StoRPer: An Affordable Modular All-Wheel Drive Robot Platform

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Introduction


Remember the rugged "Stomper" toys from the late '80s? Those little electric cars with all-wheel drive and a 2-speed gearbox? Well, meet StoRPer, an open-source robot platform inspired by those iconic toys. StoRPer aims to be an affordable way to dive into robotics, and it's built around the Raspberry Pi Pico. Let's explore this modular marvel!


 Table of Contents


1. The Stomper Influence

2. Materials and Components

3. Building the Chassis

4. Motor Options

5. Custom Motor Mounts

6. Expansion Possibilities

7. Power Options

8. Conclusion


 1. The Stomper Influence


StoRPer draws inspiration from the ruggedness and versatility of the Stomper toys. But instead of just forwards and backwards, StoRPer offers more options. It's essentially a printed circuit board (PCB) that serves as the chassis for your robot. Here's what makes it exciting:


- Four Motor Drivers

The PCB features four motor driver circuits based on the L9110S drive IC. Why four? Because options are great! You can build it as a straightforward 4-wheel drive machine or explore fancy movements with mecanum wheels.


- Customizable Motor Mounts

 Rather than relying on commercial N20 motor mounts, StoRPer uses custom-designed motor mount holes. This flexibility allows for various motor configurations, including future tracked robot assemblies.


- Add-On Compatibility

The front connector on the PCB lets you create add-on devices easily using standard 2.54mm pitch pin headers. Whether it's sensors, cameras, or other modules, StoRPer can accommodate them.


 2. Materials and Components


Here's what you'll need:


- Raspberry Pi Pico

 The heart of StoRPer.


- Color TFT Display

 Optional but cool!


- Four N20 Motors

These affordable motors provide the wheels with power.


- 3D-Printed Motor Mounts

Attach the motors securely to the chassis.


3. Building the Chassis


1. Print the PCB

 Use your 3D printer to create the StoRPer chassis.


2. Mount the Motors

Bolt the N20 motors into place using the custom motor mounts.


3. Connect the Motors

 Solder the motor wires to the motor driver connector pads.


4. Motor Options


- N20 motors are recommended due to their affordability and availability.

- Consider different gear ratios based on your desired speed and torque.


5. Custom Motor Mounts


- The extra space in the motor mount holes allows for creativity.

- Design specific mounts for different purposes or even a tracked robot assembly.


6. Expansion Possibilities


- Explore add-ons like sensors, cameras, or pan-and-tilt mechanisms.

- Use the remaining pins from the Pico for your custom modules.


 7. Power Options


- Run StoRPer directly from the Pico's USB socket using a small USB power bank.

- Connect an 18650 or 14500 cell directly to the power pins (up to 5.5V).


 8. Conclusion


Congratulations! You've built your own StoRPer—a versatile, customizable robot platform. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned maker, StoRPer invites you to explore the world of robotics. Now go forth, tinker, and create your own Stomper-inspired adventures! 🤖🔧



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