can go forward, backward, spin, super spin, gun up and down, turret rotation 320 degrees? How do they do that? I wish I could be that efficient with my r/c stuff when I'm making something. And it's a russian tank! Anyone speak russian here?
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You might try reading the responses to your posts -
http://www.societyofrobots.com/robotforum/index.php?topic=2158.msg14538#msg14538
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research ,research ,research
search online for answers
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yep. research is important, but I feel you. sometimes i'm too lazy too.
Tsukubadaisei and i are russian. maybe more people speak it, but IDK
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Sorry guys, I'm trying to squeeze this stuff in with my schoolwork and I sometimes forget about people already answering my questions (sorry hgordon). And sometimes I don't have time to search the internet. But I'll try to as much as I can.
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Just ran into this today and figured you'd be interested (if it isn't too late)
$30, 6 channels
http://www.allelectronics.com/cgi-bin/item/JS-6/search/6-CHANNEL_TRANSMITTER_AND_RECEIVER_.html
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I've seen that, but I'm planning on doing this project later because I don't have the equipment and tools yet. Thanks for the link!