Remark

This is a first version andwork in progress. I am trying to get everything to work together. I will comment my current state of progress and current issues and keep updating.

Idea

A few years ago, I bought an Arduino Robot kit which was using two simple gear motors and a L298N motor driver. It has an acrylic plate as chassis and a third free rotating wheel. Nice to experiment with it. But really boring design. So while watching Ivan Miranda on Youtube, I got the idea to give it a chain drive and convert it into a "micro tank".

Plan

• Use the motors and electric components of the kit
• Arduino Nano as Brains
• Make it small enough to be printed on almost any printer
• Make it remote controlled via Bluetooth
• Autonomous mode driving using an ultrasonic range finder to detect obstacles

Parts

Chassis (half): Tested. Position for motor holes slightly adjusted. Checked with second half. Fits fine now. Chassis lid: Tested. Motors were in the way. Added cutouts. Should be fine now. Idle wheel: Rotate 180° upside down for print. Needs printing with support. Actuator wheel: Rotate 180° upside down for print. Resized version. Now fits the chains fine.

** Chain element: Each side takes 42 so 84 in total required.

Electronics

• Arduino Nano
• HC-05 Bluetooth module
• L298H Dual motor driver

Other

• M3 Thread rods, screws, nuts and washers

Code

The code for this project will go on https://github.com/adrianfrisch/rc_microtank and I will update as it progresses.

Progression

2021-03-31: Start of the project. First parts being printed and tested.

2021-04-07: Revised models of chassis and actuator wheel printed.

2021-04-08: The first half is now assembled and a quick test with directly connecting the motor to the battery looked pretty promising. Will start working on the code while printing parts for second half. The second half of the chassis is printing. Just mirrored the same file.

2021-04-09: Printed the parts for the second half. Testassembly almost complete.

2021-04-10: Test assembly completed and first quick version of arduino code. Can be remote controlled with the "Bluetooth RC Controller" Android app. Currently on 6V for motors. Seems lacking a bit power. Ordered 2S LiPo for upgrade and a little more power.

2021-04-12: The LiPo arrived. Works much smoother now. Also printed a lid. Need to solder the circuit next and find positions for all components inside.

2021-04-21: Updated the lid to fit better. Bluetooth remote control code works fine now. Lid is on now. Electronics soldered in. Next step is mounts for the electronics in the tank and take a video in action.

Printed in PETG with .4 nozzle

Category: Robotics