cordless drill powered tracked vehicle idea

[porsche930dude]

just pull the switch assembly out and extend the wires up to where your gonna be using them

 

[crazzywolfie]

^that is what i was thinking. if you didn't use the switches you would not have much control over the speed. it would be on or off.

 

[Meathead316]

ideally i want to keep the drills as intact as i can, less of a faff that way. i cant wait to get started, i may get the materials to build the frame next week.

how big do ya recon for a kart suitable for up to a 5 year old (i will just reposition the seat and control levers as he gets bigger.)

also still need a suggestion on a flexy, not very stretchy material for the tracks!

 

[wingnut]

Here's a site that explores some constructions techniques for RC tanks treads. The tanks they're talking about are smaller than what you're looking at but it might give you some ideas.

 

[wingnut]

Here's a site that explores some constructions techniques for RC tanks treads. The tanks they're talking about are smaller than what you're looking at but it might give you some ideas.

http://rctankcombat.com/articles/track-systems/

 

[wingnut]

How about this as alternative:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/24-Volt-250...Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr&hash=item336f17d70a

It's only $35 shipped. There are controllers available for under $20. That's a total package of $55.. I think your be hard pressed to find a decent drill for that much. Also, the motor comes with an integrated mount so mounting it would be much simpler than a drill. Only snag is you'd need to run a jack shaft to gear it down low enough but I think it would work better in the end..

 

[Meathead316]

some of them track ideas are pretty smart, and definatly soem good ideas to consider in there.

The link to the motor is the same kind ive been looking at if i were to build an adult sized kart. so i would need motor, controller, controller throttle thingy, batteries. the only thing im not sure on is what youve mentioned "jack shaft" to gear it down, what do i need? dont really wanna use cheap old bike chain and sprockets as they come off all the time.

 

[wingnut]

I agree that the motor above is probably overkill for a kart that's supposed to go 5mph but if the cost is similar and it's easier to adapt then what's the harm. Once your son outgrows the first cart, you can always re-purpose the motors into a bigger cart so you get a much greater return on your investment.

The need for a jackshaft is the one disadvantage of going with the 'naked' motor. I suppose an honest assessment needs to account for the added cost. The end result will look something like this:

 

[Meathead316]

i think it would be good to just change the gearign and have it go faster for when hes older, or be bale to use the parts for another project. what sort of ratio would be best?