I've always wanted to build an excavator, and now the time has come!
The main goal of this project is to build an excavator that can dig normal dirt like you'd find in your own back yard.
Some subgoals:
- Minimize work
- Try to make a simple design (input wanted! :-))
- Minimize cost
- Realistic sound
- Realistic operation (smooth movements, etc)
I'm trying to minimize work and cost by using off-the-shelf standard components like ball bearings and sprockets. I also try to design the parts so that the CNC cuts are simple and quick, and the same thing for the 3D-printed parts. But even so, the project is probably going to turn out to be a massive amount of work anyway.. ;-)
I've selected the CAT 390 as the model for the project, but I'm not trying to make a scale replica. Rather, I just want a functioning machine with a simple design, and that will in many cases not be similar to the original CAT.
The 90 tom CAT is large enough to dig some serious dirt while still at the 1/14 scale that will match my other construction RCs.
For the controls, I want to use an embedded PC for this project too. It gives complete control of the controls, the movements, the sound and also video streaming (for first-person views from the driver's seat). I've made two projects previously with this approach, and I felt it worked our well:
- Bruder MAN truck:
http://www.scale4x4rc.org/forums/showthread.php?t=80393
- Bruder CAT delta loader:
http://www.rcsparks.com/forum/thread...dded-pc.36063/
Here is the design for the undercarriage:
Stein :-)