-----Original Message-----
From: Gene Burbeck
Sent: Oct 14, 2007 11:28 AM
To: tanks-at-rctankcombat.com
Subject: Gene's robotic soldier [TANKS]
Todays pics:
http://flickr.com/photos/14886320-at-N05/1569284829/
http://flickr.com/photos/14886320-at-N05/1569283665/
I got a second battery wired up, you can see it in the picture from the top. Each pack is 2.8 AH 24V NIMH, and there are two packs for a total of 5.6 AH at 24V. The robot is much more peppy with the two packs, it can do skid turns in grass and climb stairs. There is room for a third pack if needed - I may also upgrade to a set of 3.6 AH packs if I can find a good deal on a few of them.
Someone asked about the tracks - They are tracks for a large self-propelled snow blower. I bought the pair lightly used for $40. The tracks have teeth for driving them with sprockets. Instead, I'm just friction driving the tracks with my homemade 8" fiberglass/kevlar wheels. The U-bolts you noticed tension the tracks as tight or loose as needed. I've been surprised at how loose they can be and still not slip.
Both the front AND back axles have U-bolts for adjusting the chain and track tension independently.
Gene