THIS PRODUCT IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE
Rigel is a 4WD (four wheel drive) differentially-steered robot. It is a superb expandable base for most any desktop robot project, especially those that require carrying heavier loads, like video cameras and GPS receivers.
Each of the four wheels is independently driven via pre-modified R/C servo motors. Thanks to its paintable rubber-nibbed tires, you can operate Rigel over a laminated tabletop (e.g. Formica), carpet, tile (all except very smooth/polished), hardwood flooring, concrete, asphalt, grass, and even dirt.
Rigel side view
Dimensions:
- Overall length: 6.75"
- Overall width: 6"
- Overall height: 4.25" (to top of second deck)
- Bottom/top deck length: 6.75"
- Bottom/top deck width: 5 1/8"
- Bottom/top mounting area: Approximately) 60 sq. inches
The photos show the Rigel rubber tires painted black, but you may spray paint them any color, or keep them clear.
Weight, without batteries, is approximately 23 ounces. Locomotion is via four R/C servo motors, modified for continuous rotation. The servo motors use Futaba-style splines.
Body Material is made of 6mm thick PVC rigid expanded plastic. Rigel is available in colors: black and marine blue (shown).
Rigel bottom view
Wheel specifications:
- Wheels: X4
- Tire diameter: 65mm (2 1/2"); tread 7/8" wide
- Tire material: Clear (paintable) medium-hardness treaded rubber (with "studs" for traction)
- Hub: Custom machined from PVC plastic
- Futaba-spline wheel hub, to match Futaba R/C servos
Kit comes with all mechanical parts: plastic body pieces, assembly hardware, servo motors, and wheels. Includes illustrated instructions. Add any microcontroller that can operate R/C servos -- Parallax Board of Education, OOPic, Basic Stamp, etc. The OOPic R controller shown in main photograph is not included with the Rigel kit.
