New build, complete noobie

Hi
as the title suggests, I'm looking towards building a featherweight to start off. If that all goes well I'll move Onto the heavyweight side. But for starters I'd like to keep to a featherweight. To keep cost down and to keep with in my very limited knowledge of things like this. At some point after completing my first build I'd like to compete in full combats. I live in the Stoke on Trent area. I'm easy going and a quick learner, and have thick skin so feel free to pick me up on anything that I've missed or any ideas inputs will be great fully received. In my eyes there's no such thing as a bad idea.

The bot I'd like to build is.
I've got too ideas floating I'd either like to do a vertical spinner of some sorts. But I'm unsure if all the competitions allow it. My other idea is a flipper bar that can flip from one side and bee turned fully over to grab the opposition from the other side.

Ive been scouring the feather weight pages and build diaries and have come with a rough list feel free to point out any improvements or level of suitability on what I've listed.

Transmitter
spektrum dx61

receiver
orange rx620

motor
hacked cordless drills. Argos value range

Chassis
20mm hdpe aluminium supports

armiur
again 20mm hdpe edged with what we metal I can scavenge

batteires
turnigg 2200 mah

speed controllers
botbitz 85a esc

misc bits
12 awg wire m8 bolts thread to hold her all together


Let me know of any improvements. Im good with making things/fabricating but I've not got the foggiest on the electrical innards unfortunately. I,m going to the robo event in Cannock that's coming up if any of you guys are free.

Many thabks in advance. Sam.

Hi Sam, Welcome to the forum.

That looks like a pretty decent starting list to me, I'm not 100% sure about Aluminium supports - I think that should be OK with 20mm HDPE, but I'm sure a more experienced builder will comment on that soon. :) And maybe I'd go for a beefier battery - 2200mah doesn't seem that much to me and there doesn't seem to be much of a price jump to go up to a 4000 or 5000mah.

I'm in the middle of my first build too (also a feather), so please don't treat what I say as gospel by and means.

Good luck with the build.

:)

Alex

Trying to get wheels on drills is a pain. 2200mah will be fine for a pushy robot just wang it back on the charger between every other fight.

Putting wheels on is easy. You can just melt a fitting into a standard wheel you buy. i think it's a UNF brake fitting 3/8 but double check me on that.

Cheers for your advice I'll look at a beefier battery pack. I'm going to try the route Ellis did. Sinking threaded bar connectors into the castors.