How to chosse a mottor

Using Arduino Motors, Mechanics, Power and CNC
#1

How to choose a motor

I bought one Arduino starter kit and am very exited about it.

So far I played around with the servo and led.

I decided that the best way to learn is to have a goal and strive to archive it.

I have a few years of programing in my back so I am just having some trouble with the hardware part.

My goal will be to build a replica of Tiger V tank and after to conquer the world!

If I am no mistaken the main body of the tank will be around 80 cm wide, 120 m length and 40 cm height, this without the main canon.

That makes the tank heavy. I guessing around 50kg with a few motorcycle batteries for power it.

I would like to start with the motor part of the project.

I don’t know to choose the motors, I don’t even know where to buy!

Should I go with step motor? DC motor?

I was thinking in using one motor for each track of the tank.

Any suggestions? Alternatives?

#2

First you'll need sealed deep-cycle batteries, not standard vehicle batteries.

Secondly you're going to have to work out the mechanics in order to estimate
torque and speed for motors - factors include gearing ratios, friction losses,
maximum incline required to climb, maximum speed on the flat. Do you have
ideas about drive gearing etc and friction in the treads?

[ you may be into the range of a few horsepower BTW ]

#3

First you'll need sealed deep-cycle batteries, not standard vehicle batteries.

Aha! just learned something, i did not knew there were another kind of batteries now i know i am going to need boat batteries and not motorcycle ones.

Do you have ideas about drive gearing etc and friction in the treads?
Not a clue! I was thinking in budding around the motors since i no experience building hardware, if it does not work for my goal its ok, i will learn from it and move on.

First goal is to make the Arduino move two motors. I got one to move, well i got a servo to move. But it seen simple to move the DC motor. Step motor i believe it is harder and require extra shield (I calling the board that controls the step motor shied correct?)

Is there any benefit in using a step motor to a remote controlled tank?

Can you point where i can buy motors and give me your best guess for a model that will be sufficient to start my project of world domination?

#4

uacaman:

Do you have ideas about drive gearing etc and friction in the treads?
Not a clue! I was thinking in budding around the motors since i no experience building hardware, if it does not work for my goal its ok, i will learn from it and move on.

You have to understand mechanics and motor sizing to choose the motor for the task.

I suggest you start with a much smaller build first, the heavy stuff is expensive
and guesswork isn't enough, educated guesswork (back of the envelope calculations
are required). Make cheaper mistakes!

#5

i don't where to start, no even to a smaller version. Can you at least provide a link to any store that sells motors? or should i go for RC modeling stuff?

#6

Used car screen-wiper motors are a cheap source of low speed high torque 12v motors.

Another option may be golf buggy motors.

And golf-buggy batteries might be available in more convenient sizes than marine batteries.

I would just use cheap (maybe even used) lead acid batteries to get me started.

...R

#7

Cordless drills are another good source of powerful motors. You can get old ones from junk shops when the built in rechargeable battery has failed or is not so good.

#8

And these days eBay has quite a range of DC motors / gearmotors of various
sizes and voltages at good prices.

RC motors are specialist very high current motors that need the appropriate ESC
and LiPo batteries to power them.

#9

woot! Lots of places to start my quest! Thanks everyone for the tips.

#10