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TETRIX Max Project – Part II

Greg Vogel September 1, 2015 Bot Projects, Editor's Bench, Tetrix Max

IMG_0642From: Pitsco Education

Pitsco Education

TETRIX Robotics

TETRIX MAX Robotics

Ok… The next step was supposed to be to add the microcontroller and advanced mechanisms.  Well… I got to part of that.  I decided that the first step was to make the platform fully four wheel drive (with the idea that at some point we might want to put off road wheels on it so it would be able to manage outside terrain better) so that part has been completed but no microcontroller just yet.

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Here we see four fully functional wheels each driven by it’s own TETRIX V2 152 RPM motor.
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There are probably many ways to set this up but in this project the additional motor control is achieved via an additional Sabertooth 2×12 Motor Contoller made by Dimension Engineering. Each controller handles two wheels on either the left side or the right side and RC control is achieved by using Y-Splitters on the RC reciver enabling two motors to be controlled by one RC Channel. Here you see the two Sabertooth controllers stacked on top of each other.
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Wiring got messy but with a few well place Zip Strips… all is well.
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All additional wiring has been routed and tucked away and the TETRIX Microcontroller deck has been added in preparation for the next step.
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Using a 3M Command Strip – Poster Strip I moved the radio power supply switch over near the main power switch for ease of access and convenience.
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The microcontroller deck ready for Part III !

Project Plan:

The addition of advanced mechanisms and a microcontroller to allow for sensors and autonomous controls.

Status:

Fully functional 4WD base platform complete and operational in RC mode and ready for microcontroller.

Next Steps:

Microcontroller. Arduino?

Reader Input:

I will do my utmost to make progress on this project by next issue and report on what’s going on with it… the successes and failures. I sometimes learn more from a failure than from a success so let’s see how much of each we find. If something strikes you about this project… please email me at projects@botmag.com with what you think. I look forward to hearing from you!

Jeff