getting a robot in the arena

[harry hills]

hi, i am asking about getting a robot moving, enough to compeat and not fall apart as soon as something hits it. i have got some stuff: 12 drill motors, a spectrum dx5e and some wheels and various other odds and ends. my buget at the moment is about £200-£300, what would be a good method of speed control, eletronize, victors, sabertooth? before i have had servos flicking micro swiches but i assume that isnt allowed. is a 12v 3700mah nimh battery any good if so how many should i use, 1, 2, 3? i was maybe thinking of an axe or hammer what would be the best setup?

cheers,
harry.

[Laser]

Re: getting a robot in the arena

1. 1 battery is fine 3700mah would last you a good battle or two
2. The sabertooth or electronize speed controllers - I'm using the sabertooth 2x25 and it is ammaxing as it has a built in mixer.
3. You would need some decent armour to withstrand a few bashes i'm using some 15mm HDPE or you could use some 15-22mm nylon 6 which is more expensive harder to machine, but stronger, it is quite cheap or you could use some 3mm aliminium/steel if you have a welder. I got my plastic from direct plastis online: http://www.directplasticsonline.co.uk/HDPESheet

[leorcc]

Re: getting a robot in the arena

my buget at the moment is about £200-£300, what would be a good method of speed control, eletronize, victors, sabertooth?

All three are good options, I have no preference of one over the other.

before i have had servos flicking micro swiches but i assume that isnt allowed.

If the micro switches can hold that kind of power and the servo go to a failsafe position, there is nothing against the rules about that. It would not be very controllable though, which if you are going to use a hammer/axe that you have to aim is a big disadvantage. And I'd cascade them with automotive relays for reliability. This type of drive is best known as bang-bang drive.

is a 12v 3700mah nimh battery any good if so how many should i use, 1, 2, 3? i was maybe thinking of an axe or hammer what would be the best setup?

A high torque Motor, chain, sprockets, steel hammer from B&Q, relays and RC switches.

[harry hills]

Re: getting a robot in the arena

cheers, i have bought 4 sheets of 10mm black hdpe, and 1 sheet of 3mm aluiminum, will get on and get a disign going, i probeby will get electronises, and the battery, would it be a good idea to get 2?