Make the RP5 Tracked Chassis radio controllable with the Pololu TReX Jr.

[ryantmulligan]

Yes, the TReX Jr's speed control is proportional; it has a channel mixing mode that lets you control it the way you describe.

[rva1945]

Hi, before ordering from Polulu, I need to know if  it's proportional or not. I need one for my RC tank. Does it takes the thrust from one channel and steers using the other channel, like a boat or car?

[ryantmulligan]

@rva1945 Hi, I just realized you are also posting about this on the Pololu forum. You have gotten a much more detailed response from Ben there.

[Tetriswizard]

Is there a guide to building this? i am new to robots.

[ryantmulligan]

@Tetriswizard Basically you need the RP5, Battery, TReX Jr. and an RC transmitter and receiver set. Then you should read the TReX Jr.'s user's guide for details about how to connect and set up these parts.

[RyanPololu]

When you have 6 cells in series their combined capacity is only the capacity of one cell. In this case, 1400 mAh. My previous reply was incorrect: a 420 mAh battery would last for 1 hour. To get the no-load run time (all other run times will be much less than this!) you take the capacity in mAh and divide by the current usage in mAh (420 mAh for no load).

[zneic]

Can I use 6 ( 1.2V and each with 1400 mAh ) ? And if i can how much time will work the motors. I want to see if I understand . Thanks a lot.

[RyanPololu]

@zneic A better test to do is run your RP5 under typical operating conditions while measuring the current draw with an ammeter. Then take the capacity divided by the current draw to get the run time.

[zneic]

Can you give me an example, or can you tell me what motors it have, at what volts and ampers it works and the power in W of the motors. thx

[RyanPololu]

@zneic Yes. The DC motors have a free run current of 210 mA, so if you are running under no load (except the gear train), a 820 mAh capacity battery should last for 1 hour. An increased load will decrease the run time and an increase battery capacity will increase it.

[zneic]

how much time can work the motors with the 7.2v battery

[RyanPololu]

@zneic that would depend on the load of the motors and the capacity of the battery you use.

[amando96]

i'm thinking of getting one

[theshane1996]

what type of motor did you use thank you

[RyanPololu]

Hello,

The RP5 has two brushed DC motors already installed. I'm don't know what the exact motor is but we have specs on its performance on the RP5 webpage.

[jfalbo]

Nice and easy. Would you mind sharing a parts list with me? Thanks

[RyanPololu]

Sure.

1 RP5 Chassis

1 Pololu TReX Jr.

1 RC receiver/transmitter pair

2 female-female servo extension cables

6 AA batteries

Pololu sells all of these things except the RC receiver/transmitter pair.