Build a robot with a $1000 budget

[jamie_1930]

Originally Posted by Chris is me

If you want to go FIRST-like and can donate stuff like Victors you can run a Vex microcontroller ($50 on ebay) with a PDB and Victors for the drive. Buying a CRIO for such a simple robot is overkill.

Instead of using a Vex Controller, which buying would be cheaper, I would suggest using one of the IFI controllers. This is for two reason any local FIRST team near you probably has a dozen and wouldn't mind giving one up for no cost, plus if you do make this first connection with a FIRST team you will probably find them willing to help mentor some of your students on how to build what you want.

Also you could buy just the chassis that you saw here and then add some toughboxes, motors, and wheels for less than around $300

[Chris is me]

The Vex controller is just generally really useful to have and the controller is nice / better anyway. So great for quick prototypes!

Anyway here's how I'd do it assuming the cost for attaching the superstructure is negligible:
1 Vex v.5 controller and transmitter combo ($50-$100 on eBay)
1 IFI Kitbot ($190) and some AM Toughbox Nanos ($160 total) with CIMs ($60 total) (you can use the AM kitbot too, I just figure the adjustable wheel positioning might be better)
1 FIRST PDB ($190)
1 120 amp breaker ($30)
Various wire, a pegboard for electronics, other stuff ($50)

total <$800

[Vikesrock]

Originally Posted by Chris is me

The Vex controller is just generally really useful to have and the controller is nice / better anyway. So great for quick prototypes!

Anyway here's how I'd do it assuming the cost for attaching the superstructure is negligible:
1 Vex v.5 controller and transmitter combo ($50-$100 on eBay)
1 IFI Kitbot ($190) and some AM Toughbox Nanos ($160 total) with CIMs ($60 total) (you can use the AM kitbot too, I just figure the adjustable wheel positioning might be better)
1 FIRST PDB ($190)
1 120 amp breaker ($30)
Various wire, a pegboard for electronics, other stuff ($50)

total <$800

This is missing motor controllers and a battery. If you want to stick to familiar FIRST components a pair of Victors for $200 and 12V SLA battery for ~$40 (FRC battery is 18AH for a battery life reference) should do the trick.

The FIRST PDB would be serious overkill for the setup above, I would drop it and replace it with a simple fuse block like FRC used to use like this one:
http://www.halfpricecaraudio.com/Sti...tputs-Gold.htm

Then use the same 40A Auto-reseting breakers you would for the PDB and get an inline ATC fuse holder for a 10A to fuse the Vex controller. Should be about $55 or so instead of $190.

[Brandon_L]

Wow guys, thanks for all the suggestions and replies. Really didn't expect this. I could probably get one victor from my team. I'm guessing two motors would be enough so that leaves one more to get. If anyones team is willing that would be wonderful! (or any other parts at that)

The IFI controllers is also a good idea. I know I have our old 2008 (our rookie year) control board locked up in a cabinet. Only problem is that it was set on fire (err...my bad) and I'm not sure if it works anymore. Ill attempt to resurrect it. If not, I guess VEX would be the way to go.

Originally Posted by Vikesrock

The FIRST PDB would be serious overkill for the setup above, I would drop it and replace it with a simple fuse block like FRC used to use like this one:
http://www.halfpricecaraudio.com/Sti...tputs-Gold.htm

I know for a fact we have one of those from our 2008 board, assuming its not burnt to a crisp.

Thank you so much guys. I'll keep you posted on how it goes (we meet every Saturday @ NJIT)

P.S.
I am living proof of why teams should never let there programmers wire : P

[AdamHeard]

Originally Posted by Chris is me

The Vex controller is just generally really useful to have and the controller is nice / better anyway. So great for quick prototypes!

Anyway here's how I'd do it assuming the cost for attaching the superstructure is negligible:
1 Vex v.5 controller and transmitter combo ($50-$100 on eBay)
1 IFI Kitbot ($190) and some AM Toughbox Nanos ($160 total) with CIMs ($60 total) (you can use the AM kitbot too, I just figure the adjustable wheel positioning might be better)
1 FIRST PDB ($190)
1 120 amp breaker ($30)
Various wire, a pegboard for electronics, other stuff ($50)

total <$800

I'd say do this, but not use a PDB, there are cheaper breaker panels.

Definitely use a vex controller, for sure.

You could probably knock half this cost down by begging and stealing some kop frame, wheels, and gearboxes. We certainly have a heck of a lot of rover wheels if you want.