We initially looked into the DFRobot 4WD Arduino Mobile Platform
because of its low cost and feature set. Ultimately we chose
another product instead. However, after doing an extensive review
of this product we realized that we made the wrong choice!
Once we received the DF Robot 4WD Arduino Mobile Platform we
quickly opened up and began the review process. What we noticed
right away when we opened the the kit that it had NO INSTRUCTIONS.
We were a bit thrown back because every kit we have ever used came
with instructions. Needless to say - we found that the reason why
was because the the kit was so straight forward one could do
without them.
Yet another thing we noticed is how much this platform resembled
another platform we have worked on (Lynxmotion). The kit is comes
with solid components and is easy to put together.
Overview
The DFRobot 4WD Arduino Mobile Platform provides a 4 wheel drive
system complete with 4 DC Motors. The DC Motors are not your
typical robotic actuators. Rather, they are basic DC motors that
can be picked up at your local Radio Shack for a few bucks a
pop!
DFRobot 4WD Arduino Mobile Platform Features
4WD Arduino mobile robot development platform
4 high-quality micro-speed motor
Electrical supply voltage: 3 ~ 12V
Complete chassis with mounting hardware
Variety of sensors can be added
DFRobot 4WD Arduino Mobile Platform
Specification
4WD Mobile platform Motors: 3-12V DC
Speed: 90cm/s
Dimensions: 200mm x 170mm x 105mm
DFRobot 4WD Arduino Mobile Platform Motor
Specification
Gear Ratio 1:120
No-load speed(3V):100RPM
No-load speed(6V):200RPM
No-load current(3V):60mA
No-load current(6V):71mA
Stall current(3V):260mA
Stall current(6V):470mA
Torgue (3V): 1.2Kgcm
Torque (6V): 1.92Kgcm
Size: 55mm x 48.3mm x 23mm
Weight:45g
Quick Review
Our aim here is to talk about the high level view of this robot
kit. We have created a video that quickly gets you up to speed with
the robot kit and makes everything clear. We are uploading our videos as we speak
Assembly and Construction
To make this part as easy and straight forward as possible we have
recorded a multi-part step by step video of how to assembly and
work with the DFRobot 4WD Arduino Mobile Platform.
The Kit
Support
We gave DFRobot a 4 for support. One of the main reasons is because
we have never needed any with their products. Imagine that. A
product that does not require support. We would have given them a 5
but we did not have the instructions included in the kit. Even
though the kit was easy to build - we think it would have been a
good idea to have the assembly instructions included. More
specifically when it came time to wire up the unit to the DFRobot
Arduino Romeo microcontroller. It was straight forward for us to
assembly - but may not be to the typical consumer.
Conclusion
Overall this is a great kit to get started with. This kit can be
used by beginners to advanced users. We truly thought the quality
of the construction of the kit was superb. Especially for the
price. You just can't beat it! We have yet to find any other
robotic platform on the market that is as good and broad as this
one for the money.
There are some some snags along the way you may encounter. Here is
just a few of the "snafoos" we found:
Missing Assembly Guide
Wiring the DC Motors
Wiring the DC Motors to the DFRobot Arduino Romeo
Mounting the DFRobot Arduino Romeo to the chassis
Thats about it. We recommend this kit as a good all around kit to
be used indoors only.
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