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How to Wire a Battlebot

Battlebot competition is popular in a wide circle of enthusiasts, and many Battlebot fans may be interested in how to create their own. Outside of design principles and weapon inclusion, the basic elements of the machine must be wired in a certain way.

Things You'll Need

Servos
Drill
Screwdriver
Velcro or bonding material
Receiver
Battery pack
Twist tie

Instructions

- 1
  Decide the manner in which your Battlebot will run. There are a number of options to consider when deciding on a motor. Robots usually rely on DC PM motors. Often, two motors--one for the right and one for the left side--are utilized.
- 2
  Locate your Battlebot frame and drill holes on each side of the base. These holes will provide for the secure attachment of the servos, or motors. Drill holes near each of the wheels so that the servos are in the vicinity of the wheels.
- 3
  Attach the servos to the frame, fastening screws through the holes you drilled to tighten the device to the frame.
- 4
  Add a securing mechanism onto the body of your Battlebot, such as Velcro. Any other bonding material can also be used, however. This is where the receiver will go for all the Battlebot's components.
- 5
  Add the receiver to the frame and the bonding agent. The receiver should be added onto the Velcro/bonding material, but only in any area where it will not interfere with the functioning of the Battlebot, its weaponry or any other components. The receiver should also be placed in an area where the servos and the battery pack are easily accessible.
- 6
  Locate your selected battery pack. The most common--and the best fit for a battlebot and any related robot of that class--are battery packs in the mold of RC car battery packs. These battery packs have cells that are either nickel cadmium (NiCd) or nickel metal hydride (NiMH). These battery packs can either be arranged in a series or in a cluster (also known as a nest). Usually, these packs are held in place by heat shrink tubing, which acts as a case.
- 7
  Attach the battery pack in the same manner the receiver was attached in the previous step.
- 8
  Utilize the receiver to connect the different components of the Battlebot together. The servos and the battery pack will each be plugged into the end of the receiver. The receiver has multiple channels at the end. Attach the servos and the battery pack to the receiver's channels. The only thing to keep in mind is that the battery pack and the servos must be attached to opposite ends of the receiver.
- 9
  Clean up any hanging wires that may impede the movement of the Battlebot. A twist tie is a good way to keep wires out of the way.

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