ServoTank with BS2

Mikerocontroller

· This is an autonomous tracked vehicle based on a Budget Robotics Servo Tank kit.· I replaced the original servos with Parallax models (item code 900-00008).· The microprocessor used is the Basic Stamp 2 (Homework board version).··A seperate six-volt supply for the servos is mounted below the upper deck of the chassis.· I use a PING))) sensor for ranging and it really is trouble free and fairly accurate.· One IR 40 kHz. emitter/detector pair is utilized for detecting thick carpet and non-reflective boundaries.· The carpet avoidance is necessary to prevent the treads from being thrown off on those surfaces during turns.· The rear wheels are not set in bushings so tightening the treads tends to toe-in the wheels.· Using·a single·IR·flood is not really suitable for drop-off detection.··It works·okay but at shallow angles it has driven off counters (@#$$*)!
· The PBASIC program is really simple:check·for edges, avoid if needed, read the PING))), avoid iminent collisions, turn shallow near objects,·or drive a few inches forward and then do it all again.· The program uses 17 bits of variable storage.· Because variables are not passed between routines I was able to reuse the same word variable throughout the program.···I've used the compass module,·IR communication and IR ranging in different combinations and this·is the program I use as a starting point.
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···················································Happy Veterans Day

· YouTube Tank Video·www.youtube.com/watch?v=v-RYEfQZBbc

Post Edited (Mikerocontroller) : 1/3/2009 1:14:30 AM GMT

bassmaster

good deal, where do i go to get the budget tank kit?

Mikerocontroller

· Bassmaster, I ordered mine from here: http://www.budgetrobotics.com/shop/?cart=700136&cat=51&
· Also, they make a twin motor version:·http://www.budgetrobotics.com/shop/?cart=700136&cat=49&
··but that seems to be out of stock.· P.S. How much does that bass weigh?

bassmaster

Thanks! it was 6lbs I got 1st place that tournament.

Meistro

Thats pretty sweet! I'm just starting a tank project myself. I'm anticipating recieving a pair of track drives off a large snowblower this saturday. Its gonna be huge · Nice work on that thing!!

bennettdan

Good job with the tank mikerocontroller I like tanks and plan to build a large one some time in the near future.
Check out this sight if you like tanks...· www.rctankcombat.com/tanks/

Mikerocontroller

· Thanks, bennettdan.· I added the link to my favorites.· What I really like are the contruction photos.· I like seeing how projects are designed and put together.· You can see a lot of different disciplines represented from machining to electronics and even woodworking!· Keep us posted on your progress.

bennettdan

I have an old riding lawn mower I plan to use the motor and frame from to build mine.
I will post some soon, I have been straighten up my back room to be able to get it in their to work on it and some other projects..

Ugha

How much was that tank kit Mikerocontroller? They don't seem to have any info on the price while they are out of stock.

It seems to be a Tamiya tread and wheel kit + a Tamiya twin motor gearbox kit... or two servos... plus a custom made chassis.

If the price is reasonable, it seems to be an extremely good buy.

Mikerocontroller

· The·servo version cost·$64.95 (chassis, Tamiya track kit, and two continuous rotation servos).· If I remember correctly the dual-motor version cost about $10 less.· The chassis is constructed from expanded PVC.· The included upper deck is really too small for the HomeWork Board but they also sell an add-on deck which is a little larger.· Have you seen the Tankbot XL?···································· ··· ···· http://www.e-clec-tech.com/tankbotxl2n1.html·· Having said that, I beleive the Boe-Bot is the best choice for a Stamp robotic platform.