M.T.M.P.
@ April 14, 2011
For using this track with timing belt as same way as I did, the robot must be under 30 pounds (As light as possible). It will be very difficult to make turn because of the ribbed lines on timing belt cause too much friction. Otherwise you must run it on very smooth floor or tile.
Update: As IG mentioned, long track make it very diffecult to turn. So I have add 3 supporting wheels on each side to lift body up a bit to reduce the contacts to the floor.
Also, I don't suggest the timing belt that I use in this post after couple tests. Straight strip going vertical make it so hard to turn, especially on carpet or none smooth flat ground. I suggest you might just cut some flat rubber sheet or if you could find the strip going side way(V-belt maybe?).
BTW, this topic is talking about the belt only. Tank still under construction.
Transmission update: Video
First of all, thanks to few guys in LMR inspired me to do this.
- rc tracked monster vehicle - by french guy
- How to make custom and strong tank tracks for very cheap. - by amando96
- Protos III creater. - by Calex (Too bad he is not here.)
So I made the track:
The plate made out from Timing belt, Aluminum flat, Doubleside type and four screws as shown in pic.
Half way to be completed.
Inside the belt, small screw to prevent the slippery.
Some componments I am gonna use:
2 belt of this tooks very long time to do it by hand. 56 Alum plate need to be cut, 56 doubleside type need to be cut and stick, 112 holes need to be drilled and 224 screw on each side.
However I have test it today and it works well so far. This machine is pretty solid even me can stand on it and moving(no motor yet, just by push).
Thanks again for these guys! Hope I can post this piece on ROBOT soon.
bike chain:$10/each
wheel:$10/each
timing belt: $40 for each track belt
Screws & Nuts: $10/each belt
Aluminum flat: $20
_______________________________April,16,2011
After couple months I have modified the whole thing almost all over again for better performance. I trim down the size more than half and shorten the belt 2/5 and use the fiber-carbonate on cover instead aluminum case.
The cover.
Seal the cover for waterproof.
I am using RC remote controller for now and when my arduino controller finished, i will switch back to arduino. This project will be endless since the ideas keep coming up and I want to modify it every day but basically the mobile base is done. So, maybe update after couple weeks and I will mark it as complete for now.
_______________________________June,02,2011
@ Fri, 2011-06-17 00:48
measures
hello I'm thinking about making a robot like this and I wonder if there is possibility of knowing the measures among other things.
@ Sat, 2011-06-04 17:53
Good to see a robot that WORKS
Very impressive. Especially the tracks. Talk about lobor intensive.
@ Fri, 2011-04-29 19:34
motors
Great workmanship! For those worried about cost I've used these AME-210-1012 $25.99 -88in-lb LH from the same supplier on two similar projects and been pleased with them for half the price
@ Fri, 2011-04-29 21:06
I was thinking to get the
I was thinking to get the motor you are using. What's the weight of your project and how many motors you use?
@ Thu, 2011-04-28 08:16
Yup.
This one is outta the park. Period.
Where the hell did those stars go?
@ Wed, 2011-04-27 22:04
Awsome robot, man! I love
Awsome robot, man! I love tracked bots and you made the one with my favourite size ;-)
@ Wed, 2011-04-27 20:06
I don't understand what you
I don't understand what you meant by, "straight strip going vertical makes it hard to turn." Can you explain why you think the timing belt was a poor choice?
@ Wed, 2011-04-27 20:54
Sorry for my poor
Sorry for my poor English.
Each flat piece on track shape looks like this: ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
It's better to be like this: ===============
When you make turns it's pulling belt like: <--|||||||||||||||||||||||||--> and that increase the diffeculty to turn.
Arrrr.....I really hope I know how to describe this.
IG, if you get what I mean could you describe it for me with proper English please :(
The shape like Mot made in ealier post should be good.
@ Wed, 2011-04-27 20:58
I think you described it
I think you described it pretty well. You are saying the ribbed lines on the belt should run perpendicular to the track, not parallel. This will provide less friction against turning. Incidently, it should also provide MORE traction when moving forward.
So if you got a wide timing belt and cut it into crosswise sections, you could use it.
@ Wed, 2011-04-27 21:09
Yes, all about friction
That will be the best if I could find the timing belt that wide. The belt that wide is usually very thick like snow mobile belt. Not sure if they have thin and wide belt? Timing belts are expensive by the way.