Summary of Tankbot – Internet Controlled Tank Robot using Arduino
This article details the construction of "Tankbot," a physical Arduino-controlled tank inspired by the classic arcade game Tank Wars. The project involves building a locomotion platform using Tamiya parts, integrating an Arduino Uno with a motor shield for movement, and adding Wi-Fi capability via a WiFly module for web-based control. It features obstacle avoidance using a Parallax Ping sensor and includes a laser-firing turret controlled by a servo. The build process covers mechanical assembly, power management with RC batteries, iterative coding, and final integration of internet connectivity.
Parts used in Tankbot:
- Tamiya Dual Motor Gearbox
- Tamiya Tank Treads
- Universal Mounting Platform
- Arduino Uno
- Arduino Motor Shield
- Sparkfun ProtoScrew Shield
- Laser Pointer
- Parallax Ping
- Mini Servo
- Nuts, Bolts, Standoffs, Plexiglass
- Dynamite Prophet Sport II Charger
- Dynamite 7.2v Battery
- WiFly RN-XV
- XBee Breakout
- TSL230R Sensor (for target)
- Sparkfun TriColor LED (for target)
Do you remember a game called Tank Wars? This is an attempt to make a physical version of that classic arcade game. You, the player drive an Arduino powered tank and fire a laser at a target.
This project uses an Arduino to control a tank through a web page. The tank is driven from a control panel on a web page, that is communicated to over a WiFly. The tank uses a Parallax Ping to avoid obstacles, a servo for aiming the turret and a Tamiya tank platform for locomotion.
Why did I make this you ask? Because like everyone else I wanted to make a tank that fired lasers.
Step 1: Parts
For the tank you will need:
-Tamiya Dual Motor Gearbox: http://www.sparkfun.com/products/319
-Tamiya Tank Treads: http://www.sparkfun.com/products/321
-Universal Mounting Platform: http://www.sparkfun.com/products/10016
-Arduino Uno
-Arduino Motor Shield
-Sparkfun ProtoScrew Shield: http://www.sparkfun.com/products/9729
-Laser Pointer
-Parallax Ping: www.parallax.com/tabid/768/ProductID/92/Default.aspx
-Mini Servo: http://www.hitecrcd.com/products/analog/micro-mini/hs-55.html
-Nuts, Bolts, Standoffs, Plexiglass
-Dynamite Prophet Sport II : http://www.dynamiterc.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=DYN4063
-Dynamite 7.2v Battery: http://www.dynamiterc.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=DYN1466
-WiFly RN-XV : http://www.sparkfun.com/products/10822
-XBee Breakout: http://www.sparkfun.com/products/8276
For the target you will need:
-Arduno
-TSL230R : http://www.sparkfun.com/products/8940
-Sparkfun TriColor LED :http://www.sparkfun.com/products/10111
Step 2: Tank: Build
You will need to assemble the following:
-Gear Box
-Tank Treads
-Universal Platform.
I used nuts and bolts to create a platform above this for the Arduino, Servo and PING.
I copied the dimensions of the Universal Plate set for the plexi glass second platform.
The laser pointer can be attached to the servo horn.
But what was really tricky for me, the Arduino Motor Shield uses up a ton of pins, but you cannot see it quickly as it is wired internally. I found it helpful to just quick sketch it out.
Step 3: Power
The tank motors require a lot of power and I did not want to wear down AA batteries or 9v that quickly. The RC car community has spent a good bit of time figuring out small power. So I picked up a Dynamite 7.2v 1750mah battery and Dynamite Sport II charger.
Then used a plug to connect to the motorshield’s screw terminal.
Step 4: Tank: Load Code
v.2 of the code updated on 3/29.
tankbot.ino9 KBStep 5: Tank: Iterative Build – Object avoiding tank
To make the task a bit easier I built it first to just be an object avoiding robot. I attached the motors, a RC car rechargeable battery, the Arduino and the PING. When
Step 6: Tank: Iterative Build – Web Enabled Tank
Next I added a platform to the body and added the WiFly to get the tank to be controlled over the internet.
At this point the control was just telnetting to port 2000 and sending a command.
Step 7: Tank: Iterative Build – Robot Tanks with Lasers
For this part I attached the servo to the “control platform” by cutting a piece of plexi glass, then routing a hole in it for the servo to sit.
The laser pointer was attached to the servo horn and wired to the Arduino.
-Tamiya Tank Treads: http://www.sparkfun.com/products/321
-Universal Mounting Platform: http://www.sparkfun.com/products/10016
-Arduino Uno
-Arduino Motor Shield
-Sparkfun ProtoScrew Shield: http://www.sparkfun.com/products/9729
-Laser Pointer
-Parallax Ping: www.parallax.com/tabid/768/ProductID/92/Default.aspx
-Mini Servo: http://www.hitecrcd.com/products/analog/micro-mini/hs-55.html
-Nuts, Bolts, Standoffs, Plexiglass
-Dynamite Prophet Sport II : http://www.dynamiterc.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=DYN4063
-Dynamite 7.2v Battery: http://www.dynamiterc.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=DYN1466
-WiFly RN-XV : http://www.sparkfun.com/products/10822
-XBee Breakout: http://www.sparkfun.com/products/8276
For more detail: Tankbot – Internet Controlled Tank Robot using Arduino
- How is the tank controlled?
The tank is driven from a control panel on a web page communicated over WiFly. - What component does the tank use to avoid obstacles?
The tank uses a Parallax Ping sensor to avoid obstacles. - Which battery was chosen for the tank motors?
A Dynamite 7.2v 1750mah battery was picked to provide sufficient power. - How is the laser pointer attached to the tank?
The laser pointer is attached to the servo horn. - Can the tank be controlled over the internet?
Yes, a WiFly module allows the tank to be controlled over the internet via telnet. - What library is required to load the code on the tank?
The code requires the WiFly libraries found at arduinology.blogspot.com. - What material was used to create the second platform for components?
Plexiglass was cut to dimensions matching the Universal Plate set for the second platform. - What sensor is used in the target unit?
The target uses a TSL230R sensor.
