
chi1davey
Hi everyone, I'm Dave, and even though I have dabbled in small robots over the years, I have regained my interest and have a few projects in mind. All that said, the first one is a little bigger then I have attempted in the past. I need some expert advise (or just advise) on a track (tank style) platform that will hold and transport around 20lbs. I have purchased the ez-robot kit and I'm afraid that the motors might not handle pulling that much weight. So, what should I do? Any suggestions?
Oh and of course, I have a limited budget, so I'm not adverse to building the platform, but would like to know what the best motors and track kit would work, and mainly if ez-robot kit can handle the control. I appreciate any guidance that you can share.
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Newtons law "a body in motion will remain in motion unless acted upon" and all that. Which basically means that once the load is moving the motors only need to counter the losses and resistance for it to continue moving.
However, without blinding with science, you will be better off driving the tracks using motors and a H-Bridge. Provided the motors can cope with the load and the H-Bridge can cope with the power consumption of the motors then the EZ-B will be able to control it.
A few people have successfully powered wheelchairs, ride on toys etc. with the EZ-B with no problems. It might pay to look down these lines. I saw Josh had a video of an Omnibot gearbox under load, he may be able to provide more information on how much that pulled.
Off the top of my head I can't remember how to calculate what motor is required, google will no doubt have the answer to that.
In short, yes the EZ-B is capable of controlling what you need it to control.
Sabertooth
I know this is not a ready made platform your looking for. You'll have to make your own or adapt something. Just thought I'd mention the motors and controller if you want to got hat route.
At least the Sabertooth could be your interface for a ready made platform. If you get a H-Bridge instead make sure it's AMP rating is high enough to push the motors you choose.
EDIT: Silly me, I reread your post. You want to be able to haul 20 lbs. I thought you wanted to haul 200 lbs. *blush*