First featherweight!

**Mokichi** · 4th August 2012, 23:07

Hey everyone, I've been reading around on the forums and now I believe I've got the majority of parts decided on. If you could just quickly have a look over before I confirm the ordering of everything.

So its just a simple wedge robot, which will most likely involve a lifting arm using a car jack, or an actuator. 2WD using Gimson motors (the 14.4v version) to power it. The wheels are 78mm from the Gimson site although I may also get the blue robochallenge wheels (100mm) too.

In terms of batteries I was looking at hooking up two 9.6v NiMH packs in series most probably 3.7Ah, 4.3Ah or 4.6Ah (advice please).

I've got a spare 16.8v drill around which I may be using on the car jack. I've already got the transmitter and receiver. Entire armour and chassis will be HDPE, most likely 10mm-12mm.

The main thing I'm unsure about is speed controllers. I've seen many recommendations around the forums such as electronize and botbitz. I myself was looking at the Sabertooth 2x25 (or the 2x12 is it doesn't need to handle so much current).

Thanks in advance for any help! Dan : )

Also, this bot is most likely not going to be competing or anything, its just something I've always wanted to make (since robot wars is awesome!). Perhaps I'd make and compete with a second FW

**maddox10** · 5th August 2012, 00:36

The Gimson GR01 14.4V want a tad more amps. I would advice a Scorpion XXL, or else the Botbitz controllers.

We use a Gimson GR01 9.6V/Scorpion XL combo, and it moves well, is very controlable, but doesn't have an abundance of power.

I know, a tad more expensive; on the other hand, all the XXL's and XL's Team RCC has in use didn't fail us. Except 1 time, and that was a bit of swarf , after removing the speedo worked again.

Concerning batteries. LiPo batteries ain't as expensive anymore, and the more strick rules don't offset the advantages.

A 4S ( 14.8V) 3000 mAh pack costs between Â£20 and Â£45 delivered at your door.

**Mokichi** · 5th August 2012, 13:57

Would the Scorpion XXL offer anything much over a Sabertooth 2X25 though?

From what I can see the sabertooth is the same price but 25A and 50A continouous and peak respectively, 5A higher than the XXL for both. Also there'd be shipping involved for the XXL (and I'd probably want to get the mounting case/fan too!)

**maddox10** · 5th August 2012, 14:25

It seems the XXL has tad higher dependability.

But that could be me.
Team RCC prefers the Robot Power speedo's.
Hannibalito III uses the XXL, Hannibalito 4 the XL.

Kashei and Bullfrog use the Sidewinder .

**plargen** · 5th August 2012, 15:37

if your not going to compete then the sabertooth 2x12 would do just for driving it round at h0me

**Mouldy** · 5th August 2012, 15:52

Used all the above speedos, my review of them all;

Electronise.... relays sticking is a common fault, and control is pretty weak.

Sabertooth.... Everyone I've had seem to forget the centre point during a fight... Don't like any dimension engineering products.

Scorpion XL ... Probably give the best control of all 4, good customer support, very reliable, current handling is a bit low for the price. Nice and small... Would need to make your own surround.

Botbitz tz85a.... Great value for money, reliable, good customer support, good current handling, good all rounder... Would be my choice.

**Gabe01** · 6th August 2012, 09:32

Botbitz tz85a.... Great value for money, reliable, good customer support, good current handling, good all rounder... Would be my choice.

Could you post a link Sir, so I can purchase some