New to rc, need help / recommendations

[tonynsx]

I never made anything remote controlled before. I'm planning on making my riding lawnmower into remote controlled. I think I need something to turn the steering wheel, and something for brake and speed levers. I think for turning I can use something like a car windshield wiper motor with a motor controller? Also, I like to control this from inside my house. Any recommendations?

Eventually, I like to add a micro controller to this project also. I'm familiar with Python, so may be an ESP8266 board will work for it.

 

[1Coopgt]

Sorry this beyond my knowledge. You would need servos bigger than whats in a 1/5 scale. I would say it's time for you to start Googling. This isn't that type of forum even though it's called Large Scale Forums.

 

[Seandonato73]

Yeah, your going to need some big, big stuff. There is or was 12 volt servos made. But coop hit it on the head. Not my cup.of tea, sorry mate

 

[tonynsx]

How about something like a car windshield wiper motor? That's 12 vdc, and I've seen on YouTube people doing that with rc with a speed controller.

Also, I like to control this from inside my house. What kind of receiver / transmitter would I need? I have a 1.5 acre yard.

 

[1Coopgt]

The Transmitter and receiver is the easy part . Probably need a 3 or 4 channel 2.4 G transmitters. Like a Futaba. Servos, motors and ESC no clue what you would need.

 

[tonynsx]

I think I need something to turn the steering wheel (that's the 12vdc windshield wiper motor), and may be 2 actuators for brake and speed control. I know this is not the best rc project to start with no rc experience, but I like learning by doing.

I also do Python programming, so I hope to add a micro controller to this. But I have to make it rc first.

 

[1Coopgt]

If you do this you need to make sure there is some form of emergency stop /kill switch on that thing . What you're planning on building potentially is deadly. Even though it won't be fast if I child fell down in front of it it could kill them . We install kill switches in our buggies/trucks and they only weigh 30 to 40 lbs but they also do 30+mph . You are making something that will do maybe 5 mph but will have spining blades that could deal death on a whole new level.

Sorry your afraid to go outside. Why not just buy a robo lawn mower. It would be a lot safer and probably cheaper than what you're planning.

 

[tonynsx]

Well, I don't want to hurt anyone. I live in a farm area, so not may people around me. Plus, I'll be remote controlling it till I can figure out the micro controller part to automate the driving.

I'm not afraid to go outside, I like to automate things. I'm an IT guy, so I like to create cool things. I think its better than buying a robo lawn mower.

 

[AnubisBC]

Here looks like a good starting point:

This one uses a motor on each rear wheel instead of a steering rack:

Aaand here's an entire website that's a dedicated how-to for one guy's design: http://members.iinet.net.au/~tnpshow/RCLM/intro.htm

 

[tonynsx]

Thank you, I'll take a look. I'm kind of scared to buy parts without doing research since I'm really new to electronics in general.

 

[AnubisBC]

It looks like there's a whole bunch of folks out there with videos. Just check out youtube to get some ideas. If you have questions about certain electronics, we will do what we can to answer your questions.
Found you one that's a full on how-to:

 

[21bangbang]

Start here, buy 60" mower deck for attachment. Then you can dig holes, regrade the driveway, and countless other things.

 

[Seandonato73]

Get out your wallet, that will set you back at least 60k+

 

[evssv]

what ever u do do...pls start a thread so we cansee how/where/what u do's??

 

[tonynsx]

Appreciate the replies. So my maximum budget for this $500. They don't have to be new parts. This is just a hobby, plus I've never done anything like this before.

what ever u do do...pls start a thread so we cansee how/where/what u do's??

Yes ofcourse

 

[21bangbang]

Get out your wallet, that will set you back at least 60k+

I don't think you can even get the skid steer for 60k. Its a fully loaded T650. She's a big girl, and over 80k new. The bush hog we have for it was around 12k. Then thousands to make the rc control work. Basically you can get the bobcat, or a nice house.? Its crazy what they cost considering you can get a nice used excavator for 100k, and it will be hugh.?‍

 

[Seandonato73]

Hmm, yeah thinking in state bid pricing, minus the rc bit. Retail price is crazy stupid compared to what state, and municipal pays.