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Post by AudioHTIT on May 7, 2023 18:07:06 GMT -5
I figure there’s probably someone here who knows about what I’m looking for. Like many I have a drone, but even though I have a large property I mostly use it to inspect my roof and gutters, or some of the trees.
What I want is some kind of vehicle that I can put down in the crawl space under my house to inspect the ground (see if anything is wet or damp), and also look up at the floor, beams, insulation, foundation, etc. The ground is dirt and uneven so it needs to be rugged, stable (low center of gravity?), good traction, geared to climb and go slow, be able to get around in tight spaces (though it’s generally open), and hopefully have enough battery life to poke around down there for 30 to 60 minutes or so.
Of course a critical piece is the camera, both picture quality and the ability to cover as wide a range as possible without moving the vehicle — lighting will be needed as well, at least in the direction of the camera. Maybe there are other things I’m not thinking of, a microphone? I doubt range will be an issue as I’ll typically be on the other side of the floor, though it would be handy if I could be watching the big screen and driving — surround sound and Atmos aren’t required 😊, but maybe 4K would help?
So anyone have or know of an RC vehicle that might fit this bill? I’ll spend what’s needed as I’ve wanted something like this for some time, but honestly it won’t get used all that much (like the drone). Somebody here into this kinda thing?
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Post by geebo on May 7, 2023 20:04:12 GMT -5
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ttocs
Global Moderator 
I always have a wonderful time, wherever I am, whomever I'm with. (Elwood P Dowd)
Posts: 8,154
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Post by ttocs on May 7, 2023 20:07:41 GMT -5
Well, this is exactly what you want, but the cost is a bit much starting at $3,600. SuperDroid Robots
What the robots above have that is very desirable for inspections is a camera that is aim-able. Looking at the examples they have might provide some insight as to possible capabilities you might want. |
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Post by creimes on May 7, 2023 21:01:19 GMT -5
Well I don't use mine for home inspection I do have a Traxxas TRX-6 Hauler, it has a flat deck so you could always rig up a gopro system with LED lighting secured to the truck bed  If you could do that it would work, it has a two speed transmission, also you could have tons of fun with it on your property haha traxxas.com/products/models/electric/trx-6-flatbed-hauler Here is mine out in the snow, I have aftermarket rims and wheels and Dukes Of Hazard decals haha  |
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Post by MusicHead on May 7, 2023 22:26:06 GMT -5
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Post by AudioHTIT on May 8, 2023 9:01:54 GMT -5
Looks like a basic possibility. Well, this is exactly what you want, but the cost is a bit much starting at $3,600. SuperDroid Robots
What the robots above have that is very desirable for inspections is a camera that is aim-able. Looking at the examples they have might provide some insight as to possible capabilities you might want. Yes, this is what I want to do, and yes, pricey, but I’ll check out the features. Well I don't use mine for home inspection I do have a Traxxas TRX-6 Hauler, it has a flat deck so you could always rig up a gopro system with LED lighting secured to the truck bed If you could do that it would work, it has a two speed transmission, also you could have tons of fun with it on your property haha traxxas.com/products/models/electric/trx-6-flatbed-haulerHere is mine out in the snow, I have aftermarket rims and wheels and Dukes Of Hazard decals haha Maybe a bit big and needs a camera, but could bring me beer down by the creek! 🍻 This looks promising! Removable memory would be nice (I guess Amazon thinks so too 🙂), but 16GB should be plenty for my uses, as long as the files are standard and accessible. Concerned about the camera, it says ‘no blind spots’, but can’t see how it sees above’? Thanks everyone for the suggestions! |
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Post by 405x5 on May 8, 2023 10:09:00 GMT -5
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KeithL
Administrator
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Post by KeithL on May 8, 2023 10:59:52 GMT -5
That idea had actually occurred to me... it would be very handy to have a little bot to creep around the crawl space and inspect things. The problem I see with this one is that those wheels seem like they would work well on wood floor, and maybe carpet, but they don't look like they would be reliable on rough terrain. For example I'm not clear on how well, or if, it can climb even small obstructions... like a broom handle. Or how it could climb out of even a minor depression with loose sand or something like attic insulation in it. I'd be more inclined to trust something with nubby rubber tires that wouldn't just slide on the wrong sort of surface. The problem isn't when it's working right... The problem is how to recover it if it gets stuck... If you have an relatively open area you could tether it and reel it back in if it conks out... but, if not... then what? I also read a few reviews and they talked about random losses of WiFi connectivity. (See my previous concern.) |
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Post by MusicHead on May 8, 2023 11:37:17 GMT -5
That idea had actually occurred to me... it would be very handy to have a little bot to creep around the crawl space and inspect things. The problem I see with this one is that those wheels seem like they would work well on wood floor, and maybe carpet, but they don't look like they would be reliable on rough terrain. For example I'm not clear on how well, or if, it can climb even small obstructions... like a broom handle. Or how it could climb out of even a minor depression with loose sand or something like attic insulation in it. I'd be more inclined to trust something with nubby rubber tires that wouldn't just slide on the wrong sort of surface. The problem isn't when it's working right... The problem is how to recover it if it gets stuck... If you have an relatively open area you could tether it and reel it back in if it conks out... but, if not... then what? I also read a few reviews and they talked about random losses of WiFi connectivity. (See my previous concern.) All valid concerns, although the recovery if getting stuck issue would apply to any remote bot. As sophisticated as any given one might be, there is always a non-zero chance it may happen. One of the videos in the manufacturer pictures (right after the one with the cats...) shows the bot climbing and descending a stepped ramp built with Legos. Another one from an actual buyer shows the bot chasing ducks (?) on a lawn. I suppose it will have to be tested in the actual conditions. A bot with larger diameter wheels or one with legs (a la Boston Dynamic) would certainly fare better on rough terrain. |
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ttocs
Global Moderator
I always have a wonderful time, wherever I am, whomever I'm with. (Elwood P Dowd)
Posts: 8,154
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Post by ttocs on May 8, 2023 11:40:44 GMT -5
The six wheel drive truck is a nice idea, except it could potentially get "high sided" and stuck.
The vehicle probably needs to be one that can flip over and operate upside down, which means a camera would need to be mounted on an end and still be on a gimble.
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KeithL
Administrator
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Post by KeithL on May 8, 2023 13:15:02 GMT -5
I'm more worried that the wheels themselves have small moving parts. I would worry that something like insulation, or pet hair, or other fibers would get caught in the moving bits... It seems to me like solid, once piece, nubby tires would be more resistant to that sort of thing. That idea had actually occurred to me... it would be very handy to have a little bot to creep around the crawl space and inspect things. The problem I see with this one is that those wheels seem like they would work well on wood floor, and maybe carpet, but they don't look like they would be reliable on rough terrain. For example I'm not clear on how well, or if, it can climb even small obstructions... like a broom handle. Or how it could climb out of even a minor depression with loose sand or something like attic insulation in it. I'd be more inclined to trust something with nubby rubber tires that wouldn't just slide on the wrong sort of surface. The problem isn't when it's working right... The problem is how to recover it if it gets stuck... If you have an relatively open area you could tether it and reel it back in if it conks out... but, if not... then what? I also read a few reviews and they talked about random losses of WiFi connectivity. (See my previous concern.) All valid concerns, although the recovery if getting stuck issue would apply to any remote bot. As sophisticated as any given one might be, there is always a non-zero chance it may happen. One of the videos in the manufacturer pictures (right after the one with the cats...) shows the bot climbing and descending a stepped ramp built with Legos. Another one from an actual buyer shows the bot chasing ducks (?) on a lawn. I suppose it will have to be tested in the actual conditions. A bot with larger diameter wheels or one with legs (a la Boston Dynamic) would certainly fare better on rough terrain. |
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Post by MusicHead on May 8, 2023 13:50:49 GMT -5
I'm more worried that the wheels themselves have small moving parts. I would worry that something like insulation, or pet hair, or other fibers would get caught in the moving bits... It seems to me like solid, once piece, nubby tires would be more resistant to that sort of thing. All valid concerns, although the recovery if getting stuck issue would apply to any remote bot. As sophisticated as any given one might be, there is always a non-zero chance it may happen. One of the videos in the manufacturer pictures (right after the one with the cats...) shows the bot climbing and descending a stepped ramp built with Legos. Another one from an actual buyer shows the bot chasing ducks (?) on a lawn. I suppose it will have to be tested in the actual conditions. A bot with larger diameter wheels or one with legs (a la Boston Dynamic) would certainly fare better on rough terrain. Yeah, they have that design so that it can "scurry" sideways. Clever, but a potential failure point. I do not want to think what may happen on sand... |
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Post by MusicHead on May 8, 2023 13:56:01 GMT -5
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Post by 405x5 on May 12, 2023 8:18:15 GMT -5
Patent STOLEN you have   |
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