Sunday, November 26, 2023
I started building this 1/4 scale Rover model Aug 10, 2023 because I wanted a big and challenging project to work on."HowToMechatronics" published a comprehensive project on their website so I took on the challenge of trying to duplicate their Rover. They took accurate measurements of the real rover from NASA and scaled it down to 1/4 the size, making the finished size from front wheel to back wheel about 2 feet (60cm). Finished weight, in my case, was about 25-30 pounds.
For those contemplating such a task, visit How-To-Mechatronics and read through the entire web page. This is not a project for those without some mechanical skills or adept at 3D printing. I printed 163 separate items, some more than once because of bad prints, or broken parts. It took about 1 month of printing 16 hours a day on two printers. This would be a good team project.
This is the best model to make, not only for the documentation provided but also for the accuracy and attention to detail. NASA would be proud!! I was impressed with the bogie suspension and Ackerman steering. This alone separates real robots from the wanna-be's!
A lady engineer from Germany, named Jeanette Mueller, also made a very nice true-to-life model. Check it out at GitHub, link below.
I won't duplicate anything that Mechatronics has posted, but I'll post my builds, hints, and some of the "gotchas" that can frustrate a person very quickly.
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Perseverance
Mars Rover 1/4 Scale Model
Entire project instructions and Links |
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Datasheet, pinout, for the Mega |
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Flysky R/C manual and specs |
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Using the Flysky R/C with iBus |
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Used to split big models for printing |
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German lady engineer's version of Rover |
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My Home page, more hobby stuff |
Useful links:
Copyright 2024 Queenidog - All Rights Reserved
Everything works. Click for Video
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6 DC gear motors for drive wheels
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4 Servo motors for steering
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Servo and stepper motor for camera
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Bogie suspension
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Ackerman steering geometry
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All plastic parts 3D printed in-house
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Flysky R/C uses iBus at receiver (inside)
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Arduino Mega for control
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Four 18650 batteries for power
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Dimensions (approx) 30" L x 30" W x 27" H (76x76x68 cm)
Highlights: