new to SOR, looking for motor and motor controller info.

[Hydrogen]

Well im new to SOR, interested in robotics, and im about to start mech eng.

Ive have played with prebuilt RC stuff before,  i can solder anything, given a good schematic, i can weld, but when it comes to figuring the electrical limits and value, im pretty much lost.  

So to get into the field, i want to make a small/sold prototyping platform (anywhere from say 5-35 lbs) that i will RC first, so i can try out some drive trains, wheel and tread systems, so i can then get a feel for how things need to move when i start programming. Id like to start with rc, and then once i start programming, id like to be able to mount one of my netbooks ( max of 5lbs) using usb motor controllers or servo controllers ? i havnt thought that far ahead yet, as id like to get a solid mechanical platform to start with.

I do need some help picking out some good motors and controllers to start with. Id like something speedy, with some power too. ( assume end weight from 5-35 lbs, assume any power level, 2 or 4 wheel drive, or tread, which i assume will need more powerful motors)


Thanks, Hydrogen

[SmAsH]

well, can you define "fast" this can mean a lot of things to us
to me, RC is useless... autonomous is the way to go...
you can check out wheelchair motors as they are EXTREMELY strong... ie. you can ride your robot around...
as for a motor controller check out the sabertooth controllers, ive heard only good things about them.
http://www.dimensionengineering.com/Sabertooth2X25.htm
what sort of terrain do you want the platform to go over? carpet or jungle?

just a random question but why are you choosing to start off in rc? do you think it is easier than robotics?
take as look at: http://www.societyofrobots.com/step_by_step_robot.shtml mmmkay?
sorry if my robotics judgement is a bit off, i just got back from seeing terminator 4... its awesome, the robots are so cool!

[Joker94]

I think it is a good idea to start foff with an r/c platform, if you know how to. Do you have an rc interface to use yet. If so what type is it

[Hydrogen]

Well i have a 12ch 2.4ghz futaba controller, from my rc helicopter.


and i want to start with RC so i can build a stable chassis and drive train, than i can use it as a base for a robot then add sensors and w/e when i start programming.


terrain from say pavement to light off road obsticles

and smash, trust me, it will end up autonomous

[RoboChan]

this is kinda what i want to do. a big 125lbs sumo bot that i can also change to rc and ride on it . but thats in time right now i just got some small stuff to play with and learn .