Back Again! Serf's Up Build Concept

[Rocketeer13]

Hi all!
So, with a bit of a rebrand, and some fresh enthusiasm, I'm thinking about heading back into Antweight building. My last attempt (linked below) ended in failure, in large part to the poor quality DasMikro ESC. If there are any newbies on here, thinking they'll be lucky in getting that thing to work, please take my advice, and steer clear!
Because I bought the HobbyKing transmitter to start out with, it wasn't compatible with the NanoTwo ESC, which didn't leave me with many other options, but since that time, several other ESCs have become available, piquing my interest in finishing the project. I ultimately adopted the original 4BL design of my last attempt into my Bugglebots entry - which will be my primary focus for the time being - but I still think that the Front Hinge/4BL concept works well with the Antweight arena's open sides. Therefore, I'm planning to use all of the components I already own, coupled with an AWESC from ARC Robotics to complete Serf's Up, my new Antweight Rambot/Lifter, which will ultimately be almost identical in terms of design, to my last project, but with a simple weapon redesign. I'm not sure how often this thread will be updated, as the project is not my main focus right now, but still, I'd appreciate any feedback on the current concept.
All the best, and happy building!

*Attatchment not loading, so posting a shareable link to the design sketch*
https://photos.app.goo.gl/cx6ZDQ4tArMkKb3v7

Old Thread
http://www.robotwars101.org/forum/viewt ... CLINK_TEXT

[LimaHotel]

I've used 3 DasMikros, and I've yet to have any problems with them? I had one pad that REFUSED to accept solder, but I fixed that by using Glue gun. I dunno whether they've improved their quality control a touch since the mass failures of Dasmikros last year, but I'm happy with my 3 (ordered in December last year) and am thinking of buying more.

[MarkR]

I tried a Dasmikro and I wasn't happy with it, it's a pain to solder and mechanically very weak. (Although on the positive side it is *very* small). I then managed to let the "magic smoke" out, possibly by a short circuit from a lifted track.

Again - the problems with the Dasmikro are mechanical rather than electrical.

I don't know why the Dasmikro designers used four half-h-bridge chips, rather than two full H-bridges, it would have reduced the component count.

So I am now designing my own ESC, which is somewhat beyond my electronics "comfort zone", but it will be an interesting learning experience if it works. I'm making a 3-channel DC motor ESC which uses the CPPM signal which is so common on quadcopter-type receivers, which should cut the wiring significantly.

[Rocketeer13]

Bit of an update - this is finally moving forward under the name Serf's Up. The main chassis will be 3D printed, my first foray into this method. I'm thinking of using PETG, though I'm still unsure exactly what infill I'll use, so I guess I'll experiment.

Here's a link to some images.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/7vZRGNKGnopzVM8U7