Mecanum Wheel Base

Mecanum wheel rover/robot base for around $25!  Or around $110 with a 454Mhz Linux Processor with touch screen and wifi (Add Chumby + Servo controller).  Read on for build instructions.

The concept

There is no concept… I just wanted a wheel base that is cool and can be controlled by a *cough* iPhone [Android phone…] via Wifi.

The parts list

Assembly Instructions

1. For each wheel, attach the circular servo horn that comes with the servo with the hub using 4 M2x4 self tapping screws.
2. For each wheel, insert 7 bearings into the ‘flanges’ of the wheel.
   • Depending on your printer, this should be a tight fit.  If it doesn’t fit, gently file the inside of the hole or using a M6 drill bit to clear.
3. Attach the rollers onto each wheel with a M3 bolt and nut combination.
   • Again depending on your printer, the bolts should fit through (maybe a bit tight).  If they don’t fit use a M3 drill bit to clear the roller holes.
4. Attach each assembled wheel onto the servo.
5. Calibrate the centre position of the servos using the small adjustment pot at the rear of the servo.
   • Send a centre 1.5ms signal to each servo and adjust the pot until the servo doesn’t move.
6. Attach each servo onto a frame using the mounting screws that come with the servo.

How it shouldn’t look like after fitting the processor board…

Obligatory super short demo video

Product Endorsements

• Designed using Alibre CAD Software – Made drawing and modifying the wheel very easy.
• Printed using Up! 3D Printer – The print quality is superb 🙂
• Parts purchased primarily from LowPriceRC – $3.40 for continuous rotation servos? Meh
• Robot Simple – Pololu reseller with free worldwide shipping!  (Wins a lot of points for me in Australia…)

I’m not receiving any kickbacks from any of these companies but definitely wouldn’t mind some <wink wink nudge nudge>

Where’s the Software?  / Where is the Chumby(Infocast)?

Patience… I’m still waiting for my Infocast to rip up…

Need to borrow an iOS 4.2 device to test too…