I figured out a better solution than servos for actuating
my brakes. The picture shows my brake actuator which consists of a 36mm banebots
planetary gearmotor (found on www.banebots.com), a few #35 sprockets, and
some other random bearings and stuff. I'm using a very mild wound motor with a
series resistor to allow the motor to CONTINUOUSLY put out its stall torque,
running on 12V. To control the motor I have one of the large banebot ESCs to run
forward and reverse with proportional voltage. For a stalled motor, torque is
proportional to voltage. This means that my brake actuation force will always be
proportional to the transmitter stick deflection. The steel aircraft cables
pictured will connect to the go kart band brakes on either side of the
differential. The sprocket arrangement allows one brake to be engaged at a time.
The two major benefits this system has over servos is tolerance for backlash,
and the ability to use a big motor. My motor is a 550 (rc monster truck size)
wound for 24V with a flux ring for additional torque. I've made a few changes
since taking the picture, so I'll post an updated one soon.
Gene
From: tanks-admin-at-rctankcombat.com
[mailto:tanks-admin-at-rctankcombat.com] On Behalf Of Derek
Engelhaupt Sent: Monday, November 13, 2006 10:56 AM To:
tanks-at-rctankcombat.com Subject: Re: Gene is building a tank!
[TANKS]