Servo - May 2009

for Maxon 17:1 motors, available in limited quantities at reasonable prices ($35) from Fingertech Robotics ( www.fingertechrobot ics.com). However, Kurtis Wanner of Finger Tech tells SERVO he only has about 40 of these left. After that, it appears that they’ll only be available directly from Maxon, costing at least $100 each. Even for an article titled “Ultimate Ant,” that’s a bit pricey. So, the community has embarked on a search for a replacement that will satisfy the almost cult-like love of these tough performers. Pololu 35:1 or Banebots 24:1 were suggested replacements by a few of our experts. It appears that this category is usually going to be driven by the surplus market, where high quality and reasonable price provide best value.

Wheels

Dave Brown Lite Flite wheels are perennial favorites among top builders.

Eight votes for Lite Flites, with a split second place between Banebots and DuBro Silicon. At around $4 a pair and being legendary for absorbing damage, the Lite Flites seem like a best value deal.

Hubs

No clear winner, although Dave Wiley’s hubs received four votes and are very popular among builders at $21 a pair from The Robot Market Place ( www.robotmarket place.com). Fingertech and BaneBots both got a couple votes each. I stand by my Lynxmotion

Dave Wiley recently started distributing his hubs through the Robot MarketPlace.

hubs ( www.lynxmotion.com) at $8 as still viable for this league of bot.

Drive ESC

The Fingertech Robotics Tiny ESC and Banebots 3-9 were a dead heat, requiring a run-off — or perhaps a meeting in the box!

Four votes for Fingertech Tiny ($27, two needed); four votes for BaneBots 3-9 ($29, two needed). One vote each for three other kinds. This sure sounds like a tie.

Drive and Weapon Batteries

Li-Poly batteries were the sole recommendation of our veteran builders.

Every vote cast was for a LiPoly, three cell. Various vendors, no preference across the community. We’re looking at about $45 on Robot MarketPlace for a pack big enough for drive plus weapon.

Weapon Motor

Five votes for the Axi 2208

The Axi 2208 series outrunner is the builder’s choice for weapons motors.

series outrunner ($75 from various R/C hobby stores). Five other votes for inrunners or outrunners, all different manufacturers.

Weapon Controller

Castle Creation’s Phoenix 25 was the top vote getter among weapon controllers.

Four votes for the Phoenix 25 ($80 from Castle Creations, www.castlecreations.com). Four other votes, four different ESCs.

Armor

All over the map. Titainum, carbon fiber, garolite, aluminum, UHMW, polycarbonate. I stand by my Kevlar honeycomb with thin titanium overlay. Cost is about $40 for a typical sized antweight. Your mileage may vary.