Single Motor Steerable Car

This project is another single motor steerable design. It was inspired by a toy called the Astrobase that had a car called the scout car. I think it used a similar drive mechanism.

The car is propelled by a 60 or 100 rpm N20 gear motor. A switch box with 3 AAs provides the forward/reverse control for the motor. When the motor is run in forward the drive wheel propels the car. When the motor is run in reverse the drive wheel is rotated to select the direction. It uses the same floating pinion gear common in old toys. I have used it on other single motor designs.

This is a difficult project to build. You have to make slip rings from 8MM brass tubing. I used a tubing cutter. A shaft has to be cut from .125 inch or 3MM brass rod. The brushes for the slip rings are made from paper clips. All the parts have to rotate freely.

You will need some 8MM brass tubing and .125 inch or 3MM brass rod. You will also need some 2MM X 8MM plastic screws and 3MM X 8MM plastic screws.

The threaded parts should be printed with 100% infill.

The files ring_gear_plate.stl and new_deck_pods.stl should be printed with supports where touching build plate. The file pilot_dome_2.stl doesn't need supports but it has a sacrificial bridge across the hole at the top, so you have to cut it out. The board_mount.stl is not needed for the wire controlled version. The car could also be controlled a Coke can car transmitter and receiver but I haven't done it yet. That's what the board_mount file is for.

I made a few videos while developing the design and the videos have more details.

Category: Mechanical Toys