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So I just realized how cheap I can build a beetleweight, especially if I buy hobbyking ESCs and flash them myself with an ISP programmer. I think I may attempt that first, it's going to be much cheaper and there are a lot more competitions I can compete in. I can basically build a beetle for $40 of electronics..orange rx, 20a ESCs for $8 each, and some $10 motors. Where is the cheapest source of these "1000rpm" gearmotors everyone talks about?
Also, I ordered two botbitz 85A controllers for a larger bot- I'll play with those as well. I think if I get my ASP programmer I will be able to convert my own turnigy ESCs to robot use for $40 instead of $80...so power will become a non-issue.
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Ebay is best for the motors. Although I think Kitbots sells them and mounts too.
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You said 'Where is the cheapest source of these "1000rpm" gearmotors everyone talks about?'. Others can advise you better than I but you can get free motors, or very cheap ones, by picking up a couple of old electric screwdrivers at a swap meet or garage sale. As with electric drills, these go for little or nothing once the batteries go bad. They are slower than ones made for robots but they are rugged. First robots are often a learning curve; if I were you I'd build something in time for the next event near you, fight it, and then build a new one based on what you learned and using the electronics from the first one.
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'Kitbots sells them and mounts too. ' Gearmotors from Kitbots are $12 each, plus $20 for a set of two mounting plates, total of $44.
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John-The motors aren't horrible, but those mounting plates are pricey. I can make my own mounts no problem. I have a drill press, tap/die set, and countersink bits.
Harry- good point, I thought about that too- I'm just trying to see what the relative cost vs performance is for various parts and sources. I'll probably track down a few electric screwdriver motors also. It's funny, all of a sudden anything with a motor has potential to be a robot part. I have some brushless motors left over from airplanes that may turn into weapon motors eventually as well.
Only two exams stand between myself and going home to build something awesome!
