Screaming Locust is a dual-motor remote-controlled tank-style sumo bot featuring an Arduino microcontroller controlling two high-torque motors with orbital transmissions. Built for low speed pushing its custom motor shield uses a combination of 3-volt relays and fast switching transistors to provide variable speed adjustment and low heat characteristics while battling opponents. It is powered with eight nickel-metal hydride cells, and remotely controlled with dual Wii Nunchuck remotes for simultaneous pilot and co-pilot operation.
At 3.66 lbs the Screaming Locust is a formidable opponent.
Screaming Locust top side view with major features
Taking almost 12 months to make, the Screaming Locust is built to push.
- 2 high torque symmetrically balanced motors with locked stopped position and orbital gear transmissions
- Welded and threaded aluminium axils with direct driveshafts
- Nickel-metal hydride rechargeable cells
- On-board ATMEL ATmega328 microprocessor in Arduino Duemilanove configuration
- 2.4 Gigahertz wireless communications with 433MHz sideband
- Two sided operation
- Rugged hand crafted aluminium chassis
- Custom power switch cover imported from china
- On-board radio for tunes
- Relays and fast switching transistors with electrically isolated left and right channels
- Remote control operation with Wii nunchuck
- Dual 100+ decibel sirens
- Practice golf ball for single third wheel.
Special thanks to
- Arduino - http://www.arduino.cc/
- Adafruit - for their parts and tutorials
- Tod Kurt - for his instruction and inspiration
- Gold Coast Hobby for motivation
- Dr. Wolf, Mr. Lee and Mr. Maier - for their sponsorship
- Paul Kurtlando - for his battery advice
- Jose B. - for his expert TIG welding
