ProtoTank

myminifactory

Human: A bolt-together modular tank-style robotics platform! I use this with my students, who get the base kit and then customize it. I've run these tanks with Arduino, Raspberry Pi, and Intel Galileo in both autonomous and controlled drone mode. These tanks are extremely versatile, and it's easy to create bolt-on accessory holders as needed. I'll post the accessories I've created here from time to time. https://youtu.be/RU1G50hiegI Instructions: You must view the basic assembly instructions in full screen in the image gallery. Base Tank Print: * 2 x Track Inner Frames * 2 x Track Outer Frames * 1 x Base Frame * 1 x Upper Frame (you can print multiple) * 2 x Cog Printing Tracks: Different printers and filaments produce different results, so I've uploaded a range of tracks with varying pin holes. Essentially, I print them at 50% infill and use the smallest hole diameter possible. If I need to loosen the tracks, I then print a few larger-diameter holed tracks. Motors: I use generic motors linked below and install four of them: http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/1X-for-Arduino-Smart-Car-Robot-Plastic-Tire-Wheel-with-DC-3-6V-Gear-Motor-New-/131459704359?hash=item1e9b9be627 I use this motor shield to drive them: http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Dual-H-Bridge-Stepper-Motor-Drive-Controller-Board-Module-For-Arduino-L298N-TG-/181687932010?hash=item2a4d71d46a Assembling It: I used M3 bolts to assemble everything. The motors must go in before bolting the track frames onto the base frame. I use 30mm brass standoffs to attach the top frame (and any other accessories) on. The tracks need 2mm diameter wire (or bamboo skewers). They should be loose enough to spin freely without being too loose. Aim for the tracks to sag about 10mm when suspended in mid-air. Accessories: * Arduino Uno Holder: holds an Uno or a Mega with some overhang * Base Tray: fits into the base frame and holds stuff * Base Tray for L298N: holds an L298N Motor Shield * Battery Case: holds two rechargeable 9V batteries in parallel, which can power this bot nicely. The higher the mAh rating, the better. * Breadboard Holder: for a 1/2-sized breadboard * LCD Holder: holds a standard 2x16 Char LCD screen * LED Bracket: headlights for LED chips - you'll also need to print a brace for the back. Don't let them get too hot or they might melt through the print! * Light Bar: a bar for front/back that holds five 5mm LEDs * Mini Pan/Tilt Servo Holder: holds a pan-tilt kit from Adafruit (or similar) * Raspberry Pi Holders: two different orientations for your Pi * Sharp Infrared Distance Sensor Holder: holds a Sharp 2Y0A02 infrared distance sensor Static RPi Camera Holder: holds a Raspberry Pi camera at 90 degrees to horizontal