Power Chair Base , Robots And Stuff

Question

Hello All !, I know wheelchair bases for robot projects are becoming more and more common. I myself have found I can get a wheelchair used on average for 100 bucks, which makes them VERY appealing. This is not a thread to share my own build but instead a shared thread to toss around ideas and pictures or plans among each other. this way no one feels like they are high-jacking some ones thread. I will post some ideas others have had that I found on the inner webs.

Any ideas are welcome, especially tips and tricks but remember this thread is for EVERYONE. Lets get talking !

jstarne1 · Answer

007 Cam Robot , ( jazzy select modified power chair base)

youtube video testing https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PoVt-R8pzhM

This guy clearly cut away the front of the frame , it made the base more streamlined and a diy camo job.

jstarne1 · Answer

Here is a Jazzy that has been mated using a mount made from iron pipe fittings. It looks stiff but this was his first attempt! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TRd_FabeTeA

jstarne1 · Answer

This guy is pretty clever, he really wanted to use the original motor controller, which is cheaper, you just need to tap the joystick potentiometer wires. Flashlights for eyes are classic

https://musingsandhobbies.blogspot.com/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WGaO2vcBx4s

jstarne1 · Answer

Hover round robot , looks like it could have potential for a weather resistant body? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ARBVrmjImfs

jstarne1 · Answer

Jarvis by thomas3120 I believe this is an Invacare model power chair. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AR07HVtNmD4

jstarne1 · Answer

Power chair Snowplow experiments https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5upOXk_AQHE

jstarne1 · Answer

How about 15 inch wheels and lawn tires on a robot? Monstrously aggressive looking. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_3Z2-HCIVs

jstarne1 · Answer

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AeC8HbpCLyw&t=47s

ptp · Answer

@jstarne1 Quote: I myself have found I can get a wheelchair used on average for 100 bucks, which makes them VERY appealing  Where ? Are you talking motors only ?

jstarne1 · Answer

I have 5 right now, I check craislist and facebook yardsale sites. Sometimes ebay too. People are usually asking 200-300 but I always low ball on the offer for them. Negotiate the price. https://www.ebay.com/itm/jazzy-select-elite-power-wheelchair/263306754996?hash=item3d4e4e3bb4:g:GWwAAOSwAaJZ53Q2 https://www.ebay.com/itm/Pride-Mobility-Jazzy-Select-Power-Chair-Used/302516051461?hash=item466f5c9e05:g:HMEAAOSwyXNZ~879 https://www.ebay.com/itm/Jazzy-Select-Power-Wheel-Chair/152773991268?hash=item23920a1b64:g:mL8AAOSwehZZ8pMQ https://www.ebay.com/itm/JAZZY-SELECT-ELITE-POWER-WHEELCHAIR/302511946154?hash=item466f1df9aa:g:mkIAAOSwz~VZmhnq here are some cheaper ones, the ones for 100 always have dead batteries, so you gotta spend 140 on those to power it. If the power chair is more it needs to have perks like recently replaced batteries. Also you can remove parts you dont need and sell them on ebay to make back some of the money you spent on the power chair. Things like the controller stick, 24v charger , 50 amp motor controller, original wheels and tires, the seat, wire harness, the foot pedastal , the seat ( if its not torn). Estate sales are excellent places to buy

Jeremie · Answer

Welcome back Josh, missed you buddy! I'll definitely be following and hopefully contributing to this thread as I too have a wheel chair base that I will be turning into a robot. One thing I can contribute is that I found that the BTS7960 motor controller can reliably handle one wheel chair motor. They are the lowest cost high current motor controller that I've run across and I've had no issue with controlling them with ARC.

thetechguru · Answer

I have a Jazzy base waiting for a project. I thought I was going to use it as the base for my dogbot, but rethinking how big I want it to be. The Jazzy base is like 90 lbs with batteries, so thinking it should be used for a more serious outdoor bot. Maybe a snow blower or lawn mower.

Steve S · Answer

Josh, Here is one I have been following on Instagram, Sunitherobot.

jstarne1 · Answer

@ Tech Guru, by the way, if you want a lighter machine but still a good platform you can mod the jazzy frame, when you remove the plastic panels there are several things you can cut away with a grinder or cutt-off tool. Front Foot Rest mount- that can be cut all the way back to the frame, this removes about 5 pounds. Tilt prevention wheels- can be cut away back to the frame, that removes 8-10 pounds. Motor control unit center cross member and plate- the original motor controller mounts to , cut away and lose a pound or two. Center mast/ seat mount- has a mount and 4 very large bolts going into the frame. if this is removed it weights 4-5 pounds by itself. There are some other places like the skid rails underneath the frame are not needed for a robot and cutting them gives you about a inch more clearance and another 2-3 pounds off the frames weight. Half sized U1 batteries- Also each battery is heavy , but you can get half size U1 batteries that have 22 AH capacity instead of the 35 ah full size and lose almost 1/2 of the weight and you gain some space to put electronics too ! So if you want a jazzy light a manageable , it can be done ! After a jazzy base is cut up, my 11 year old can carry the frame around the house.

jstarne1 · Answer

@ Jeremy, Thanks for that plug on the motor controller, looking for cheaper alternatives to the famous ( and pricey) Sabertooth is great! BTW currently a 2x12a sabertooth runs the NOM NOM mower robot, so it doesn't take that much current.