Other robots?

[Andy L]

I would guess a little bit smaller than an FRC robot, but bigger then an FTC/VEX robot.

[Andrew Schreiber]

Originally Posted by Andy L

I would guess a little bit smaller than an FRC robot, but bigger then an FTC/VEX robot.

So 30-60lbs? 60-100lbs?

Motors will drive your ESC choice, any idea what motors you want to use? Top Speed? Battery Life? Drive Style?

[Andy L]

Originally Posted by Andrew Schreiber

So 30-60lbs? 60-100lbs?

Motors will drive your ESC choice, any idea what motors you want to use? Top Speed? Battery Life? Drive Style?

I'd probably say 50-70 pounds

He'd probably want as fast as possible

[ttldomination]

Well, as far as metal is considered, 1/8 aluminum tubing would be the lightest and kinda cheapest route.

Secondly motors, there are TONS available online. I would recommend he stick with the FRC stuff. Simply because all of the motor controller complications have already been reduced and it's a complete package.

I mean your choices are infinite. All he would need to do is type it up on google and find whatever he needs.

But personally, for an inexpensive project/build. I would recommend using either old parts, or VEX.

[MrForbes]

The choice for electronics probably depends on how much he wants to learn...for example, my brother is in the middle of designing a 4 channel speed controller to run on 48v and take a vEx transmitter tether output to power our underwater robot. If your friend doesn't want to get that deep into it, then he'll have to figure out just how much power he needs from the motors, and buy appropriate speed controllers (banebots has several that are smaller/less expensive than the Jags or Victors).

For the robot structure...you'd be amazed what you can do with plywood if you spend a bit of time designing. Quick, cheap, tough, light.

[Nathan]

For electronics, you could use a PIC or dsPIC microcontroller.

I built a board for my robot here: http://roboticsguy.com/electronics/dspic30f4011-board/

If you want to drive the robot around with a remote control, you can buy a Vex remote control and receiver for about $20 bucks on ebay and integrate it VERY easily.