Custom car chassis for my robot

[Rickz2020]

Hi everyone,

I bought an RC car and pulled it apart to use as a base for my robot. I was hoping to use the existing motors and steering mechanisms, but unfortunately the motors stall as there is no way to control them (eg rotateTo or lock) - they are not NXT compatible.

So, while I still try and fix this problem, I thought I'd look into building a chassis from scratch. Here's what I need:

A base chassis ---- Maybe some PCB(Circuit board cut to shape)? Or maybe some perspex?
Compatible steering linkage system (best if in kit form)
Compatible wheels ----- Large wheels would be better so that the robot is higher off the ground.
Preferably 4WD ----- 2WD is fine too, I just need it to be reasonably strong( vague, I know). Strong enough to carry the NXT, some sensors and a standard RC car battery pack.
Motors ----- very important that I can control them just as I would the standard LEGO Mindstorms motors. Eg: Lock, RotateTo, Tacho...

I was wondering if any of you have done this and can provide some insight into what I need to do? I'm in the UK as as I'm a student, I cannot spend large sums of money, so the cheapest option would be best.

I'm not to bothered about the shape but if I had to choose the best, I'd say rectangular box shaped - like a shoe box.

Thanks for reading,

Rich.

EDIT: Would a car like this be compatible with the NXT? (will I be able to control the steering motors - tacho, stop, lock, RotateTo...ect?)
http://www.amazon.co.uk/LEGO-Racers-836 ... B000308K04

[s.frings]

Use the Servo Controller: viewtopic.php?f=6&t=2952.

For the RotateTo function you need to attach a rotation sensor to the motors. In easiest case this can be a visual marker on an axis or gear that you sense with an optical sensor such as this one: http://www.conrad.de/ce/de/product/153794/

Of course you would need to write your own implementation of the RegulatedMotor interface, to adapt it to the custom hardware.

[sarah123]

Use the Servo Controller: viewtopic.php?f=6&t=2952.

For the RotateTo function you need to attach a rotation sensor to the motors. In easiest case this can be a visual marker on an axis or gear that you sense with an optical sensor such as this one: http://www.conrad.de/ce/de/product/153794/

Of course you would need to write your own implementation of the RegulatedMotor interface, to adapt it to the custom hardware.

Hi Frings,
Thanks for the information.Can you give me some more information, please? Have any bad effect for motor if I add a rotation sensor? Seriously.