Bluetooth Mini Track Loader

Great news.

I have just finished designing and printing a very cool charge adaptor for the track loader.

It will be available within the next couple of days.

The Charger can be found here: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2794970

I'm still working on this project. More files will come. More description will come.

This is my take on the Mini Track loader.

Instead of using an RC Remote I wanted something that would be more easy and lightweight to bring along with me on a daily basis.

So I redesigned the body to get more space inside for a Arduino Pro Mini, a Bluetooth module, a small 1s lipo battery, an on/off switch and a charging plug. Plus a little extra.

This Track loader is based on the files from @lijingwei https://www.thingiverse.com/lijingwei/designs

Lijingwei writes:

"This is a bigger track load using 9gram servo .

All parts are all redrawn based on Zedpi’s Mini Track Loader RC.

The Lego track is no more supported ,You have to print track with flex material .

The servo I'm using is emax es08ma , other similar 9gram servo should be ok but not tested"

Parts needed:

1x Arduino Pro Mini https://goo.gl/D2z6b4

1x Bluetooth Module https://goo.gl/hRQhzv

3x SG9 servos https://goo.gl/fRvFBf

1x On/Off switch https://goo.gl/78AyvA

1x 1s Lipo 180mAh https://goo.gl/Hp6TaL

1x 2 pin SH size connectors https://goo.gl/r2ni9r

Optional:

1x FTDI USB Adaptor https://goo.gl/Tt3dWA

1x Mini buzzer 5v https://goo.gl/62NGMi

1x Yellow 5mm LED

PAD-11 Crimp Tool https://goo.gl/U5KtBk

UPDATE 2018.01.15

The android app used to control the track loader is made by Andi.Co and can be found on google play store. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=braulio.calle.bluetoothRCcontroller

UPDATE 2018.01.17

The Arduino code is now uploaded.

It's a very modified version of the one Andi.Co has made.

UPDATE 2018.01.21

Schematic is done. Added here as a picture and in the Post-Printing section.

UPDATE 2018.01.22

Added description for modifying the belt servos in the Post-Printing section.

UPDATE 2018.02.09

Updated files section. I had made some fuckup in the wheels and track files.

Now you will have 2 options: Big track or Lego track. 4 files for each and they should be clearly marked.

Post-Printing

Modifying the servos

To have the servos spin 360° they will need a little modification.

I followed a guide where you have to take the servo all apart and replace the potmeter wires with 2 resistors and brake off a lot of small parts inside the servo.

After doing that I found a different guide where you don't have to do any soldering.

This way seams a lot easier so I will recommend using this method.

This video describes very well how to modify the servos for continuous rotation.

Schematic

This is how everything needs to be put together.

Positioning all parts inside the Track loader. Step 1

Now for the fun part of it.

How do we fit all the parts into that very small shell?

First of all don't make any wires longer than absolutely needed.

Note: Blinking LED.

Use a file or a knife to make space for the LED legs if you want the LED on. Secure it in place with a drop of super glue.

Step 2

Position the buzzer in line with the Arduino.

Step 3

Lay/slide the Arduino into the "top" of the shell with the buzzer between the servo and the arduino right below the On/Off switch.

Now position the Bluetooth reciever below the Arduino. Make sure that the antenna end is in the front of the track loader.

Step 4

Position the battery in the left shell part when you are about to put the two shells together.

Note: Battery.

I broke off the black plastic top of the battery to reduce the size of the battery.

I had one of these very very small plugs that fit on the battery. I used that instead of breaking the plug and solder wires directly to the + and -.

Sorry for the bad image quality

Step 5

Make sure to align the on/off switch properly when assembling and also to take care of not pinch any wires when the shells are squeezed together. It's a very tight fit.

Use 2 pieces of 1,75mm filament the bind the two roof parts together

Category: R/C Vehicles