Re: [mowbot] Web exploration

Monta Elkins (Monta nospam at vt.edu)
Fri, 25 Oct 1996 09:10:58 -0400

> Does anyone know of any cheap mobile platforms we could adopt?

I think I've mentioned my plans to use a "retired" child's
battery operated car. It has pleny of load capacity; plenty
of power and are available cheep second hand. They are also
already wired for 6v and 12v operation (with motors, wheels,
the works.)

> Or suggest a low-tech way to build one? I envisage a solid square of
> chipboard,

Skip the chipboard. It decomposes rapidly in the presence of moisture;
If you use wood as a base I'd suggest Marine grade plywood.

Grass, Dew, Rain, Sprinkers etc. don't make for a arid environment.

>say 0.5x0.5m (20"x20"), with two motors bolted to it and crude
> wheels made from something suitably round (like the ends of a large tin
> can perhaps). We would probably need to buy motors as they have to be
> quite chunky, and I think it's worth getting a small lead-acid motorcycle
> battery too as it is sure to come in handy. Any thoughts?

(Just semantics....)
The "motor cycle" batteries are typically 6V.
I bought a small "garden tractor" battery that was 12V.

-- 
-Monta Elkins

--------------------------------------------------------- | "All that is necessary for evil to triumph is | | for good men to do nothing." -- Edmund Burke | | Monta nospam at bev.net ----------------- http://www.bev.net | | System Administrator - Blacksburg Electronic Village | ---------------------------------------------------------