Building a basic rambot, could use some recommendations.

Hello all,
I've been planning to build a quick and dirty combat robot for a while and have only just found the time (and money) to undertake the task, however I an uncertain on my parts choice. Most of this I have collected through reading and watching so apologies if I am utterly incorrect on things:

Batteries: Floureon 11.1V 2200mAh Lipo Battery Packs. (Any newer battery chargers would be great, mines looking a bit worse for wear.)

Motors: 2x Black and Decker Cordless Drill 12V

ESCs: Turnigy Brushless ESC 85A (Any recommendations here would be greatly appreciated, I have used servos and microswitches in the past, however I disliked how they went from 0 to 100 instantly)

Tx and Rx: Andoer FS-GT3B 3CH Radio (I wish to buy a pistol type unit as I hope to upgrade the speed and agility of the robot. Any better choices would be greatly appreciated however this was the only pistol unit I found recommended)


I should also mention I have access to a plethora of hand tools, a soldering station and a small selection of basic power tools. I am adept at soldering and have a decent understanding of electronics and a HUGE respect for LiPo batteries.

You have the quintessial starter pack.


Now to add wheels to the adapted batterydrills.

Then it's welding up a decent monocoque to fit everything in. Or bolting together a HDPE machine with the right methodes. Barrel nuts, Tnuts or M6 Ranglebox strip nuts.
With steel or aluminium angle, nuts and bolts as next, heavier option.

Don't forget to shock mounting everything.

Just make sure the tz85 controllers have been modified to drive brushed motors (i.e. bought through ranglebox)

Check out Hobbyking for lipo batteries. I quite like the aspec and nanotech lines.

Whoops, I didn't realise I needed a modified ESC, but the supplier you suggested is out of stock. Is there another supplier, model or a guide on how to perform the modification?

Also, I'm probably going to prototype and test the parts on a wooden board, anything I should keep in mind or look out for while doing this?

Hi Connor, I'll have more ESCs in stock on Ranglebox in a couple of weeks. Hopefully you can hold until then. Sorry for any inconvenience... they come all the way from Australia!

There are roboteers that can adapt the original TZ85a's.