CrustyBot 1.2
The CrustyBot 1.2 is made from:
Jet3 mobility chair base Sabertooth 2X60 Motor Controller EZ-B 3.0 Robot Controller Sonar distance sensor Wireless Camera Ubiquiti Bullet 2 Access Point Tactic TTX650 6 channel 2.4 Ghz Remote Control 2 Voltage Controllers QStar 818XT 10Hz Bluetooth GPS TightVNC Software
The two voltage controllers provide voltage to run the access point and power the netbook. Camera power is provided by the EZ-B. This makes the robot totally powered from the 24v battery system. I used the factory wiring harness to allow for easy removal of the control box for access to the inside of the jet3. I just unplug the harness, and flip a lever, then I can remove all the electronics. The factory battery charger allows the robot to just be moved close to a wall outlet and plugged in to be charged. The netbook running ARC is connected to the EZ-B via Bluetooth, and also connected to the Access Point via wifi. I run the TightVNC Server on this netbook. I use my other laptop, connect to the robots access point, and run the TightVNC Client to view the desktop of the netbook remotely. This allows for great coverage and range of remote use. Thinking about using a 3drobotics APM Flight Controller and the APMRover Software for navigation around the yard. Going to put a hitch on it and drag the modified push mower around the yard maybe! Got to figure out a useful use for it so the lady can see some good from the investment... LOL We shall see what I can come up with...
Things to do for version 1.3
Going to try to figure out a way to have the EZ-B and the Remote Control hooked up at the same time. I would like to be able to have EZ-B control, but also to be able to grab the remote, turn it on, and control it without having to swap wires. Then possibly throw the APM GPS controller in there too!
Install APM Controller and run APMRover software to have the robot navigate to way-points hopefully by voice command using triggers from EZ-B via voice recognition.
Install 2 X 16 LCD for unnecessary fun and taunting messages
Maybe a Paintball gun! (For getting skunks here in the sticks)
^^^ - There's your usefulness!
Other robots from Synthiam community
Danbachmann's Dandroid 20Xx
Lemon's Galapagos Mode- Scorpion Tail
@thecrustychicken, I have almost the same exact Jazzy wheel chair. Did you have to remove the brake on the top of the motor, or is it possible to simply "clip" the wires going to the brake.
Thanks,
@MovieMaker - I removed the brakes from mine. It's really easy. I think that the brakes are engaged when there is no power to the them. That makes sense anyway...
Here is a video about how to remove the brakes I found on Youtube.... (in case you need it)
Anyone know what the current draw is if you apply power to the brakes to use them as designed? Would be a nice fail safe to have the robot come to a screeching halt if the motors lose power, but I am not willing to halve my battery life just for a fail safe.
Alan
Just have a servo drop an anchor
Not sure about the current draw, it's pretty significant I bet cause it's just a electromagnet that pulls a plate in. Pretty beefy looking. With the wheels engaged you can't hardly move the thing unless you push it really hard. That's enough brakes for me. I didn't want any unnecessary power consumption as I'm running quite a bit of stuff already. (and will probably add a few more things...) Like maybe an anchor and an anchor launching servo... LOL
@thecrustychicken ...cool project and useful
as far as an anchor idea...how about activating a solenoid to open a hatch which drops a "shoe brake" onto both wheels! simple , low current draw, and might work well enough 
Thanks!
@crustybot, could you show us how you connected your electrical box to the frame. Is it simply tied with several zip ties?