Getting Started.

[almost_there]

After wanting to build a heavyweight killing machine as a kid, I have made it my goal to at least build some kind of small remote control vehicle, whether competitive or not. (What I really wanted to make was a remote control drinks can named Genghis Can!)

Although I understand mechanical properties and motors/gearing, my knowledge on electronics is virtually nil. So, I request some information on servos, speed controllers, and radio gear. Getting started on making a radio controlled machine.

Can you help?

Have a look at http://www.robotwars101.orghttp://www.robotwars101.org and search its forum for the best advice.

There is also http://www.bobblebot.co.ukhttp://www.bobblebot.co.uk (my site) and http://www.antweight.co.ukhttp://www.antweight.co.uk

I could repeat what is already on those sites, but they probably explain things better than I can

We have recently started an Antweight Wiki at
http://www.anweights.co.ukhttp://www.anweights.co.uk run by myself, however there is not much information on there yet, so it would only be of limited use.

Good luck!

Mike
http://www.bobblebot.co.ukhttp://www.bobblebot.co.uk
http://www.antweights.co.ukhttp://www.antweights.co.uk

[almost_there]

Thank you.

I really need to compile a parts list. I can probably canibalise some remote control car/lego mindstorms stuff.

If you do end up needing proper radio gear, then one of the best sites is probably http://www.sussex-model-centre.co.ukhttp://www.sussex-model-centre.co.uk they have great range of gear for all price ranges.

Radio car stuff is OK if you want to make a robot that wont take part in serious competitions (as it appears you are planning), however for legal robots that can actually fight in the competitions, R/C stuff from radio control cars can be more trouble than its worth.

[jamesb]

or visit http://www.xbotz.comwww.xbotz.com to see a small selection of parts for raptors and featherweights

[almost_there]

I really need to learn more about the basics of electronics. Im only wanting to do something simple, but I know so little as regards setting up something to be remotely controlled.

My page http://www2.bobblebot.co.uk:8008/antweights/rcgear.phphttp://www2.bobblebot.co.uk:8008/antweights/rcgear.php has some general info on R/C.

This page on Wikipedia could also have some good info, though I have only read the first paragraph: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radio-controlled_car

I personally would say that these pages: http://www.robotwars101.org/engineering/radiocontrol/index.htmlhttp://www.robotwars101.org/engineer...rol/index.html are probably the best though.

(Message edited by bobblebot2 on January 01, 2007)

[jamesb]

you really need to see my team mates new robot.
no speed controllers or complex systems, its a really nice low tech solution to controlling a robot.

Can you elaborate?

he uses standard servos to activate microswitches, it looks really funky when its in action. like the old clockwork robots in old scifi movies