It's Friday, nobody is really working right? So let's warm up this ng a bit.
I just got the news that my budget for a new mobile platform was approved (yeeeey), so I need to start worrying about chosing one very soon. The project is to create agile rovers that can accomplish fully autonomous missions on a 20 miles range at speeds up to 20mph. It should be smaller than an ATV but bigger (and more rugged) than an R/C car. It must idle well (in case of gas engine). It must have built in reversal and automatic transmission (in case there is more than one speed forward). Low cost (less than $3000). Finally, it must be able to overcome rough terrain (dirt roads, small rocks, grass, grades, whatever it is possible to do with an ATV).
I already have a few ideas in my mind, please critique mine or suggest novel:
- Custom build gas platform: using a small 4-stroke engine (1 to 9HP). Pros: we can build exactly what we need. Cons: takes too long to build, may have lots of flaws as I'm no mechanical engineer
- Small ATV. Pros: it's ready. Cons: Too big and cumbersome to carry around, barely fits the budget of $3000
- This little babe:
I'm leaning towards the last one, but any suggestion is welcome.
Cheers
Padu