This is a modular, snap-and-go TankShield. It uses TriAngles to prop up a DoubleTall ExtenderShield at just the perfect angle to snap an Arduino on the back. It has dual motors which are controlled by the Arduino through serial commands, and can run from a Lithium Backpack. And since it uses an ExtenderShield, it can also be connected to other shields too.

Here is the TankShield base which houses a geared motor drive train and dual hall-effect sensor interface for speed measurement.



The Double Tall ExtenderShield and TriAngles connect the Arduino to the TankShield and give extra prototyping space for other sensors.



Here the TankShield is using a TouchShield Slide display to say “hello” display status. The remote control interface made using XBee Shields for long range remote control. The power is provided through Lithium Backpacks, making a fully remote controlled TankShield Robot.



Serial API

The TankShield listens for serial commands on Arduino pins 12 and 13 to control movement and report back speed. The commands are sent as plain ASCII text.

THROTTLE

Syntax:
THROTTLE|left-gear-box|right-gear-box; – Controls the power to the left and right treads.

Example:
Here is an example that makes the TankShield spin in a circle:
THROTTLE|175|-175;

GETSPEED

Syntax:
GETSPEED; – Returns the speed of each wheel in milliseconds between wheel revolutions.

Example:
GETSPEED;

The TankShield will respond back with:
500| 545;

Specifications

Mechanical_Information

Electrical_Information



Other Projects

Mike’s_Tank_Project