[[Tank Robot Devlogs]] **N/A** <-> [[2022-02-18 Tank Robot Devlog]] # Tank Robot Devlog - Feb 3, 2022 I haven't touched this project in quite a while, but starting to get back into things. First things first, I charged up my 4s batteries, as that was one major concern (fire hazard when charging) that I wanted to get out of the way of getting started. Turned out just fine, as one would expect. Then I went to go test the motors to make sure they could handle the max theoretical load (stalled) at 16.8v, 4.5a. I then thought for about two seconds, realized the voltage range for the motors is 9-12v, and that 4s was definitely way overpowered for the motors when at full charge (4.2v per cell). Luckily, 3s would land around 12.6v at full charge, assuming I can do addition anyway. Well within acceptable range...That said, I have two 4s batteries and no 3s batteries. 🤦 My journey tonight will have to move onto other matters while I figure out how I want to get my hands on a 3s (buy one, or borrow one). So...To take a step back and explain what I'm doing here. Long story short, I love what a lot of tech YouTubers are doing with various robotics projects, and want to explore similar ventures. Having just enough knowledge to qualify me as a tour guide of [[Dunning-Kruger effect|mount stupid]], I realized that the projects most of these videos are based on actually don't change that much technically from one to the next. Typically, the underlying control and power mechanisms remain largely the same in nature, and what varies is the specific ratings of the parts, and creative applications of them. With that Eureka in hand, it became apparent that I should be able to replicate similar efforts by establishing a base set of knowledge, and expanding it in a similar manner over time. So, "if it's so damn simple, what's the secret sauce?" I hear my mental visualization of an audience ask. Well, from my view on top this mountain, it appears to be: - A Power Source - Typically a [[Lithium Polymer Battery]], abbreviated as LiPo. - You need to power both the motors and control circuitry, which can either be done with two separate batteries, or a single battery when combined with a [[Battery Eliminator Circuit]]. - Motor(s) - Motor Controller(s) - [[Microcontroller Unit]] - Transmitter - Receiver - Sensor(s) - e.g. [[Inertial Measurement Unit]] for balancing robots - Payload(s) - Not required, but common. An example could be a [[Wifi Pineapple]] for wardriving. I'm probably missing things that I know about and have forgotten in this moment, as well as things that I don't know yet at all. That said, that's the beauty of starting with this simple robot — to teach myself the absolute base requirements before jumping into more complex and interesting projects. Anyway, that's enough rambling for one day. I'll probably write a preface for this series at some point, maybe pulling from my older notes or even the FPV Bike project that preceded it (that I intend to finish after figuring out the foundational knowledge). For now though, thanks for reading, and see you in the next one.