Arduino Tank Robot | DFROBOT Devastator

Introduction

Welcome back, makers! Today, we're diving into the awesome DFRobot Devastator Tank. This mobile robot kit, powered by metal gear DC motors and designed to work with Arduino, features a robust aluminum alloy frame and a suspension system, making it perfect for navigating challenging terrain. With numerous mounting holes, it's highly customizable for various projects like exploration, gripping, or outdoor monitoring.

In this Instructable, we'll guide you through unboxing and assembling your Devastator Tank. We'll also share our insights on its performance and capabilities.

Assembly

Let's get started on building your Devastator Tank!

Step 1: Prepare the Body Parts

First, gather the plastic body components:

• Damper (A3): You'll need six of these, three for each side. They act like mini suspensions for the robot.
• Wheel Holders (A1): Identify these by the numbers '2' and '3' printed on them. They'll secure the wheels in place.
• Nose Holder (part 11): This special part holds the front wheel steady.
• Arm Link (A4): This part assists the Nose Holder.

Once you have all these plastic parts, you're ready to snap them together.

Step 2: Assemble the Left Armor

Now, let's build the left side of your robot:

• Locate the Left Armor (B4): This is the Metal Side Plate. Look for a tiny triangle shape and some pre-attached nuts to identify it.
• Attach Dampers and Wheel Holders: Use the 16mm Phillips screws and locknuts to securely fasten the Dampers and Wheel Holders to the Left Armor.
• Install the DC Motor: Attach the DC motor using the 6mm screws, then slide in the Metal D Shaft.
• Fix the Wheels: Use the self-tapping screws to attach the wheels onto the Wheel Holders.

And just like that, your Left Armor is complete!

Step 3: Assemble the Right Armor

The right side of the robot is a mirror image of the left. Simply repeat all the steps from "Assemble the Left Armor" to build your Right Armor.

Step 4: Add the Tank Treads

Once both the Left and Right Armor assemblies are ready, attach the tank treads around the wheels. Now your robot is really starting to look like a tank!

Step 5: Prepare the Base Plate

This is where all the electronics will go:

• Motor Driver Shield: I'm using a Motor Driver Shield stacked on top of an Arduino to control the motors.
• RC Receiver: For wireless control, I've added an RC Receiver.
• Battery: For power, I'm using a 7.4V Li-ion battery, secured with Velcro tape for easy swapping.

Step 6: Prepare the Top Plate

Customize your Top Plate:

• Sticker: I added a cool sticker to personalize the robot.
• Power Management: Include a rocker switch and a DC jack to manage the power supply.
• Cooling Fan: I also mounted a small DC fan to help keep the motor driver chip cool during operation.

Step 7: Final Assembly

Now for the most exciting part — bringing everything together! Carefully assemble the Left Armor, Right Armor, Base Plate, and Top Plate to form your complete robot.

Conclusion

Overall, the DFRobot Devastator Tank is an excellent choice for beginners, especially if you're looking to build robots with cameras, robotic arms, or other cool add-ons.

Pros:

• Effective Shock Absorbers: The suspension system provides smooth movement across rough terrain.
• Durable Metal Body: The robust metal build is super strong and can even support lifting small weights.

Cons:

• Arduino Uno Mounting: Despite numerous mounting holes, there's no direct support for mounting an Arduino Uno, requiring a custom solution.
• Outdated Manual: The official manual is a bit outdated and can be confusing for first-timers. However, by following this guide, you'll be just fine!

In the end, I'd give this kit a solid 4 out of 5 stars.

If you found this Instructable helpful, please give it a like and subscribe if you're new here. Let us know in the comments what you'd like to see us try next with this robot! Until then, stay safe and keep making!