Working on a simple tracked robot design. Only problem is I haven't found a good source for the tracks. Anyone know of such?
Thanks, David
Sources for tracks?
Aug 08, 2003
8 Replies
Try toothed belts from machine tools, if you're happy with a continuous rubbery one.
David,
Try this site:
formatting link
And people call us geeks...geesh. There are a few sources listed there. Here's one that I found, I'm sure they sell the parts as well.
formatting link
For the price, I'd buy one of these, hack it, and mount my own body on it:
formatting link
Here's another good site:
formatting link
Toys R Us. They have a line of Chinese imported tanks for about $20. The motors and mechanics aren't very durable, but you can hack 'em for the nice rubber treads (about 1-1/2" wide) and drive sprockets.
My current Nuts & Volts Robotics Resources column is on hacking toys for making robot bases, and mentions sources like these.
-- Gordon Robots for Less at Budget Robotics:
formatting link
Robot Builder's Sourcebook & Robot Builder's Bonanza
Just my two cents. I bought a $20 toy at Toys R Us, thinking that I would use the base for my new robot. These things are very noisy and sloppy. I quickly threw in the towel and started building my own base from parts from (Gordon will be happy to hear) budgetrobotics.com and adding good quality DC gearmotors (very cheap on surplus market). This was not the tank base, but a dump truck with a front steering axel. I'm guessing the tank base from Toys R Us is just as bad.
BRW
Join the Discussion
Have something to add? Share your thoughts — no account required.
Didn't find your answer?
Ask the community — no account required