Hacking a PowerWheels Car as a light Robotics platform
Peter KG6LSE
Posts: 1,383
Hacking a PowerWheels Car as a light Robotics platform .
I plan on using a VEX V.5 brain as the main brain mostly cause VEXNET is so awsome and its IMHO easer to use for me .I have used it a lot for FIRST robotics so I know how to use it
And a BS2 as a Sub brain chip to integrate sensors in to the VEX like GPS PING))) Acelll and also the housekeeping funtions
I may bump it to a Prop later on .
I have had this idea for many months But did not have the $$ .. but I got some cash to tinker with this week so I went shopping today
I first looked at a larger Quad bike at wally world but it was a tad to large and was $180
But target had one in the back this slightly smaller one for $99
So I got it ..
BTW my floor tiles are 1x1 foot for scale ..
The Only small issue is its 1 wheel drive . the right rear is not powered, just the left .
I noticed it after I assembled it but its not a huge issue ..
I am going to tye them together as one . NO differential but at this size device I dont rely care .
The Only part that I need to be careful on is the steering servo . I will have to make it strong !!I guess a $250 one will be big enough I hope ..
but so far it looks like a good base to hack .
I figure its 6V drive system can handle 7.2V RC pack voltage with out to much harm .
Now to build it ! by fall term Whoot!
Peter KG6LSE
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"Carpe Ducktum" "seize the tape!!"
peterthethinker.com/tesla/Venom/Venom.html
Never underestimate the bandwidth of a station wagon full of tapes hurtling down the highway. —Tanenbaum, Andrew S.
LOL
Post Edited (Peter KG6LSE) : 5/2/2010 10:17:49 PM GMT
I plan on using a VEX V.5 brain as the main brain mostly cause VEXNET is so awsome and its IMHO easer to use for me .I have used it a lot for FIRST robotics so I know how to use it
And a BS2 as a Sub brain chip to integrate sensors in to the VEX like GPS PING))) Acelll and also the housekeeping funtions
I may bump it to a Prop later on .
I have had this idea for many months But did not have the $$ .. but I got some cash to tinker with this week so I went shopping today
I first looked at a larger Quad bike at wally world but it was a tad to large and was $180
But target had one in the back this slightly smaller one for $99
So I got it ..
BTW my floor tiles are 1x1 foot for scale ..
The Only small issue is its 1 wheel drive . the right rear is not powered, just the left .
I noticed it after I assembled it but its not a huge issue ..
I am going to tye them together as one . NO differential but at this size device I dont rely care .
The Only part that I need to be careful on is the steering servo . I will have to make it strong !!I guess a $250 one will be big enough I hope ..
but so far it looks like a good base to hack .
I figure its 6V drive system can handle 7.2V RC pack voltage with out to much harm .
Now to build it ! by fall term Whoot!
Peter KG6LSE
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"Carpe Ducktum" "seize the tape!!"
peterthethinker.com/tesla/Venom/Venom.html
Never underestimate the bandwidth of a station wagon full of tapes hurtling down the highway. —Tanenbaum, Andrew S.
LOL
Post Edited (Peter KG6LSE) : 5/2/2010 10:17:49 PM GMT
Comments
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Got 150 pounds of bot and growing.
And doing a current test to see how many amps the system draws to decide on the kind and type of batt pak needs to be made .
Cause a 7AH 6V batt is not big enough IMHO ..
I am hoping its not too high as I want to use NiMh and not SLA batts..
Li-xxx is not a option ...
then I need to to a torque mesurement to get the right size servo .
PI'd thanks for the idea . I have heard of that trick many times but At this time a window motor would be too much hassle ..
I have no machine capabilities so I need to think COTS for the device for now ..
Peter KG6LSE
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"Carpe Ducktum" "seize the tape!!"
peterthethinker.com/tesla/Venom/Venom.html
Never underestimate the bandwidth of a station wagon full of tapes hurtling down the highway. —Tanenbaum, Andrew S.
LOL
Silverado Truck 6V Remote Control & Ride On
$99.99 each
Compare at $219.99
Drive the fun home with the Silverado 6V Remote-Controlled Ride-On by National Products Ltd. This ride-on has two modes: In normal battery-operated position, the vehicle can be controlled by a child with simple throttle and forward and reverse gears. In remote-control mode, the vehicle becomes a giant radio-controlled vehicle that can be controlled by parents. The remote-controlled mode is ideal for small children who are too young to operate the ride-on by themselves. Battery-operated ride-on can be switched to become a remote-controlled vehicle 3:1 scale vehicle. Features forward and reverse gears, working horn and cool engine sounds. Max speed as ride-on: 2 mph
at http://shop.tuesdaymorning.com/dsp_productDetail.asp?ssid=1&pid=7595
You can find more details on it at www.npl2.com including a video.
It is already set up to be driven by a child while sitting on it or driven by the parent via r/c, there is a change over switch under the seat.
I was thinking about getting one of these, and hooking it up, to the BOE Stamp board from my BOEBOT, via the 2 HB-25s I have.
How do you think this combo would work?
I figure later I could up grade it to a propeler board.
(Maybe this thread should be moved to robots forum?)
Regards,
zappman
Post Edited (zappman) : 5/3/2010 4:17:05 PM GMT
www.davesmotors.com/s.nl/c.885035/n.1/it.A/id.2546/.f
or, this one (check out the torque on the chart)
www.hobbypartz.com/12exiseb1.html
Back in the early 80's there was this really cool RC car called "Fat Wheels". It was called that because the tires were inflatable via a tiny tube that was tucked into the rim. The first thing I noticed when I finally got one was that it would turn much faster in one direction than the other. This really bothered me so I had to investigate. As you can probably guess, it was a one wheel drive. Symmetry is important to me so I modified it into a live axle - just like the old three wheeler ATV's.
The result was that it now turned equally poorly in both directions - but it tracked really straight!
You shouldn't have as much trouble with the plastic wheels. If you do make it a live axle I would suggest that you do it in such a way that you can easily undo the modification.
Rich H
I tried to find a picture of the Fat Wheels toy but I had no luck. [noparse]:([/noparse]
Success!
Fat Wheels commercial
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The Simple Servo Tester, a kit from Gadget Gangster.
Post Edited (W9GFO) : 5/3/2010 6:09:35 PM GMT
I also Found some Servos with 34Kg Cm to use
But I do have one issue .
Speed Cons have changed in the years since I did RC back as a kid ( 04) ..
I am having a hard time finding a 40A Reversible non brush less Speed con new that can handle up to 12 V .
I may just buy the one from VEX..
the Stall current is 13Amps or so on the motor ..
EDIT I am am after all going to use the VEX Speed Con ..
Peter KG6LSE
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"Carpe Ducktum" "seize the tape!!"
peterthethinker.com/tesla/Venom/Venom.html
Never underestimate the bandwidth of a station wagon full of tapes hurtling down the highway. —Tanenbaum, Andrew S.
LOL
Post Edited (Peter KG6LSE) : 5/4/2010 10:48:01 PM GMT
"first Light" is very critical to me .. I want it to at least be a RC in the next 3 Weeks .
For the servo I have 3 ideas .
Eather
www.davesmotors.com/s.nl/c.885035/n.1/it.A/id.2546/.f
As mentioned above .. its cheap so I will try it first ..
Or I did find a HUGE one
www.pololu.com/catalog/product/1390
its more then a new VEX Brain but its Ideal .
www.davesmotors.com/s.nl/c.885035/n.1/it.A/id.6595/.f
Peter KG6LSE
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"Carpe Ducktum" "seize the tape!!"
peterthethinker.com/tesla/Venom/Venom.html
Never underestimate the bandwidth of a station wagon full of tapes hurtling down the highway. —Tanenbaum, Andrew S.
LOL
Post Edited (Peter KG6LSE) : 5/8/2010 4:06:12 PM GMT
we won the College excellence!! award at the world comp in TX last year ..
we were also known as SPS 1501 LOLs . Society of physics students 1501 But college uses letters ..
Here is a video of my team at the world champs ..
www.youtube.com/watch?v=62MrS-SVyoo
I built BETA and did all the batt maintenance and was a team leader .
I was going to be a driver for BETA but I am not good at driving so I handed that off to a anther student .
Nom I did act as a mentor for FRC team 294 Beach citys Robotics BCR for many years ..
Peter KG6LSE
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"Carpe Ducktum" "seize the tape!!"
peterthethinker.com/tesla/Venom/Venom.html
Never underestimate the bandwidth of a station wagon full of tapes hurtling down the highway. —Tanenbaum, Andrew S.
LOL
Cool video.· I watched some of your other videos and found them interesting.
Chuck
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Shawn Lowe
When all else fails.....procrastinate!
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"When the government is afraid of the people there is liberty, when the people are afraid of the government, there is tryanny"
· Thomas Jefferson
·
Too Well if there is such a thing .
www.flickr.com/photos/peterthethinker/4599477849/ Video
Now Off to Servo Land .
Peter KG6LSE.
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"Carpe Ducktum" "seize the tape!!"
peterthethinker.com/tesla/Venom/Venom.html
Never underestimate the bandwidth of a station wagon full of tapes hurtling down the highway. —Tanenbaum, Andrew S.
LOL
I did some SW hacks to tweak the dead-band and also adjust the Plug Breaking
www.flickr.com/photos/peterthethinker/4602432914/ Video
Peter KG6LSE
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"Carpe Ducktum" "seize the tape!!"
peterthethinker.com/tesla/Venom/Venom.html
Never underestimate the bandwidth of a station wagon full of tapes hurtling down the highway. —Tanenbaum, Andrew S.
LOL
What do you plan to make it do?
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Got 150 pounds of bot and growing.
peter KG6LSE ... on cell phone
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"Carpe Ducktum" "seize the tape!!"
peterthethinker.com/tesla/Venom/Venom.html
Never underestimate the bandwidth of a station wagon full of tapes hurtling down the highway. —Tanenbaum, Andrew S.
LOL
Iam heading to cali in a few days for summer break ,,
I know of some massive Hobby stores there so I am going to try to get the servo there first .
Peter KG6LSE
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"Carpe Ducktum" "seize the tape!!"
peterthethinker.com/tesla/Venom/Venom.html
Never underestimate the bandwidth of a station wagon full of tapes hurtling down the highway. —Tanenbaum, Andrew S.
LOL
I got a JR 8911HV servo today..
Its 470 Oz Inches so I hope it will be enough to drive this thing ..
My Gut says Its plenty of power ..
Iam back In LA so I won't be able to test said servo on Dorthy but I will be back to Iowa in the lab in a few weeks .
KG6LSE
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"Carpe Ducktum" "seize the tape!!"
peterthethinker.com/tesla/Venom/Venom.html
Never underestimate the bandwidth of a station wagon full of tapes hurtling down the highway. —Tanenbaum, Andrew S.
LOL
Didn't know you were schooling in Iowa. Maybe you can move on this item that John R. PM'ed me about, because of my signature line!
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/05/14/field-of-dreams-for-sale_n_576064.html
Looking forward to meeting you next Saturday at the TRW Swap meet. Any other Forum members near LA headed that way?
http://www.w6trw.com/swapmeet/swapmeet.htm
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·"If you build it, they will come."
I· will have photos··· tonoght··· and maby·· just··· maby··· a··· full tether· drive·· test··· !!!
Peter· KG6LSE
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"Carpe Ducktum" "seize the tape!!"
peterthethinker.com/tesla/Venom/Venom.html
Never underestimate the bandwidth of a station wagon full of tapes hurtling down the highway. —Tanenbaum, Andrew S.
LOL
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pn99qOn9-5k First Light of the Servo added ..
peter KG6LSE
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"Carpe Ducktum" "seize the tape!!"
peterthethinker.com/tesla/Venom/Venom.html
Never underestimate the bandwidth of a station wagon full of tapes hurtling down the highway. —Tanenbaum, Andrew S.
LOL
Servo Mount ..
Batt R
Batt L
I am pleased How exact the Bottom Rails hold the Batts ! I swear I did not plan that measurement !
It fits Just right ..Its Very stable ! with the Batts so close to the center .
This Confirms my Original thoughts .
I Hate to say this but it is seeming Too Easy at this point ...
Peter KG6LSE
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"Carpe Ducktum" "seize the tape!!"
peterthethinker.com/tesla/Venom/Venom.html
Never underestimate the bandwidth of a station wagon full of tapes hurtling down the highway. —Tanenbaum, Andrew S.
LOL
Post Edited (Peter KG6LSE) : 7/3/2010 7:02:09 PM GMT
BUT soon it will be I hope sending Video over lay on the TX Video stream . Via a Prop Back backpack . My teletrmitry Like Batt , Temp speed Compass ECT ..
The SW is still on paper and in my head ......
Peter KG6LSE
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"Carpe Ducktum" "seize the tape!!"
peterthethinker.com/tesla/Venom/Venom.html
Never underestimate the bandwidth of a station wagon full of tapes hurtling down the highway. —Tanenbaum, Andrew S.
LOL
So I hope to have that part of it done then ..
I do how ever have a cool clip from me in lab with it tonight .. I wanted to see how strong it is .
www.flickr.com/photos/peterthethinker/4862221548/
Lets just say its no speed demon but it can shure haul a good load ..
Peter KG6LSE
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"Carpe Ducktum" "seize the tape!!"
peterthethinker.com/tesla/Venom/Venom.html
Never underestimate the bandwidth of a station wagon full of tapes hurtling down the highway. —Tanenbaum, Andrew S.
LOL
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·"If you build it, they will come."
DORTHY is ment to be COTS as much as possable .
So if there is anyway to simplify her will .
and I the backpack Just works . its exactly what I need as of now .
It has Sync Overlay..
Erco ..We have HS students come here often so I rigged a 100W speeker system to it last week . it played "still alive" from portal and some bach too.
I have thought on installing some lights too..
from what can gather about pulling power its a traction issue more then a power issue.
I have class from 10 AM to 10PM so I have no time to work on her .
so she is not progressing as fast as I want .
fall term ( with all the new students ) is next month so she needs
to be at least doing raw Video/Audio TX and RX in 2 weeks and
the RC TX needs fixing . there is no RF output so she is on teather for now . this is not ok .
a new TX is 150 or so but the data on the teather is only just slow-er serial so If I can I may use some COTS trancevers to get around the teather isue
Peter KG6LSE
I think its a weight issue . there is no 40Lb kid on it to shove the wheels on to the floor .hehe.
as of now its like less then 20Lbs .
and because I have no Diff on the drive train anymore grip would make steering worse . . Mind its not bad at all! but because she will never drag anythng big (like me ) In normal operation there shuld be no need for more grip ..