Hey everyone, I'm a newb here, but not a newb to building stuff. I'll jump straight into my questions, and would SO thankful for any help. I built a 1/4 scale (a little bigger in some dimensions) Sherman Tank for the kiddo's.
I'm currently trying to decide on batteries. I'd love to use golf cart 6v's, but don't have $1000 to throw at this. I'd prefer to start with say, a $200 option. I'm considering:
-(2) china made Li-Ion 48v 12ah, for about $100 each.
-(4 or 8) PowerWheels style SLA batteries, say like 12v 18AH each.
- 4 normal Deep cycle batteries, at like $70 each if I can find a deal.
Usually people ask questions with not enough info, so excuse me if this is too much. History of the project:
It started with a couple 24v motors from a mobility scooter, with 1 speed controller that I spliced between to add my own reverse, and separate controls for each side of the tank using 24v HVAC relays. This setup was pretty unreliable (popping breaker and weird controls) and underpowered. I was going to go with a gas engine, but then you need a transmission, hard to start for kids, exhaust/fuel fumes in an enclosed hull, etc etc.
I now have (2) 48v 1000w motors (MY1020), 1 for each side. And each has it's own speed controller with reverse, and throttle pedal. I'm making levers which actuate the pedal either way (F or R), but pushes a little button when going in reverse to tell the controller that side is in reverse. There is a 3/4" jackshaft for each side with the following gearing:
Motor: 11t to 44t jackshaft IN.
Jackshaft OUT 18 tooth, to 38 tooth on the track drive sprockets. For about 8:1 reduction. The track drive sprockets are 5.5", but effectively 9" OD with the track wrapped around them.
My goal with this tank is to make it through a parade route, and play around in the snow, gravel pit, or sand. Speed in NOT really a factor. 2-7 mph is fine.
I will add some more pics when I can.
Thanks for having me
I'm currently trying to decide on batteries. I'd love to use golf cart 6v's, but don't have $1000 to throw at this. I'd prefer to start with say, a $200 option. I'm considering:
-(2) china made Li-Ion 48v 12ah, for about $100 each.
-(4 or 8) PowerWheels style SLA batteries, say like 12v 18AH each.
- 4 normal Deep cycle batteries, at like $70 each if I can find a deal.
Usually people ask questions with not enough info, so excuse me if this is too much. History of the project:
It started with a couple 24v motors from a mobility scooter, with 1 speed controller that I spliced between to add my own reverse, and separate controls for each side of the tank using 24v HVAC relays. This setup was pretty unreliable (popping breaker and weird controls) and underpowered. I was going to go with a gas engine, but then you need a transmission, hard to start for kids, exhaust/fuel fumes in an enclosed hull, etc etc.
I now have (2) 48v 1000w motors (MY1020), 1 for each side. And each has it's own speed controller with reverse, and throttle pedal. I'm making levers which actuate the pedal either way (F or R), but pushes a little button when going in reverse to tell the controller that side is in reverse. There is a 3/4" jackshaft for each side with the following gearing:
Motor: 11t to 44t jackshaft IN.
Jackshaft OUT 18 tooth, to 38 tooth on the track drive sprockets. For about 8:1 reduction. The track drive sprockets are 5.5", but effectively 9" OD with the track wrapped around them.
My goal with this tank is to make it through a parade route, and play around in the snow, gravel pit, or sand. Speed in NOT really a factor. 2-7 mph is fine.
I will add some more pics when I can.
Thanks for having me
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