Building a Tracked Robotics Base

Hi TMT,


If you actually want to tackle making your own treads (something I wish I
had the time to try), you must check out:

http://www.seattlerobotics.org/encoder/mar97/mold_art/molds.htm

Failing that, hit the toy stores big time.  There's always toy tanks,
snowmobiles etc that have soft rubber treads that typically fit the bill
unless you're building something large.

HTH
Steve

Thanks for responding....

I was thinking about building all the parts.

I was considering a larger platform.

The rubber treads one sees on snowblowers would be an interesting store
brought substitute....has anyone used them?

The tanks I saw in Walmart looked to be too fragile for any significant
usage.

TMT

Some pool-cleaning devices have rubber tracks, and are more
substantial. They must be available second hand or on throw-
out days (where I got a pair I still haven't used).

Otherwise there's the common fallback of a toothed timing
belt from a car - inside out if you want teeth. Available
for free from places that replace them.

Sorry, I meant they must be available as replacement parts.
Don't know what I was thinking.

I have a tracked base that will easily carry 200 pounds. I had it designed
and made for me and uses (I believe) snowblower treads. The treads are (or
were) available on Ebay from time to time. If you are interested I could see
if I can find more data. The base is laying in my garage - too busy do do
much robot building right now. - but is very impressive.

Mark

Also, check out the new Johnny Robot treads availible at places like
Budget Robotics, Pololu, Solarbotics, 1sorc and others.
They're not big like a snowblower, but definately better built than say
the Tamiya ones or the Walmart tank ones.  Worth checking into.
-Dan

The ones that show up on ebay from time to time prolly from the
old "Sno-Trac" machine.

These people used to sell them but they seem to be permanently
out of stock.

http://www.robotcombat.com/store_tanktreads.html

Various other links that might be of some value.

http://www.pololu.com/products/misc/0415/

http://www.bobcat.com/products/mtl/index.html

http://www.toro.com/professional/sws/loader/400/index.html

DOC

Are we there yet?