Team MedBots

[Max]

The buffers are just powder fire extinguishers

[kane]

What fittings are you using in the buffer tanks?

[Max]

I've got some custom brass adapters which turn it from a funny thread to I think m12 then there will be a 12mm push fit connector going into the adapter.

[kane]

Did you get them made up locally or is there a supplier? Would be great to get hold of something like that!

[Max]

I'm afraid I had them made up locally.

[Max]

Hi,
I'm mulling over making a new non-competitive tracked robot, I think it will way 30-50kg and would like it to be able to move a person around and move at a fast speed without someone on it (15-20mph).
I have been thinking about powering it with a singe chainsaw engine- would that be powerful enough for what I want?

I then plan on connecting the engine to a hydraulic pump and having a hydraulic motor thingy to power each side. What I can't figure out is how I could change the speed of each side independently using the hydraulics. Ideally I would like it to gain more power when it goes slowly an less when it goes fast, is that possible? I know I could have a gearbox or different cogs to change speed but is rather just use the hydraulic system to keep it simple and compact.
I know it's not really combat robotics but there may be someone on here who can help!

[Eventorizon]

I would look at the Badger, Mini-Rip and the Ripsaw. The Badger is entirely hydraulic for drive and steering. The mini-rip and ripsaw use a new type of track technology.

I personally think that if you are going for hydraulic drive you will never have to worry about power (The badger can drive clean through a solid brick wall) To get more speed, gear up the input to the hydraulic pump rather than the output to the tracks themselves. The hydraulics will produce so much torque they might break any gearing you put in. Just a thought

Another key point is how they make use of the breaking to assist steering. The mini-rip is fitted with a small differential so that when one side is stopped the other is sped up, not wasting power. This does make for an interesting driving style but it means that you put less stress on the motor and can turn quickly and efficiently.

I have looked into making my own Ripsaw style tank and they are all points I had to think about and I am going to try and use some of it in a tracked combat robot if I ever get round to it.

[maddox10]

Hi,
I'm mulling over making a new non-competitive tracked robot, I think it will way 30-50kg and would like it to be able to move a person around and move at a fast speed without someone on it (15-20mph).
I have been thinking about powering it with a singe chainsaw engine- would that be powerful enough for what I want?

I then plan on connecting the engine to a hydraulic pump and having a hydraulic motor thingy to power each side. What I can't figure out is how I could change the speed of each side independently using the hydraulics. Ideally I would like it to gain more power when it goes slowly an less when it goes fast, is that possible? I know I could have a gearbox or different cogs to change speed but is rather just use the hydraulic system to keep it simple and compact.
I know it's not really combat robotics but there may be someone on here who can help!

Flex has such a setup , it's just waiting for the right time and person to get it working.

[Max]

Spent yesterday in with my pneumatics supplier friend working on my ram. I got most of it done I just need some new o-rings and seals for the bottom, anyway here are some pics:


Here is the piston and rod and the end plate:


And here it is in the robot, I will shorten the rod when I decide how long it should be:

[Max]

Finally tested the ram this afternoon and it seems to work! I need to wait to get the rest of the pneumatic parts before I can test it firing it fast.


Edit: that link doesn't seem to be working, heres a link to the video:
http://i1261.photobucket.com/albums/ii5 ... 2FD1DC.mp4