This page has tips and info for those into autonomus mobile robotics on how to build a light mobile platform.
Even though a light mobile platform is used, this info will also help those interested in getting into rc(remote controled) robots such as: robotwars or battlebots understand the basics of remote controling a motorized unit.

BUILDING A LIGHT MOBILE PLATFORM

I always wanted to have my own mobile platform for my mobile robotics hobby, so I looked for a mobile platform in the internet, the lowest cost one I found was for $200.00, well beyond my budget, so I decided to build my own of the same style as those I found in the internet, the kind with 2 motorized wheels and one caster.

The mobile platform that I built.

Motor and wheels:
Jameco carries a good gearmotor for $19.95, but I found a better deal, at Tecel, they carry exactly the same gearmotor, but the best part of the deal is that: the ones from tecel come with wheels attached to them, price: $25.00 each, so I bought the pair.

Plastics:
The main base is clear acrylic, the spacers used between the caster and the platform's base are regular plastic rods, all purchassed as scrap at a local plastic supply store for $0.75 a pound..

Caster:
This was purchassed at a local hardware store for $2.50.

Attaching the wheels to the gearmotors:
Not needed, as mentioned before, tecel's gearmotors come with the pre-attached wheels.

Attaching the gearmotor/wheel to the platform:

To attach the gearmotor to the platform's base, I used silicone gel, this saved me from the hassle of having to find and cut a metal angle plus having to drill the motor mounting holes in the angle. Believe me! I'm very impressed with the strength of silicone, the bonding is so strong that this platform can carry about 15 pounds. If you notice the batteries are also attached with silicone at the bottom. Do it this way and you'll thank yourself for following my advice.

Attaching the caster:

One 2" caster is being used in this platform, since it is not high enough for the platform's base, 2 plastic rods were used as spacers. Attaching the caster is very simmple, just drill holes at each end of 2 plastic rods and srew them all to the base. The caster has 4 holes but ony two spacers were used, 1 each on opposite corners. Want a different tip? Instead of screwing plastic rods as spacers, use a small block of wood or plastic, and glue it with silicone gel ("The strength of silicone"... Where did we hear that before?). Tip: 2" casters get stuck very easy, so if you find a caster with a larger diameter such as 3" or larger, use that instead.

REMOTE CONTROL BASICS:
from here on, this page is: please check back.

In the mean time, send comments, suggestions or complaints to rc_robots@yahoo.com

Fig 1. Components of a Basic RC System

Fig 1 shows a basic remote cotrol system