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Robot Kits

How To Build a 4WD Robot

Revision as of 17:56, 15 February 2021 by Skyben (talk | contribs)

Summary

These videos will walk you through building our IG32 RC 4WD Robot but these can also be used to build the following robots as well:

Please note that this platform is for ages 16 and up, and requires some mechanical and electrical skills as well as some experience with basic hand tools. This is a professional development robot platform with a robust welded chassis and quality components. Each wheel is supported by two durable double sealed bearings which allow the robot to hold a lot of weight. The chassis is made of 1/8” thick aluminum, which is easy to drill into, allowing this platform to be customized to fill your requirements. It is not a cheap, limited, snap-together kit. If you do not feel comfortable assembling this platform, we can assemble it for you for an extra charge. If you have questions feel free to Contact Us.

SDR Fabrication Services

This video shows just a few of the fabrication services we provide to build the chassis and wheel shafts for this 4WD SuperDroid Robot build.

We offer high-quality metal and fabrication services to meet your needs. With our new 10,000 square foot climate-controlled facility, state of the art equipment, and excellent staff, we can provide affordable quality services! Let us know your requirements and we will use our knowledge and experience to make sure the project is done right using the most cost-effective process. Regardless of where you live, simply submit a quote with your design and we will ship your finished product both domestically and internationally. All services are performed at our shop in Fuquay-Varina, NC, USA.

Part 1: Prep the Motors

This video shows how to wire the motors and get them ready for installation on the chassis.

To get started we will wire the motors for installation on the chassis. We are using IG32 motors and the electric motor hookup kit. First, we put a resistor between the terminals on the motors. This helps with electronic noise. Expose about 2-3" of wire ends and cut off the extra wire that is in the wire casing and strip 1/4" of the casing to expose the bare wire for all ends. Put a large ferrite bead where the 2 inner wires split from the main wire casing and cover with heat shrink. Put the joint and ferrite bead in the middle of the heat shrink. Put the smaller ferrite beads on the single wires and cover with heat shrink. With the soldering iron set at 390 Celsius solder the wires to the motors. The red wire goes on the motor where the red dot is. We use 0.81 Solder. Push the small ferrite beads and heat shrink up next to the motor and heat with the heat gun. Heat shrink the large ferrite bead as well.

Tools and Supplies used in this video:

  • Soldering Iron
  • Wire Cutters/Strippers
  • Needle Nose Pliers
  • Heat Gun
  • Electric Motor Hookup Kit

Part 2: Preping the Wheels and Attaching the Motors to the Chassis

Learn how to mount the wheels on the hubs and connect the motors to the chassis.

Now that the motors are ready, let's prep the wheels. Simply use the included nuts and bolts to mount the shafts to the wheels. If the plates of the wheel come apart you can just use a longer screw to get it started and then replace with the regular screw to continue. This rarely happens but if it does this is a great way to correct it. Connect the motor plates to the motors by lining up the holes on the plate with the holes on the motor and secure with the enclosed screws. When putting the motors in the chassis it is a good idea to arrange them where the writing on the motor is pointing up in case you ever need the numbers off of the motors you won't have to take them off to get them. After the mounting plates are on the motors use the longer screws and the spacers to attach the motor to the chassis and secure with the nuts. Repeat for the other 3 motors and this completes this step.

Tools and Supplies used in this video:

  • Phillips Head Screw Driver
  • 1/4" Wrench

Part 3: Mounting the Wheels

Learn how to mount and balance the wheels.

To mount the wheels start by putting the lock collar on the shaft than the wheel bearing. Insert the shaft into the wheel shaft hole and after it is inside the chassis and before putting on the motor shaft add put another lock collar on the shaft. The shaft and the motor shaft have a notch on them that must line up. Put the shaft on the motor shaft and turn until the screw hole is pointing up. This makes it easier to tighten the shaft to the motor shaft. Tighten the lock collar and push the bearings into the chassis and secure tightly to the chassis using the other lock collar. To align the wheels and make minor adjustments hook up the battery to each motor to rotate the wheel and tighten or loosen the motor mount bolts to adjust. When this is complete apply silicone to the motor mount bolts to secure. Applying a small amount of silicone on a long-handled small standard screwdriver works well for applying the silicone.

Tools and Supplies used in this video:

  • Phillips Head Screw Driver
  • 1/4" Wrench
  • T-handle Allen Wrench
  • Standard Screwdriver
  • Wire Cutters/Strippers
  • Drill
  • Deburring Tool
  • Silicone

Part 4: Installing the Motor Controller and Installing the on/off Switch

Learn about placement and install the motor controller and the on/off switch.

The motor controller will be mounted under the robot but drilling the holes for placement is best done working from the top of the robot. Place the controller where you want it to go and drill the 1/8" holes. Use a drive pin punch to make starter holes for the drill, this makes it much easier to get the holes in the right place. Put the screws through the chassis and then put the spacers on before putting on the controller. Secure with the nuts provided. To install the on/off switch, first decide where you want it located then drill a 1/2" hole. The switch comes with a bolt, simply take it off the switch, insert the switch through the hole and reapply the bolt and tighten.

Tools and Supplies used in this video:

  • 1/4" Wrench
  • Drill
  • 1/8" Drill Bit
  • 1/2" Drill Bit
  • Deburring Tool
  • Drive Pin Punch

Part 5: Wiring the Motors to the Controller and Wiring the Switch

After placing the components learn how to correctly wire them.

Wiring the motors to the controllers consists of cutting the wires to the proper length and inserting the bare wire into the controller (see video for placement). Heat shrink needs to be applied to the wires where the wires split from the outer casing. Next cut a 1/2" hole for the receiver wires. Wire the switch (a good tip here is to put a little solder on both the switch and the wire, this will make it easier to join them without overheating the switch). The wires run to the controller and the fuse, see the video for placement). Make sure you put the heat shrink on the wire before you solder! After soldering put the heat shrink on the joint and shrink. After connecting the switch to the fuse run the other side of the fuse to the battery. Tidy up your wires with the enclosed zip ties.

Tools and Supplies used in this video:

  • Wire Cutters/Strippers
  • Heat Gun
  • Soldering Iron
  • Small Standard Screwdriver
  • Drill
  • 1/2" Drill Bit
  • Deburring Tool

Part 6: Mounting the Batteries, Remote Setup and Testing

The final steps involve mounting the batteries, hooking everything up and syncing the remote. Your 4WD SuperDroid Robot is now ready to go!

To mount the battery, mark and drill 1/8" holes to hold the battery mounts. Place the batteries on the chassis and secure with the battery mount and install the mount screws. Cut the wires to length and crimp the battery terminal ends on the wire. Put heat shrink on the terminal ends. Next put the batteries in the controller. Put the receiver on the batteries up high to get the best reception. Put the robot up on a pedestal to allow the wheels to spin freely. Insert the binder clip into the receiver. Put the fuse in the fuse holder. Power up the robot and remote. Once they are synched remove the binder clip from the receiver and your robot is ready to go.

Tools and Supplies used in this video:

  • Drill
  • Drive Pin Punch
  • 1/8" Drill Bit
  • Phillips Head Screwdriver
  • Heat Gun
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