A chassis for our workshop....

[vidam]

Hi All--

Anyone ever used the Rigel 4WD chassis? I'm thinking about using to lead a beginner workshop to make a robot. The cost is , ~$89.00. Rigel is an attractive option because it can be used indoors, and outdoors. It has expandable base, and can carry GPS, and a camera. It's also small only 6" in length. It has 4WD with continuous rotation servos. Plus it's really cutesy. any other platforms recommendations, or suggestions that would lower the cost would be much appreciated.

[JesseWelling]

I think it's the cheapest I've seen. I've often thought about picking one up just for fun...

[Rebelgium]

looks like a good choice to me.
However If you really need it to be offroad, I wouldn't buy it because the ground clearance is way to low for decent offroading. Short grass will probably be the limit.
Also, sentences like"especially those that require carrying heavier loads, like video cameras and GPS receivers. " are just commercials
You can mount a GPS or camera on almost all platforms...

[Webbot]

Have recently bought R/C tanks

See
http://stores.ebay.co.uk/S-and-N-TOYS-UK
and look for Tiger Infra-Red Laser R/C Battle tank cost is £28.99 (say just under $60) plus postage (the seller has them on eBay).

This gives you 2 tank/RC platforms each with servos for controlling: each track, the turret as well as infra red stuff and an r/c xmit/receive for each tank. Seems like a winner to me. Mine have already been delivered but am too busy playing with them to get stuck in with a screwdriver yet to see whats inside!!

[vidam]

I've been meaning to post this question but kept forgeting. Alas, I remembered...
Are there any battery issues driving the 4 servos on the Rigel 4WD chassis
with an Arduino Decimella board using a single 9V battery? Will I need to have separate power for the servos?

[maverick monk]

yeah, a single 9v wont deliver enough mah to the motors, they will probobly overheat, look into a rechargable 6 cell or 7cell battery with atleast 1100mah

[vidam]

I found this 6-cell NiMH 1000mAH battery back for the 4 servos.
http://www.hobby-lobby.com/hydride.htm
Do I still need the 9V separate supply to the Arduino Decimella board though?

[paulstreats]

Ive no experience with it, but looking at the distance between the wheels, it doesnt look stable enough to really go off road, It just looks to me like it might tip over too easily!

[vidam]

Ive no experience with it, but looking at the distance between the wheels, it doesnt look stable enough to really go off road, It just looks to me like it might tip over too easily!

Thanks for the suggestion, I called the company to find out. The guy I spoke to at the company said it doesn't tip over. He said there is some slippage on smooth surfaces. It runs better on carpet and grass actually, less wheel slippage.

Mine should be coming in the mail any day now. More on platform till then.... :-)

[vidam]

I talked to the guy over at Budget Robotics and he said the battery can be any voltage between 4.8 and 7.2 Volts. The higher the voltage the faster the servos turn. And the higher the current the more time between battery recharge. So I bought my rechargeable NiMH batteries from OnlyBatteryPacks.com with a charger. Can't wait till everything comes in the mail. yippee

[JesseWelling]

You might also want to look into encoders to do some more advanced things.

[vidam]

OOh

You might also want to look into encoders to do some more advanced things.

Oooh, yes, good idea.
Thanks!!!!

[DAGUROBOT]

This might be interesting for all members.

http://letsmakerobots.com/node/7418.

YOu will find a great 4WD chassis here.

[vidam]

@Dargurbot --> Thank you!!! That is a neat little chassis frame. I will post it to the group forum.

[vidam]

The frame looks custom made. Or did they use a kit?