Servo - October 2010

This is a front view of the top deck with its two drive fans glued to it. At the bottom is the Styrofoam block that clamps the lifting fan to the top deck. There’s a large space between the fans; next month’s article will discuss the electronics that will fill this space.

fan’s housing is bent out of shape, the blades of the fan will not spin freely since they will rub against the wall of the jacket. Apply some hot glue into the semi-circular canal in the bracket and gently set the fan into the bracket. Make sure the fans face the same direction. Let the glue cool. Note that it does not take much hot glue to hold the ducted fans into place. The fans will push the HoverBot but not too strongly that they rip themselves out of their brackets.

Now give everything a test fit. Slide the plastic spacers over the riser bolts in the bottom deck. Place the lift fan into the lift fan bracket on the bottom deck and pass its wires through the opening in the top deck as you mount the top deck on the bottom deck. As you mount the top deck, the lift fan clamp on the top deck will slip tightly over the top of the lift fan. Make sure the top deck sits flush to the spacers on the riser bolts and that the lift fan is snuggly trapped between the lift fan clamps glued to the top and bottom deck. If this all looks good, then you’ll be ready for next month’s article that will discuss the electronics that operate the HoverBot. SV

Different GEARS for different years

GEARS offers unique Robotics Programs for Middle, High School, College and beyond!

Heavy Metal Chassis

The Heavy Metal Chassis now comes in three versions: HMC-Lite, HMC Belt or Chain Drive, and HMAC with articulating wheel base for off-road action. It's a solid foundation for any Robot Program. Students can spend more time integrating their own fabrications, ESC’s, microcontrollers and sensors. Starting at $399.

HMC-Lite above with optional Machine Science XIPMod Robot Controller and battery. HMAC Articulating Robot inset below.

HMC also makes a super combat robot foundation.

HMC 10 lb. chassis supports 200 lbs standing weight!

Robot Starter Kit Includes robot chassis, servo motors, wheels, and your choice of RC Kit or Micro Controller and Sensor Kit for just $229.95.

Surface Mobility Platform The Surface Mobility Platform (SMP) features durable components for larger robots and heavier payloads in off-road environments. It is ideal for search and rescue experimentation, environmental research, surveillance or even simulated first responder activities. Base kit $1,500.