And so begins, Project Micro Monster...

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The gearbox for this truck started life as a wind-up toy that I found at a local shop. The die-cast shell was also part of the toy; and yes the doors open up :-). I removed half the gears from inside the gearbox that allowed the toy to be wound up. I then cut a hole for the motor to be mounted in. The motor mounts are made from 1mm thick aluminium sheet cut into 20x10mm strips. The underplate skid is made from tin sheet and bolted to the main chasis which is a plastic electronics case. The main chasis has been carved into the shape for the wheel arches using a Dremel tool.

Specs:

- 410 Size motor from cordless screwdriver

- Mtroniks eco 20t speed controller

- Battery, custom made with switch 4 cell AAA NimH 700Mah 4.8V

- LED lighting, 2 White front, 2 rectangle Red Rear, seperate circuit with switch running from main battery

- Receiver: Futaba 2ch 27mhz

- Servo: Futaba S148 x1

- Total Weight: 490g

- Total Length: 170mm

- Total wheel Width: 110mm

- Run time: (constant with lights) 20mins

- Recharge: via Nimh wall socket adapter for 30mins

The steering:

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The steering is T-maxx style with an inverted servo driving a push rod system. There is no suspension as I could not work out a way to attach them to the existing frame. For the size of the car it doesn't really need it though.

The rims and tires also came from the wind-up car, they weren't bad for a toy car! The shell is held to the chasis by securing screws which are underneath the shell.

Night driving is excellent with the help of the powerful white LEDS.

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The truck handles very well on sharp corners and is able to climb 1:5 gradients without tipping backwards. The speed is about 10-12mph. It is also able to wheelie very easily with a sharp stab of the throttle.

I will be adding a micro-wireless camera soon to the truck. So I can sit in the comfort of my room, watching the tv and controlling the car while it drives around the backyard.

Watch a night time video:

Download	Description	Size and Type
	Night Time driving action with the Micro Monster Truck	1.3Mb DivX (Codec Required)

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