Wheeled robots are fun and all… but tank tracks are just so much better! In this tutorial we are going to assemble our Tank Track Chassis. The chassis features a variety of different sized screws and standoffs so pay careful attention to which parts are required in each step.
About The Chassis:
This chassis is very similar to most of our two wheel drive chassis, utilizing a single motor for each side. Just like those chassis, this Tank Chassis can be turned left and right by differential motor speed. This chassis should be compatible with just about any project using two “TT” style gearmotors to drive.
This kit includes a couple very basic tools to complete assembly, but nice tools always make the job more enjoyable! Screws this size are quite delicate and using the wrong sized screwdriver can cause them to strip out or wreck the finish.
Recommended:
We are going to start by assembling the inner structure of the chassis – this is the box that everything else connects to, and provides a base for further expanding the chassis or housing electronics. There are several parts that fit together in a specific manner, but we will work through it step by step!
First, start by finding the two small acrylic plates (seen in the image to the left) and 4 x 20mm Standoffs, 4 x M3 Black Screws
The motors are attached to the chassis using two screw points. We are going to start by attaching the top screw to each motor. Find 2 x 30mm screws and 2 x M3 nuts.
Note: Depending on your application, you may want to solder wires to your motors before installing them to the chassis. The tabs can be a little harder to access once installed.
Finally we can install the last cover plate. This plate finishes the internal structure of the chassis. Inside the panel there is room for electronics or a small battery pack. There are 5 mounting holes that can also be used to anchor a larger plate or mount electronics on the outside of the chassis.
The panel is secured using 2 x Black Screws. These thread into the standoffs inside the chassis.
And with that last plate installed, the chassis is complete! Now add the motor controller and microcontroller of your choice and you are well on your way to a tracked robot!
Going forwards, many aspects of the chassis can be upgraded. The TT style motors are easily upgraded to a version compatible with wheel encoders, or even metal gears for added strength. The chassis can be expanded to provide more build space. Of course, sensors can be mounted all over to provide data about its surroundings.
2 thoughts on “Tank Track Chassis Assembly Guide”
Mark Edwards
Step 6 shows parts on the chassis to f attach the lid (step 10), but there are no instructions telling you to install them.
xsm
– All the plastic and acrylic parts are covered with protective film. If you peel everything off before starting, you get a shiny black core with transparent sides.
– Step 5 goes before 4. I assembled mine using the supplied tools and the screwdriver was too long for step 5 after step 4, so I had to undo 4, do 5, and then redo 4.