Society of Robots - Robot Forum

Mechanics and Construction => Mechanics and Construction => Topic started by: Steve Joblin on March 22, 2007, 06:47:32 PM

Title: Good track system that works on carpet?
Post by: Steve Joblin on March 22, 2007, 06:47:32 PM

I've been playing around with a multitude of configurations using Tamiya Tank Treads on a Parallax Boe-Bot (http://www.parallax.com/detail.asp?product_id=28106 (http://www.parallax.com/detail.asp?product_id=28106)), but they keep derailing because I am driving it on carpet.  Has anyone had experience with a tread system that is good for use on carpet?  My robot is only about 8" long by 5" wide and uses two standard Futaba servos (modified for continuous rotation).

Title: Re: Good track system that works on carpet?
Post by: JesseWelling on March 22, 2007, 07:06:18 PM

havn't used them but you may want to look into them:
http://www.budgetrobotics.com/shop/?shop=1&cart=408639&cat=154&
http://www.lynxmotion.com/Category.aspx?CategoryID=94
http://www.trossenrobotics.com/store/p/3172-Robby-RP5-Chassis-Only.aspx

and maybe you could go to belt drive from the servo and use two wheels?
every thing in software would be the same (unless you accounted for friction of the treads and what not
but I wouldn't tackle that task with a Parallax any ways....)

Title: Re: Good track system that works on carpet?
Post by: hgordon on March 22, 2007, 08:52:56 PM

The Lego Technics tracks won't derail.  We use a variation of that design on our robots.

Title: Re: Good track system that works on carpet?
Post by: Hal9000 on March 23, 2007, 06:30:40 AM

I think, for the sheer cheapness and wickedness of the technic tracks, this has become the track of choice for many many developers.

Namely, this one

http://www.active-robots.com/products/robots/surveyor-srv1.shtml

Title: Re: Good track system that works on carpet?
Post by: Admin on March 27, 2007, 01:46:10 PM

Ive used the lego tracks for several robots and have had only one problem with them.

You must make sure the 'wheels' are spaced apart just right. If too far, meaning the treads are too tight, they bend inward causing high friction losses on your motors. Perhaps if you use a metal shaft instead of a plastic lego shaft you might not have this problem . . .

Title: Re: Good track system that works on carpet?
Post by: hgordon on March 28, 2007, 07:44:50 PM

I'll second that comment - a difference of 0.050" in axle spacing can make a significant difference in loading on the drive motors with those treads.

Title: Re: Good track system that works on carpet?
Post by: Hal9000 on March 29, 2007, 02:50:37 AM

Actually, yeah, thirded. Although, I guess you are supposed to be using them with lego. But, that's not the point.

Yeah, that happens.

Title: Re: Good track system that works on carpet?
Post by: nanob0t on March 29, 2007, 01:21:12 PM

May I suggest my robot?

(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e133/Alex7147/Robot.jpg)


It's only about 3 feet long though  :)