OK, I'm building a heavy... But need some help...

[George_TeamZog]

Yes I do have your details. It's just that I have two email addresses. The point is, which one should I email? I've been emailing to your Yahoo one, not the address seen on the main page. Am I emailing the right one? But at the moment, I have got my parents backing (although my Dad claims he doesn't understand the electronics) so they should speak to you.

George@TeamZog

[psycho_fling]

use the roamingrobots.co.uk one

[typhoon_driver]

Jonno, there's being rude and then there's being realistic. I have no problem with someone trying to build a heavyweight or any other machine for that matter. I just believe that people should be made aware of the complications in running such a machine.

George, best of luck mate if you do decide to build a heavyweight. Just be careful and if theres one piece of advice I can give you that I wished I had followed on every machine I've built its this,

If it costs a little extra money and time to do something right first time then spend it, you will save twice the cash and time in the long run.

[dgr]

Jonno, there's being rude and then there's being realistic. I have no problem with someone trying to build a heavyweight or any other machine for that matter. I just believe that people should be made aware of the complications in running such a machine.

I agree with Gary, it's not about being rude, it's realistic. I attempted to build a heavy at that age and got no further than a pop-rivited aluminium chassis and some wheelchair motors that couldn't go backwards - wasted about £50, which is a lot when you're 13. If someone is aware of all the complications and still thinks they can have a go, then yeah, they definately should! It's not just a miserable experience, there are highs and lows, its a real rollercoaster building your own.

On a more positive bit of advice, nowadays you don't have to understand the electronics to build a heavy. I certainly don't, and I'd say a lot of the heavy operators would say the same. I'd recommend getting a Wotty as your speedo, it's pretty much plug and play, sorts all your failsafe issues, and you have Ian Wotts on hand to fix it if ever something goes wrong. He's done a great service to the roboteer community!

[botmad]

there is also a vast aray of knowledge in this community to call upon to in your endevor and the knowledge is freelyavailable ......

Good luck with your project hope to see you at an event soon

Best wishes ..........pete

[robotwars]

Ok rude wasn't the right word but we should be positive for people if they want to try.

A couple of hawlkers, a roboteq, two boschs, some wheelchair gearboxes, and away you go.

The electronics aren't hard at all, with speed controllers now it's about 8 wires that's all.

With a bit of help anyone can do it. We don't know who exactly is posting on here, their knowledge, or back ground.

I was racing minis at 10 with my dad, at 13 I was stripping, repairing, developing, and building full blown race engines.

That's all.

My email is john@roamingrobots.co.uk

[cliveb]

Hi George, I certainly didn't mean to appear rude and appologise if I did so.If you are going to go for it good luck its a lot of fun, you will make some great friends.I look forward to meeting you inside and outside of the arena.

[George_TeamZog]

Ok, so the speedo should be wotty, and the motors - either Bosch or any other cordless drill motor (I'm leaving out wheelchair motors, too slow).

It's quite funny actually. When I first posted everyone's like 'Oh no, don't build one, safety issues (which I know are important - DON'T WORRY, THE LINK WILL BE FAR AWAY FROM THE WEAPON!!), blah...'
And since Jonno gave you all a right talking to you're now really apologetic. Don't worry though, all of your apologies are accepted. None of you offended me, so dw (no, it doesn't stand for Doctor Who). Basically, I've got £500 (My Nan gave me a £300 check, and the rest is birthday and christmas and stuff I've sold money), and almost all the tools, apart from a welder, but I'm using Polycarb, so I don't need it. I may need a saw though... Meh. I'll use my schools

George@TeamZog

[typhoon_driver]

cordless drills won't be powerful enough. You need bosch 750s, wheelchair motors with the gearbox removed or another similar motor. Something around 750W mark.

500 quid is doable but you're going to struggle. Ironically you could probably buy a second hand heavyweight at that price if you wait around.

[George_TeamZog]

tbh, I would prefer building one, as you get a nice feeling (sounds a bit wrong there) when you finish it. I'm not expecting to complete it in a month, just so then it can compete in fairford...

George@TeamZog