Sorry for not replying, I had a limit on how much I could post on the forums.
I researched a bit more on DC motors that showed the Stall Current on the websites.
I think over all the DC motors I would order each one would have a stall current of 1.6A
This one has a stall current of 1.6 A
This one has a stall current of 1.6 A
Though this one has stall current of 0.75 A
And this one has a stall current of 0.35 A
So I'm assuming I would need a motor driver like this since it can support 2.6 A per motor:
I'm going to have a meeting with my mentor this week.
If he says we don't have to build a body, I might end up getting this Bogie Runt Rover body you referenced if he says the focus is more about learning how to use the Arduino.
I still am taking note of the motors, motor drivers, and batteries I will need if I do need to build it by hand haha.
Hey JohnRob, I haven't purchased the DC motors yet.
From my research, most DC motors I'm interested in have a stall current of 1.6 A.
I found one with a stall current of 0.75 A and another of 0.35 A.
I plan to use 12 V and 30 RPM.
I don't want to spam by reposting the links, but I have the links to the DC motors to a reply I did to someone in this discussion!
Thanks!!
I like how this has a 3d model of the pieces so it shows how to build it haha.
It says it used a DRV8871 DC Motor Driver and a 3S LiPo Battery.
I was looking into the 3S LiPo Battery, so that helps ensure I'm on the right track haha.
Regarding lipo batteries, I don't know if there's an easy way to charge them with solar, since they aren't the trickle charging kind and the individual cells (2s, 3s: the number refers to the number of cells) have to be balance charged or they can become dangerous. Notice in the linked Mars rover build that the builder has essentially made a six-wheeled RC rock crawler out of 3D printed parts. Not to take anything away from his impressive accomplishment, BUT, his lipo power solution requires that he physically remove the battery to charge it, like you would with an RC car. It sort of defeats the autonomous part of what a Mars rover has to accomplish. If that's part of your design challenge, to replicate the self charging feature, it will be easier with SLA .
If you do decide in the end to go lipo, just read up on the safety concerns before using them. As I mentioned before, there will be additional cost of a suitable charger for lipos. Really, the only advantage for the build you described is that lipos weigh much less. If your build can accommodate the size and weight of the SLA battery, honestly just go that route. It will give your team more charging options and will be easier to work with.
3s: 12.6 volts fully charged, 11.1 volts nominal. Whatever the "s", just multiply by 3.7 for the nominal voltage; or 4.2 for the fully charged voltage.
The trick with this kind of project is to get something, anything working and iterate from there. You might want to get a two wheel drive robot going so you can start finding out whether your motors, drivers, battery and Arduino skills are adequate.
You will almost certainly have problems that cause a rethink in design and hardware so the sooner you start to see them the better.
The forum software likes you to do some reading and rewards you with greater privilege when you do. Take ten to fifteen minutes reading other threads and you will soon find that your restrictions on posting frequency are lifted.
