Non-FRC Bot

[Tytus Gerrish]

Originally Posted by Tobot

Nasa has been dealing with sand for a long time. They prefer the rocker-bogie suspension.

Another function that tracks can allow is climbing of square-edged obstacles like steps and stairs.

Yes, but they have a robot on mars that's stuck in the sand and hopefully hibernating right now.

[PAR_WIG1350]

Originally Posted by Tytus Gerrish

Yes, but they have a robot on mars that's stuck in the sand and hopefully hibernating right now.

But keep in mind, it did last much longer than it was designed to.

[drakesword]

@All

I like the enthusiasm that everyone has. A couple of points that I need to make first before I continue work.

I am limited in my fabrication skill. I have experience repairing and modifying things but very little in building something completely from scratch.

I am able to weld so having a ridged frame is not an issue.

I believe the best way to go about this would be to modify an existing platform or to build a simple one. Then go on to make an advance chassis or modify the existing one to increase capabilities.

So here are the options in my eyes.

Option 1) Build a square 4 wheel chassis
Option 2) Mount a system to the Go-kart chassis utilizing the current drive train
Option 3) Mount a system to the Go-kart chasis converting it to all electric

Advantages to each
1) Can build to any need. Can spin rather then turn.
2) Simplest to build (add a servo for throttle and a motor for steering). Potentially could go further then 1 or 3
3) More controllable then 2 yet simpler then 1

Disadvantages
1) More time from build start to run
2) Another area of failure with the engine. Unable to spin.
3) More power drain then 2 and less capable then 1

[MrForbes]

Would the range of the wireless control system affect your decision? Will it operate autonomously some of the time?

I think you'd probably be happiest with a skid steer robot....much easier to get out of sticky spots. And since you are not sitting in the vehicle when you're driving it, you will probably get into more sticky spots than you expect

[drakesword]

Originally Posted by squirrel

Would the range of the wireless control system affect your decision? Will it operate autonomously some of the time?

I think you'd probably be happiest with a skid steer robot....much easier to get out of sticky spots. And since you are not sitting in the vehicle when you're driving it, you will probably get into more sticky spots than you expect

Ideally it would be autonomous with manual backup.

[EricH]

I've got an idea. If the go-kart chassis is anything like I think it is, tear the current drivetrain off of it entirely, and put a 4WD skid steer on instead. Also weld on a belly pan to help keep sand out of the internals, if there isn't a pan already.

The go-kart tires might work OK for use on sand, too, if the robot is fairly light.