I made a rover out of my old Axial SCX10. My goal was to use the APM 2.8 for auto missions and maintain the scale look of the truck. At least, as much as possible. Down the road I will make a module for the bed that I can add things like a camera gimbal, FPV, etc.
Here is my APM 2.8, fresh from eBay.
I used some standoffs on the included vibration mount to give clearance for the telemetry radio to mount underneath.
The radio is just double sided taped to the bottom of the APM, it gives about 1mm clearance when mounted.
The completed APM/telemetry unit.
The Axial SCX10 I am using as a base for my build.
What would be a better shot so you can see what I'm working with, if it wasn't so blurry. You get the idea though.
MDF mock up of the electronics plate. Had to move the battery to the rear of the chassis.
Another shot of the mock up showing the overhang.
3D printed electronics plate.
Electronics plate installed with APM module.
Mounting and wiring the receiver to the electronics plate.
Electronics plate with GPS installed.
Ready to test. The GPS mast will be cut down when the body goes on.
I put these 2 6s NiMh 4500mah batteries in parallel for maximum run time, but they don't fit under the bed.
Side view. Installed the RC4WD 1.55 steel beadlock wheels with scale Interco Irok tires.
Fitting the body. It's an Axial made Jeep Mighty FC shell.
Front 3/4 view. There is a separate bumper piece I still need to install.
The APM doesn't quite clear, so I needed to cut a hole in the toolbox and rear window.
Rear 3/4.
Made a 3D printed cover for the hold I cut to clear the APM.
GPS mast cut down to clear the body. You can also see the Novak glitchbuster capacitor I had to add to prevent brownouts under fast acceleration. I imagine if I was running a LiPo this would be a non-issue.
The finished rover. I have plans to design a 3D printed bumper to house some sonar for collision avoidance.
First time out doing an auto mission.
I plan on updating after I finish painting the body, if I ever get a free, rain free weekend.
Until then, enjoy these flex shots.
Here's its first time out doing some all terrain auto missions.
Comments
This is awesome, keep up the tinkering.
Thanks, in the future I plan on upgrading someday (trying to get ahold of a Pixhawk 2). The APM was what the budget allowed at the time of the build.
@Ray,
Nice work, however you might want to trade out the APM for a Pixhawk 1 which has much better positional knowledge using EKF2, which cannot be used on the APM, in place of DCM. You will have much less overshoot when making 90 degree turns.
Regards,
TCIII AVD
Cool nifty truck
That's really neat. Thanks for sharing.