pitsco Tetrix Flex-Build Robot Chassis Manual

79289
Flex-Build Robot Chassis Build Instructions

Content advising by Paul Uttley.
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Desktop publishing by Todd McGeorge.
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Check https://www.pitsco.com/TETRIX-Flex-Build-Robot-Chassis for PDF updates of this guide.
V1.0
09/22

Table of Contents
Preface
Introduction...................................................................................................................................................................................... 2
Safety Information......................................................................................................................................................................... 3
Set Components
TETRIX® Flex-Build Robot Chassis Components............................................................................................................ 4-7
TETRIX Flex-Build Robot Chassis Assembly
Robot 1 – Standard TETRIX Wheels with short wheelbase.....................................................................................8-17
Robot 2 – Mecanum Wheel Chassis .............................................................................................................................. 18-26

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Introduction
TETRIX® Flex-Build Robot Chassis
The TETRIX® Flex-Build Robot Chassis is an all-in-one kit that contains everything you need to create a
fully-functioning base for your robot!
• Its TETRIX Robo-Rail structure, made from 6063 aluminum, provides a super strong and rigid
frame construction.
• Four TorqueNADO® motors supply plenty of power for tough competition tasks.
• Two wheel styles are included: four Mecanum wheels and four 4" standard wheels, as well as
motor mounts, attachment hubs, hardware, and tools.
• The chassis can be assembled in several configurations so you can adapt your robot to the
demands of the competition.
The TETRIX MAX Building System:
• Uses elements made from heavy-duty, aircraft-grade aluminum to maximize stability, durability,
and reliability.
• Uses powerful drive motors and accurate servo motors to provide a perfect balance between
power and control.
• Can be used with almost any programmable controller to create versatile, sophisticated robots
able to handle complicated tasks.
• Offers flexibility in build design and can be expanded with additional materials.
• Gives users the opportunity to master the concepts of wiring, motor control, and much more.
• Fosters teamwork, creativity, ingenuity, and persistence among users, groups, and students of all
experience and skill levels.
• Develops real-world engineering and problem-solving skills.
Additional parts, tools, and elements can be utilized to create larger or more complex robots. These,
as well as other resources such as videos, technical information, alternative inspirational builds,
subassemblies, and activities, can be found at Pitsco.com.
Robo-Rail Features:
• The enclosed extrusion is stronger with less flex or bend than traditional channels. It makes for a
much more rigid build.
• The eight-millimeter grid hole pattern allows for finer resolution than traditional channels.
• The ends have tapped holes allowing you to screw rails together at right angles without the need
for corner brackets or kep nuts.
• Fewer hardware pieces (screws and support pieces) are needed, which reduces build time and
complexity.
• The side rails allow you to easily create strong linear motion elements. Using v-rollers that roll
along the side rails allows Robo-Rail pieces to glide past each other.
2Preface

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Safety Information
Mechanical
• Keep fingers, hair, and loose articles of clothing clear of gears and moving parts.
• Never pick up the robot while it is moving or the servo motors are running.
• Remove any burrs caused by cutting the metal beams.
• Eye protection is always recommended when modifying material by cutting, filing, or sanding or
when operating mechanical devices with moving or rotating parts and assemblies.
Electrical
• Make sure the power is turned off when the robot is not in operation.
• Do not operate the robot in a wet environment.
• Always power down the robot before making any changes.
• Use caution when working with bare wires to avoid creating a short circuit situation.
• Route wires carefully and secure them if necessary to avoid damage to the wire or its insulation.
• Mount the battery pack and all electronic components securely.
Preface 3

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Flex-Build Robot Chassis
4Set Components

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Flex-Build Robot Chassis Parts Index
Tires and Wheels
39055 TETRIX® MAX Wheel (4") (pkg of 1) ................................4
45320 TETRIX® MAX Mecanum Wheel Set (4 wheels with hub)...........1
Robo-Rails
92311 TETRIX® Robo-Rail (7-hole) (16 mm x 32 mm x 128 mm) ..........2
92313 TETRIX® Robo-Rail (11-hole) (16 mm x 32 mm x 192 mm) .........2
92316 TETRIX® Robo-Rail (17-hole) (16 mm x 32 mm x 288 mm) .........4
DC Motors and Hardware
44260 TETRIX® MAX TorqueNADO® Motor ...............................4
39376 TETRIX® MAX DC Motor Mount (37 mm) ..........................4
39079 TETRIX® MAX Motor Hub (pkg of 2) ...............................2
Nuts, Screws, and Fasteners
92368 Socket Head Cap Screw (7/8") (pkg of 100)........................1
39097 Socket Head Cap Screw (1/2") (pkg of 100)........................1
Tools and Accessories
39104 Hex Keys ..........................................................1
40341 Miniature Ball-Point Hex Driver....................................1
Set Components 5

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Flex-Build Robot Chassis Hardware Components Overview
The following mechanical parts overview includes elements from the TETRIX Flex-Build Robot Chassis.
TETRIX MAX Robo-Rail elements are identified by length in millimeters or by the number of large holes
down their face. For example, a 128 mm Robo-Rail has 7 large holes. Use the ruler at the bottom of this
spread to measure part lengths.
128 mm Robo-Rail (7-hole) 92311
288 mm Robo-Rail (17-hole) 92316
192 mm Robo-Rail (11-hole) 92313
Structural Elements
Power, Tools, and Accessories Elements
Hex Key Pack 39104
Miniature Ball-Point Hex Driver 40341
6Set Components

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DC Motor Mount 39376
Motion Elements
Motor Hub 39079
Socket Head Cap Screw 6-32 x 7/8" 92368
TorqueNADO Motor 44260
4" Wheel 39055
Mecanum Wheel Set (4 wheels with hub) 45320
Socket Head Cap Screw 6-32 x 1/2" 39097
Set Components 7

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Robot 1 – Standard TETRIX Wheels with short wheelbase
• The short wheelbase makes the robot more maneuverable with a tighter turning radius. Consider
how a skid steer loader operates.
• Standard wheels provide more traction making it easier to get up ramps, navigate over uneven
terrain, and help with weight management because they are lighter than other types of wheels
such as mecanum wheels.
• The chassis orientation can be flipped either way. With the motors underneath the chassis, the
robot has higher ground clearance to better navigate over uneven terrain. With the chassis
flipped so the motors are on top of the chassis, the chassis is lowered bringing accumulators and
pushing mechanisms closer to the ground.
• The shorter wheelbase allows for more up-front space for attaching other mechanisms.
• The standard wheels shown here can easily be swapped out for mecanum wheels to allow for
more maneuverability.
8TETRIX Flex-Build Robot Chassis Assembly

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Finished chassis should look like this.
TETRIX Flex-Build Robot Chassis Assembly 9

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Step 1
Step 2
Tip: You can identify
the correct length of
Robo-Rail by counting
the large holes.
10 TETRIX Flex-Build Robot Chassis Assembly

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Step 3
Step 4
Tip: Loosen the top
screws into the motor
mounts to make it
easier to put the screw
in from the side. Then
retighten all screws.
Tip: Loosen the top
screws into the motor
mounts to make it
easier to put the screw
in from the side. Then
retighten all screws.
TETRIX Flex-Build Robot Chassis Assembly 11

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Step 5
Step 6
12 TETRIX Flex-Build Robot Chassis Assembly

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Step 7
Step 8
Tip: Rotating the motor
in the motor mount will
impact the final height of
the chassis due to the off-
set motor shaft.
TETRIX Flex-Build Robot Chassis Assembly 13

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Step 9
Step 10
Tip: Tighten the set screw on the
motor hubs against the flat side of
the D-shaped motor output shaft.
Tip: Tighten the set screw on the
motor hubs against the flat side of
the D-shaped motor output shaft.
14 TETRIX Flex-Build Robot Chassis Assembly

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Step 11
Step 12
TETRIX Flex-Build Robot Chassis Assembly 15

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Finished chassis.
16 TETRIX Flex-Build Robot Chassis Assembly

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Variations on Robot 1 – Standard TETRIX Wheels long and short wheelbase
TETRIX Flex-Build Robot Chassis Assembly 17

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Robot 2 – Mecanum Wheel Chassis
• The mecanum wheels allow for movement in any direction without changing the orientation of
the robot (forward, backward, strafe left and right) making the robot more maneuverable. This
makes it easier to line the robot up on a target, goal, or ordinance. The mecanum wheels work
best on smooth flat surfaces.
• Like Robot 1, the chassis orientation can be flipped either way (the vertical rails just need to be
attached to the other side). With the motors underneath the chassis, the robot has higher ground
clearance to drive over obstacles. With the chassis flipped so the motors are on top of the chassis,
the chassis is lowered bringing mechanisms closer to the ground.
• The mecanum wheels can be swapped out for standard wheels that provide better traction or for
driving over uneven terrain.
• The longer wheelbase gives more balance and helps avoid tipping.
18 TETRIX Flex-Build Robot Chassis Assembly