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I've been toying with the idea of building an electronic dog for awhile now. This is one of my "back burner" projects that I will get to sooner or later, but it might be awhile. I thought I would run it by you and see what ya think.
So OK, what's an electric dog?
What I have in mind is a small radio controlled vehicle that would carry a wireless surveillance camera. This camera would have IR capability so it could be used day or night. The basic use would be to scout out an area while I am safely in the rear with the gear.
The easiest way to make one of these would be to buy a 1/16 RC tank model and just add an IR surveillance camera. I've seen RC tanks for about $100, and as a bonus, some shoot airsoft pellets and have a rotating turret and gun elevation control. This is a bonus because having the aiming controls and firing circuit would make it easier to upgrade if the need arises. (Naturally, I would never even consider adding a real gun to it)
Another option would be to start with a tracked (or even wheeled) robotics chassis like a Dagu Rover 5.
The military has these, but they are VERY expensive. I think I could build one for under $600.
My list of "must have" features would include:
Proportional steering
Proportional throttle
1000 ft range for both RC and camera
color day / IR night capability
Minimum 60 minute run time per charge
(optional) 2 way voice communications (would let me say cool stuff like, "Halt!! You are entering a restricted area, turn back or be fired on!"
So what do you all think? Is this just a crazy idea or is it something that might be useful?
So OK, what's an electric dog?
What I have in mind is a small radio controlled vehicle that would carry a wireless surveillance camera. This camera would have IR capability so it could be used day or night. The basic use would be to scout out an area while I am safely in the rear with the gear.
The easiest way to make one of these would be to buy a 1/16 RC tank model and just add an IR surveillance camera. I've seen RC tanks for about $100, and as a bonus, some shoot airsoft pellets and have a rotating turret and gun elevation control. This is a bonus because having the aiming controls and firing circuit would make it easier to upgrade if the need arises. (Naturally, I would never even consider adding a real gun to it)
Another option would be to start with a tracked (or even wheeled) robotics chassis like a Dagu Rover 5.
The military has these, but they are VERY expensive. I think I could build one for under $600.
My list of "must have" features would include:
Proportional steering
Proportional throttle
1000 ft range for both RC and camera
color day / IR night capability
Minimum 60 minute run time per charge
(optional) 2 way voice communications (would let me say cool stuff like, "Halt!! You are entering a restricted area, turn back or be fired on!"
So what do you all think? Is this just a crazy idea or is it something that might be useful?