Where to buy x????

[FIRST JerseyKid]

I just want to make a very simple base. I'm trying to test things on it.

[Brandon Holley]

Originally Posted by FIRST JerseyKid

I just want to make a very simple base. I'm trying to test things on it.

size?

[tseres]

Originally Posted by FIRST JerseyKid

I just want to make a very simple base. I'm trying to test things on it.

you can get the standard FIRST base from innovation first .. www.ifirobotics.com .

[Billfred]

Originally Posted by tseres

you can get the standard FIRST base from innovation first .. www.ifirobotics.com .

For a simple base to test things on, the kitbot's not actually a bad idea. You could shave a few bucks off by going small--a 19"(ish) square robot could be made with two rails, four end caps, and a front bumper. Add in nuts and bolts, and the frame would cost around $100 plus shipping if you bought from IFI. Bug some teams that you know didn't use the Kitbot in any year since 2005, and I'm sure you could get it for less. Maybe even less than rigging your own up from aluminum stock of various shapes.

[Qbranch]

MBS has really sweet, light, grippy wheels usually used for mountain boards (but great for robots!): http://www.mbs.com/

-q

[jgannon]

If you're not planning on sustaining particularly heavy loads, you might be able to get away with nylon sprockets and #25 chain. Electronics Goldmine sells nylon sprockets in various sizes for $1.50 or less, and 23" pieces of #25 chain with master link for $2.49 (which sure beats McMaster's $3+ per foot).

http://www.goldmine-elec-products.co....asp?dept=1224

As far as motors, surplus sites are the way to go. Electronics Goldmine has some, as does All Electronics (including a Denso window motor not dissimilar to those in the KOP).

http://www.goldmine-elec-products.co....asp?dept=1300
http://www.allelectronics.com/cgi-bi...ar_Motors.html

I've had pretty good luck with both of these companies, but whether these parts will work for you really depends on your application.

The cheapest wheels I've found with keyed hubs are the Colsons from our friends at Banebots. They should work for you, unless you need something bigger than 5".

http://www.banebots.com/pc/WHEEL-COLSON/WC-2807