Mini Tank Chassis Tracked Robot Car Crawler Kit

Specifications

• Chassis Material: High-Strength Aluminum Alloy (Sanded Finish)
• Track Material: Engineering Plastic (High elasticity & damping)
• Wheel Material: ABS (Non-damping load-bearing)
• Motor Type: Brushed DC Motors
• Operating Voltage: 6V – 12V DC (Rated 12V)
• No-Load Speed: 170 – 350 RPM
• No-Load Current: 100mA
• Dimensions: 193mm (L) x 163mm (W) x 60mm (H)
• Weight: ~470g
• Mounting: Pre-drilled holes for Arduino, Raspberry Pi, and sensors.

Applications

• All-Terrain Rover: Navigate grass, gravel, and thick carpets where wheels fail.
• Inspection Robot: perfect for mounting cameras (ESP32-CAM) to inspect low-clearance areas like crawl spaces.
• Educational STEM: Ideal for teaching differential drive kinematics and PID control loops.
• Rescue Bot Prototype: Add a robotic arm or claw to the platform for object retrieval missions.

The Project Evolution

This product isn't just a chassis; it's a gateway to advanced robotics.

• Where you've been: You've likely mastered the basic "Smart Car" with 2 or 4 yellow geared motors. You understand basic forward/backward logic.
• What this unlocks: This Tank Chassis unlocks Differential Drive (Skid Steer) mechanics. Unlike car-steering, tanks rotate in place (zero turning radius). This allows you to navigate tight indoor spaces or complex mazes with precision.
• Effort Level: Intermediate. Mechanical assembly is straightforward (tools included), but controlling a tank requires a dedicated Motor Driver (like L298N) and an external power source (like a 3S LiPo battery).
• Hardware Requirement: To run this effectively, you cannot power it directly from an Arduino 5V pin. You will need a dedicated 12V power source.

Virtual Technician: Wiring & Safety

• ⚠️ Critical Power Warning: These are high-power 12V motors. Do NOT attempt to power them directly from your Arduino/ESP32 5V/3.3V pins. You will burn out your microcontroller. Always use a motor driver.

Standard Wiring (L298N Example):

• Motors: Connect Left Motor wires to OUT1/OUT2. Connect Right Motor wires to OUT3/OUT4.
• Power: Connect your 12V Battery Positive (+) to L298N 12V. Connect Battery Ground (-) to L298N GND.
• Common Ground: Crucial Step: Connect the L298N GND to your Arduino GND.
• Logic: Connect ENA/IN1/IN2 and ENB/IN3/IN4 to your microcontroller's PWM/Digital pins.

Package Includes:

• 1 x block Panel
• 2 x 12V DC Motor 
• 2 x Piece Track
• 2 x Piece Non-damping load-bearing wheels
• 2 x Piece Non-shock drive wheel
• 1 x set Screw accessories
• 3 x Piece Hex wrench
• 1 x Piece 18650 battery box

Features

• 2mm aluminum alloy with sanding surface treatment
• DC 12V motors included, dual motors offer higher power and speed
• With multiple mounting holes on the platform, you are free to add various sensors or controllers to it
• Engineering plastic tracks and ABS wheels, which are high-quality construction
• All tools needed for assembly are included

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Q: Does this kit come fully assembled?
  A: No, this is a DIY kit. Assembly is required, but all necessary tools (hex wrenches) are included.
• Q: Can I control this with an Arduino Uno?
  A: Yes, but you need a motor driver (like L298N or Motor Shield) between the Arduino and the motors.
• Q: What is the maximum payload weight it can carry?
  A: We recommend a maximum payload of 1.5kg to 2kg for optimal movement. Heavier loads may cause track slippage.
• Q: Does it include a battery?
  A: No, it includes a battery case for 18650 cells, but the actual batteries are sold separately.
• Q: Can I use a 9V battery to run this?
  A: No. Standard 9V (rectangular) batteries do not provide enough current. Use Li-Ion (18650) or LiPo packs.
• Q: Is the chassis waterproof?
  A: No. The motors and metal parts are not sealed against water or mud.
• Q: How do I steer a tank chassis?
  A: You use "Skid Steering." To turn left, run the right motor forward and the left motor backward (or stop it).
• Q: Are the tracks adjustable?
  A: The track length is fixed based on the number of links. You can remove links to tighten, but the default length is optimized for the frame.
• Q: Can I replace the motors with encoders?
  A: Yes, the mounting holes are standard for 25mm DC motors. You can swap them for motors with encoders if you need precise odometry.
• Q: What happens if the tracks keep slipping off?
  A: Ensure the drive wheels and load wheels are perfectly aligned. Misalignment is the https://www.google.com/search?q=%231 cause of thrown tracks.
• Q: Is this suitable for Raspberry Pi?
  A: Absolutely. Use a Python-compatible motor driver hat (like L293D or PCA9685) to control it via Pi.
• Q: Can I drill more holes in the aluminum plate?
  A: Yes, the aluminum is soft enough to drill custom mounting holes for specific sensors or arms.
• Q: What is the ground clearance?
  A: The chassis sits low to the ground (approx 15-20mm clearance), providing a low center of gravity for stability.
• Q: Do the motors make a lot of noise?
  A: They are standard DC gear motors. They produce a moderate "whirring" sound, typical for robotic kits.
• Q: Can I add suspension springs?
  A: No, this specific model (PRO2074) has a rigid suspension. For suspension, check our Shock Absorbing model (PRO957).
• Q: Will it work on thick carpet?
  A: Yes, tracks excel on carpet where wheels often experience high friction and stall.
• Q: What implies "12V Rated"? Can I run it at 6V?
  A: It will run at 6V, but it will be slow and have low torque. 11.1V or 12V is recommended for best performance.
• Q: Are spare tracks available?
  A: We do not sell spare tracks separately for this specific unit; however, the plastic is highly durable.
• Q: Can I mount a robotic arm on top?
  A: Yes, the platform is stable enough for a small acrylic or metal 3-4 DOF robotic arm.
• Q: Is the battery box for 1 or 2 batteries?
  A: It typically comes with a slot for two 18650 batteries (7.4V total), which is adequate, though 3 cells (11.1V) give better speed.