CAD crawler

[Hard Core RC Guy]

Okay, I've been holding off for awhile. Don't have enough time to spend on this project, but I plan on fabricating some parts soon. I'll actually be using 1/8" thick artboard to make the prototype chassis parts (no water boggin). And I'll see what I can get up here for shots. I'm doing all the modeling and measuring myself to get the concept. Here it goes. Much is still not finalized, but enough planned to go a little into fab. Final parts will be anodized aluminum...color, not sure of yet, I have a few options.

TLT based/Moabs/Pede trans/etc.

What do you think so far?

J :cool:

[P8ntballer]

Nice work. I'm guessing Solidworks? Looks good, should work well.

[awnelson]

I think it's a good start. I actually had to laugh though. It's the first electronic rendition that had the tires on backwards on one side of the truck.

What did you use for modeling software? I have a complete 1/18th modeled up in SolidWorks. Then I went to work for a company that only uses ProE and I have lost interest in modeling stuff. Take off measurements are a pain when you are using someone else's parts mated to your assembly.

[Hard Core RC Guy]

SW is correct. I know about the tires, I used one wheel assembly for ease of use, just to get an idea. It's tough just working on it at night with family and all. So I still have alot I want to do. The wheels are just rustler donations, but I have some narrow beadlocks coming. Time is the worst part though. And I still need to alter some link lengths and locations to get the articulation I want right. later guys.

J :cool:

[tq_racing]

looks nice, hope to have my tlt cad crawler to contribute to the thread in a day or two, just got the kit in the mail today, will start modeling tonight.

[Hard Core RC Guy]

good thing, those kits are going to become scarce in the near future. I got mine from Hobby People. What system will you be using? TQ, I just viewed your profile...you were 2yrs old when I graduated HS, making me feel old....I've been using SW almost 12yrs now, and used SDRC for 6yrs before that....where did the time go? Think I'll fix the tires tonight for awnelson (it's kinda bugged me anyway, but I usually have them hidden so I keep forgetting). I'll bet you have more free time (and maybe money) than I do!

J :cool:

okay, fixed the tires just for AW...and my sanity, what's left....

[Hard Core RC Guy]

quickly figuring out that center linkage is very crucial to the way the axle behaves. I'll have to reposition the center linkage attach points to calm down the axle rotation during articulation. I still have some chassis mods for that might need to happen. I'm also shooting for a 40/60 setup. Here's a shot of the rear axle. You see the hard angle the center links would have. No problem, I haven't made them yet...

J :cool:

[awnelson]

Hardcore, lookin' good. I think the ball ends on the upper links will be fine; plan on using the balls that have a pedistal and there will be enough clearance.

BTW, found mine. Here's the last semester of design school all in one picture. No, I won't tell anything about it.

[Hard Core RC Guy]

pic is fuzzy, what happened? Looks good from what I can tell. Are you using the Wildfire proE? Or just really old ProE?

J :cool:

[awnelson]

It's SW 2004 and I was trying to cut the size down but the pic deinterlaced badly. It was late. My ProE at work is Wildfire 2.0 so I don't spend much time on SW at home.

[tq_racing]

I use AutoCAD 2006 for most 3D and 2007 for some. 2006 has better shade styles in my openion for 3D.

I have been using autocad for 7-8 years now, since I was a freshman in High School. But I have neither time nor money. My family takes most of both of those. I will have some screen shots up tonight of a few different parts. Im going for the 3D model of the TLT out of box, then the TLT when I am done modding it.

My 3D models have EVERY part modeled in them from the balls in the diffs to gears in the axles, that away I can do exploded views, section and all that fun stull.

TQ

[awnelson]

I model parts at work for a living... we don't model threads or springs if we can avoid it. Some of the assemblies are so big that the regeneration time is out of this world anyway and helixes only make it worse. It is good to do screws and threads at their major diameter and then put cosmetic threads in if really needed.

[suckfish]

looks great, i know this is alot to ask but are you willing to share your basic tlt plans.. I am a drafter by trade we use Microstation where I work but everything is done in 2d. I would love to play with a 3d file. I do have AutoCAD & I just bought a tlt.. great job

[Hard Core RC Guy]

Hey Fish, thanks for the complements, but even I was willing to share the files I'm not quite happy with it yet. I'll send you a PM though.

later,

J :cool:

[suckfish]

Hey Fish, thanks for the complements, but even I was willing to share the files I'm not quite happy with it yet. I'll send you a PM though.

later,

J :cool:
Thanks Hardcore, hey we are neighbors both in Western Ma..

[associatedude92]

Where did you guys download the CAD, and Solidworks program?

[tq_racing]

This is the basics of my crawler, I do have to say thanks to a few guys over on rccrawler for a few of the parts (I have started modeling my own but used theirs for mock ups)

Used the 3D to help design the chassis.

http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r288/caddexpressllc/3.jpg
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r288/caddexpressllc/2.jpg
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r288/caddexpressllc/1.jpg


This is just the basics right now, top links are missing and the lower links are not what will be on the crawler, I plan on running bent links.

TQ

[Hard Core RC Guy]

Where did you guys download the CAD, and Solidworks program?

Solidworks is not a home software. It's the #1 industry leading Desktop engineering package, and the current version will only run on XP professional. Starting at $4k for basic (without service contract). If you are a student, you can get the student edition cheaper. It's a similar thing with Tq's AutoCad/Inventor or any other high end 3D modeler. There are basically two types of 3D packages, those for engineering and those for graphics/advertisment. While both have similarities the usages and prices are quite different.

J :cool:

[Hard Core RC Guy]

Tq, looks like a good start, the axles look nicely done...and I think you should call it the boomerang! I took a more minimalist approach and only put in what I needed to save time. It does have some problem areas right off the bat, but you may already know them, so I'll just mention a little. The one side of your rails that has the pede transmission open will be a point of flex, you need either a spanning connector member or solid material to keep it from pulling/pushing apart. Watch the offset of the transmission, by keeping the drive shafts in line with the axle outputs, your crawler will be off-balance (to one side), unless you use a counterweight (battery maybe). The shocks of course interfere with your plates as shown, don't get stuck with all those holes you can't use due to the shock fit. And be aware of the sliding drive shafts, the distance is limited and you may need to extend them. I've been able to animate my suspension, and that help tremendously with what to lookout for. Make sure your center links are long enough and pivot close to the lower links. My first shot had bad axle rotation. Keep up the good work!

J :cool:
This is the basics of my crawler, I do have to say thanks to a few guys over on rccrawler for a few of the parts (I have started modeling my own but used theirs for mock ups)

Used the 3D to help design the chassis.


This is just the basics right now, top links are missing and the lower links are not what will be on the crawler, I plan on running bent links.

TQ

[tq_racing]

The Boomerang, I think that name is it, thanks.

For the side that is standing out on its own it is connected with 3 metal rods to the other solid side. I have made the chassis out of a cutting board material and it flexis VERY little, out of aluminum I am not to worried about flex. The shocks have been offset with a spacer, and all those holes have been replaced with 3 just for testing purposes. The drive lines are straight with the axles, that is what Autocadd helped with was where to position the tranny. To balance the weight I will use the placement of batteries.

I will be making a build up thread of it shortly.

[Hard Core RC Guy]

can't wait to see it TQ!! I'm going simple with ROCK-1 for now...maybe it'll stick...I don't know.

Help with a name anybody? :D

[tq_racing]

I looked long and hard at yours, and no name jumps right out at me. I showed my chassis to the wife last night and she said boomerang right of the bat as well.

[suckfish]

good thing, those kits are going to become scarce in the near future. I got mine from Hobby People. What system will you be using? TQ, I just viewed your profile...you were 2yrs old when I graduated HS, making me feel old....I've been using SW almost 12yrs now, and used SDRC for 6yrs before that....where did the time go? Think I'll fix the tires tonight for awnelson (it's kinda bugged me anyway, but I usually have them hidden so I keep forgetting). I'll bet you have more free time (and maybe money) than I do!

J :cool:

okay, fixed the tires just for AW...and my sanity, what's left....
Hey Hardcore you graduated in 82 too... :bang:

[suckfish]

well guys here is my start on design using 3d.. being done with MicroStation V8

[Hard Core RC Guy]

Hey Hardcore you graduated in 82 too... :bang:

Sorry fish, your math co-processor must be on year-light savings time. I'm an 87 grad....the wife is 82 though....

J :cool:

[suckfish]

:driving: yeah it is.. .

[Hard Core RC Guy]

Have all my material, now just need some CNC time....(where can I buy extra time?? It's the hardest part!)

still no names.....how about body choices? I really like the bronco, but it's kinda like the everyone has one effect....Power wagon or axial wagon has potential for the right wheel base and looks.....ahh, maybe I'll just put a 2x4 on it and call it "lumber"

J :cool:

[500swmag]

Here's mine I'm using a new design package called "doodle cad ver 2.0"

what do ya'll think?

http://www.hunt101.com/img/481453.jpg

LOL

Nice work John, Looking good

[500swmag]

here's my real CAD crawler
getting there, long way to go though.

http://www.hunt101.com/img/481454.jpg

[Hard Core RC Guy]

doodle cad looks better!

Hey, those models look pretty familiar....that guy must be pretty good you got them from... :D

I think you gotz some sharp corners to remove too bub...

JB customs right?

J :cool:

[Hard Core RC Guy]

Here's mine I'm using a new design package called "doodle cad ver 2.0"

what do ya'll think?


LOL

Nice work John, Looking good

Hey, just because my initial starts with J when I sign, doesn't mean it's John....oh wait a minute..yeah, I'm Bob, or Fred...I can't seem to remember?

Uhhhhh....hello? That was cool.....

back to your cube monkey B...

[suckfish]

hardcore , went out an bought me a Mamba Max today... gotta love a local hobby shop.. i'll be in touch about parts

[JaWs66]

Does anyone know if there is a freeware version of CAD software available?

[tq_racing]

Not the true autocadd, Im sure you can find 3D programs for free, but who know how good they are. you may be able to get a 30day trial download from Autodesk (the maker of autocadd)

Just hunt around, Im sure you can find something.

[Hard Core RC Guy]

freeware for 3D maybe, but it will most likely be for graphics presentations not mechanical applications. In many cases you get what you pay for, if you're a student look into getting Solidworks into your school. Many high school and vocational schools have drafting programs, and higher education programs will have it in some form.

there is no substitute for industry CAD.

J :cool:

[tq_racing]

I agree with Hard Core, I have used and sampled my fare share of programs. Personal favorite is still AutoCADD but then again that my be because I am so familiar with it, as I have been using it every day since the 8th grade (10 years). I have used solid works, inventor, 3D Max just to name a few, but always come back to CAD for my large design projects.

TQ

[Hard Core RC Guy]

hard to believe, I've been doing 3D modeling for about 17 years now, 11+ with SolidWorks. Sorry, I'm no fan of AutoCad, but don't deny it's place in the industry.

J :cool:

[tq_racing]

Im sure if I worked with solid works enough I would grow to like it (each program has its place, and its + and - about it) I was just trained on CAD and have been self teaching myself the other programs. But I have used a combination of multipule programs to get a desired output for some clients.

TQ

[associatedude92]

If anyone finds a free download let me know. I want to design some stuff, and take it to a older friend of mine to macine. Being 14 gets pretty boring.

[cianhanrahan]

have you used google sketchup?

[Hard Core RC Guy]

I've had no time to spend on anything...but did manage to model up my RC4wd Beadlocks, and make a cartoonish Bronco body. Don't have one in my hands to measure...so it's just a 5 minute mockup placeholder. I have enough info to make parts, but that's where I hit another obsticle. Work is too busy to make them, and a few other options I have didn't pan out.

J

[Hard Core RC Guy]

okay, a little messin around with Photoworks again...it'll only get better once I have an actual body in my hands....

[suckfish]

HardCore, your crawler is looking good.. I havent had too much luck with getting any of the guys here to offer up some machine time.. apperantley since union contract talks have started they dont do a hole lot..

[500swmag]

.. this forum is for fun, I retract all statements

[suckfish]

unions.......eeeeevvvvilll

ouch.. first I am a independant contractor, Unions had thier place in history. But the more I see what goes on in the world as a whole. Unions may be the only thing left that actually keeps our pay scale going up. Especially as much as some of these big companies are making off the average worker. Corperate America = eeeeevvvvillll

[Hard Core RC Guy]

alright children, that enough banter...back to really important stuff like crawlin', and RC, and helicopters....oh my!

I like unions, they're good fried up with steak!

J :cool:

[500swmag]

.........

[500swmag]

updates:

finally got from CAD to CNC. Slow.
http://www.hunt101.com/img/491286.jpg
final CAD models

http://www.hunt101.com/img/491287.jpg
cutting

http://www.hunt101.com/img/491288.jpg
frame rails (2 sets)

Mock up photos.
http://www.hunt101.com/img/491289.jpg
http://www.hunt101.com/img/491290.jpg

slow going and will be slower when my new AX10 comes in the mail... whenever that will be. :D

[MattHiggins]

500swmag, why did you rotate the transmission? In earlier posts, the tranny position puts the motor down low. In the above image, it's up high. Is the frame rail spacing too narrow to put the tranny flat?

[500swmag]

:confused: Well Matt.... uuuh, yeah, I don't know why I did that. Mainly because I would have to space the frame rails a lot wider or cut the frame to clear the motor/tranny and let it hang out the side. I am building this as a semi scale so I figured a little bit higher COG, while prohibitive to competition, wouldn't be as big a deal in a scale or trail class. Plus I figured mounting the battery on the frame rails far out weighs the position of the motor in contributing to a higher COG. Maybe I will be proved to be wrong. :huh:

[Hard Core RC Guy]

Hey SW500mag, those are some nice pics. if you get hungry you snack on the 9 lives can....you ordered an AX10? what a coincidence, so didn't I! perhaps we could...nah, never mind....

With any luck, my parts are being made this weekend, in the mean time, here's a pic I like to call Crawler in the Mist......

J :cool:

[MattHiggins]

That looks fantastic.

[Hard Core RC Guy]

the amazing hovering crawler.......

[Hard Core RC Guy]

Watch out, this build is looking good! Check out the wheelbase!

and the awesome articulation!!! :D

[500swmag]

slow going, frame cross members and skid plate under tranny today after work.
http://www.hunt101.com/img/494125.jpg
its no bernatchez work of art but she's coming along

[awnelson]

Nice jack stands. What do you do for work again?

[Hard Core RC Guy]

I think he's a partner in JB customs....where we put the creepy, back in crawler........uh, and that's copyrighted. I copied it right on to paper.

and can't you start your own thread man! :D

J :cool:

[500swmag]

got those supports in a deal for a logan 820. I work at S&W. R&D and Design.
BC

[Hard Core RC Guy]

got those supports in a deal for a logan 820. I work at S&W. R&D and Design.
BC

S&W=Scissors and Wallpaper?
BC=before cornholio.....

[suckfish]

starting to look really good.. Keep going

[balang_479]

amazing cad drawings.

[500swmag]

let's go HCRCG, it's 7pm friday I don't see any pics...

[Hard Core RC Guy]

Sorry sw500mag, man it's tough!! I got like stuff to do! Thanks for the assistance BTW!

a critter is born!!

J :cool:

[500swmag]

looking good

[hauling]

nice now i think i want to do a crawler.

[Hard Core RC Guy]

goofing around, I'd thought I'd try a mock up pic. Two pieces of glued art board make up the base right now. I have no links to work with yet, but just wanted to get a feel for this thing. Already, I see some thing I'd like to do different, but it keeps me busy.....the body is just an old proline stadium from my now dismantled Rusty. I'm getting there....

J :cool:

[balang_479]

i love the chassis, not too mad on the body :)

[Hard Core RC Guy]

i love the chassis, not too mad on the body :)

ahh, the body is just something I had. I'm planning the new Chevy Blazer proline body, and probably no wheel wideners, to get just a bit more scalish look.

J :cool:

[suckfish]

ahh, the body is just something I had. I'm planning the new Chevy Blazer proline body, and probably no wheel wideners, to get just a bit more scalish look.

J :cool:
Hey Hardcore, so youre getting close.. We had a good Compittion down at Pequot Ledge, even if the weather was not great we didnt really get wet at all.. Let me know when youre ready to practice we can head up to Mt Tom. that's JB

[Hard Core RC Guy]

okay, it's pieced together, and I don't have my wheel wideners on (require modification), and the fasteners are not my end results, but I can at least say that the geometry works pretty well....one step closer! I have two parts to remake, and one to still make. But this is okay for now....

[balang_479]

looks amazing...

[Hard Core RC Guy]

thanks balang, it's a far ways from being tuned, but I'm really happy so far! Hardware has been the biggest issue now (besides finding time)...I'm running out of metric and you can't just pick up M3s at the local hardware store. I'm ordering a few boxes of diffent sizes so I'll have plenty.

later,

J

[suckfish]

hardcore , you up for a comp on the the 9th

[Hard Core RC Guy]

hardcore , you up for a comp on the the 9th

Up for it...yes. Able to go...no.

I'll be in Vermont with the family. June is the toughest month for schedules.

There is only one Sunday that nothing is planned, and it's the 3rd, and it's half used already....I am going on the 23rd to Monster madness (not to race though).

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh

J :cool:

[suckfish]

Up for it...yes. Able to go...no.

I'll be in Vermont with the family. June is the toughest month for schedules.

There is only one Sunday that nothing is planned, and it's the 3rd, and it's half used already....I am going on the 23rd to Monster madness (not to race though).

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh

J :cool:
Bummer, but we all got family.. Well you'll have to track me down, I'll be Racing at Monster Madness the whole weekend.. YIPPeeeee :D

[Hard Core RC Guy]

okay, back to work. After this weekend, I'm going full 1/2 tilt on this puppy! I need some bizarre name for this thing (I've decided Rock-1 is just, well too easy...). Post up some ideas, and I'll have no prizes for the winner!! Except, you can say...I named that mess....Oh, and I'm planning a Proline 72 chevy body for it....

My next name idea is Crunch, or maybe CrawlerWorks....

[500swmag]

how 'bout
-chebby crunch :eek:
-crunchworks :p
-rockwork orange :cool: (a little obscure reference :D)
-rockzilla :confused:
-king rock
-king crunch
...
kinda like rockwork orange, guess you know what color you gotta go with.

[suckfish]

Rock Cruncher

[Hard Core RC Guy]

I'd really like to call it "Done"...but that's not true or cool...:D

How about Zombie Wolf...anyone know that reference?

[suckfish]

how "Get'er Done" would be cool.. LOL

[Hard Core RC Guy]

Well, I'm back to work on it. Have digital camera trouble though. Using some tg10 axle stubs to work better with my wideners and beadlocks. Steering servo mounted, battery mount mostly figured out. Need to get another pair of steel yokes as the plastic on my old rustler tranny gave. Go figure I have a bunch of ESCs, but almost all are forward only (racing days). Just need some free time. No body yet, might use that stadium body for the time being. sw500mag, has been a big help...just wish I could keep up, but I'm a family guy. will post pics when I can.

Still no good names for this contraption....how about "Knot Dun":D

J

[suckfish]

"Rock Buster"
"Rock Get'er Done"
"Rocky 420"

[Hard Core RC Guy]

IT'S MOBILE!!!!

Rock-1 has arrived...well, at least it works. For no tweaking and shocks that need to be rebuilt, and whimpier than I want servo Hitec 645Mg. I'm quite pleased!! Now, onto the body!! I'll post some pics sometime soon.

Hey SF, I'm scouting out a few locations, have you checked out Mt. Tom yet?

Later,

J:cool:

[suckfish]

nice to hear that it finally works.. well I personally havent but one of the guys in the club has and said it perfect.. so anytime you want to go see how a real rig climbs just give me a holla.. Well get you crawling one of these days..
Hey SF, I'm scouting out a few locations, have you checked out Mt. Tom yet?

[Hard Core RC Guy]

so anytime you want to go see how a real rig climbs just give me a holla.. Well get you crawling one of these days..

real rig? Man, I didn't know mine was imaginary? :D I think mine is capable enough, maybe not competition ready but it works very well. Can't wait to get it on the rocks!

J:cool:

[VeeRacer]

Where can I find basic dimensions to build a crawler, wheel base, chassis height, width, etc.?

[Hikari no Tenshi]

Go to the USRCCA website and find the ruleset for the class you want to build for. It'll give you basic dimensions, beyond that, go to town.

[Hard Core RC Guy]

Where can I find basic dimensions to build a crawler, wheel base, chassis height, width, etc.?

Vee, there is no real answer. As Hikari said, if you want to compete check the basic rules, if not do whatever. basic 3 classes

scale
2.2 comp
supers

[balang_479]

mhh some updates..... looks awesome, is the battery mounted to both the chassis and servo?

[Hard Core RC Guy]

mhh some updates..... looks awesome, is the battery mounted to both the chassis and servo?

Nope, the battery sits on a thin tray that pivots on the .25" aluminum cross member. That way, when the front axle twists and compresses the battery just floats on top of the servo. Right now a thin rubber band under the servo and around the battery keeps it from flopping off on steep climbs. It's not refined yet, but works very well. By mounting it on the cross member, it keeps the battery off the 4-link and allows pretty free articulation. With the battery resting on the servo for a contact point, it helps keep weight down for traction. One thing I really need though is a stronger servo, I just had the Hitec for another buggy, and using that until I can get a servo with more torque. The rc4wd rims and wideners strain the servo, and I'm sure I'll be upgrading to some fat rock axle Cs. Biggest problem with my design was incorporating the stampede tranny, and avoiding to sharp of a drivetrain angle. It's steep, but functional. The geolanders are actually better climbers than I thought! The help keep the crawler low, which is the only drawback, clearance. I'll keep you posted. If you wants pics of anything specific let me know.

J:cool:

[Hard Core RC Guy]

still no body yet, but couldn't wait to find some rocks! Here's some from Mt. Tom, thanks to SF for wanting to climb the hill to get to it. Still many more locations to try, but man it just isn't the same without a shell...nevermind the electronics. Should have a reworked battery mount soon.

J:cool:

[suckfish]

HC and myself were able to find some good rocks to get his rig tested.. but man what a hill we had to climb..

[Hard Core RC Guy]

I checked out Skinner State Park in S.Hadley, the little bit I walked to was awesome, and I plan on going (with the camera) this Friday. Hope the weather holds up! Going to at least put on a dummy shell if I can't get the real one finished (not likely)

J:cool:

[Hard Core RC Guy]

body is painted and trimmed to normal lines. Next step, body mounting and trimming. Many different ideas on paint and finally just decided with a 72 body, clean is better. Wanted to do chrome on the back, but had a hard time getting in with a blade to trim the mask, oh well. this is metal tape, not as clean, but this is no scaler.....

[suckfish]

nice lid HC.. So maybe do some crawling after work next week.. I need a favor from Brent shouldnt be to hard for him to bang it out in a afternoon. i need a motor coupler made for one of my boats no one makes one for a 2mm shaft or to fit a mini mamba motor.. give me a shout

[Hard Core RC Guy]

Well, it's been taken all apart. Black anodized (thanks B) and looking good. Now, the body a C-10 is done, but after putting in on, it appears to nice to cut out for wheel rub. And to top it off, the B-17 body that was in the AX-10 kit that arrived today (via special delivery B) just happens to fit very nicely on Rock-1...so what to do? Put the B-17 on Rock-1 and the C-10 on the AX-10, and a beater body for crawling tomorrow? Man, these decisions are hard, perhaps I should blog....oh well here's a couple pictures to view. Still waiting for a good servo to magically appear:huh:

[Hard Core RC Guy]

what a blast today!! Boy do I need some stiffer springs though...here's a few pics
look for the Skinner Mt thread with more!

[jon1sit]

just wanted to ask do u need the bottom control arms can u put just one in the center

[Hard Core RC Guy]

just wanted to ask do u need the bottom control arms can u put just one in the center

Jon, you must be new to crawling. This is a typical "4 link" setup. And is a tried and true way to get the articulation needed for crawling. Take a look at some of the How to's, and there are some great referenced out there. As for a "control" arm in the center, I've never seen it done, but you can try....good luck.

J:cool:

[jon1sit]

i have done it since talking this morning it works but the springs have to be strong because of the body roll but i seem to get more articulation out of the truck ,and yes i'm new and still learning like a old dog needs new tricks ,i'm watching your posts and learning and thank you

[Hard Core RC Guy]

sometimes too much articulation is not a good thing. Especially depending on what class you may be competing in (if you decide to). You'll see what I mean when you get out there.....

J:cool: