Hexapod

Summary

This page describes how to build a “search and rescue walking robot (APC -1). It was originally designed by AlexKorvin and published at thingiverse. As the original author pointed out – of course it’s not a real rescue robot. It’s just a cute concept of what it may look like.

On this page you will find complete instructions now to build such a robot.

What you will need to do

  • Buy components from bill of materials (BOM)
  • 3d printed parts
  • Install and configure software
  • Assemble robot

Components from bill of materials (BOM)

  • 19x Original MG92B - http://ali.pub/53ndy7
  • 1x Original MG996R - http://ali.pub/5b88a1
  • LEDs - http://ali.pub/5cp7r9
    • 6x Yellow
    • 6x Red
    • 2x White
  • 14x 100 Ohm Resistors (for LEDs) - http://ali.pub/5cp7ww
  • Breadboard for head power distribution
  • 2x Power keys (mosfets) - http://ali.pub/5b8ahy
  • 1x charge indicator - http://ali.pub/5b890o
  • 2x Cooler 4010 - http://ali.pub/5b8drz
  • Carbon tubes (5x3x400 mm) - http://ali.pub/5b8bxa
  • 18x Bearing MF63ZZ (3x6x2.5 mm) - http://ali.pub/53o9wx
  • 1x Head Mount Bearing (F604zz) - http://ali.pub/5cpa6d
  • 30x Cage nuts \ bushings (M3x6) - http://ali.pub/4suuwh
  • 36x Screws M2x8 - http://ali.pub/49vq4i
  • 36x Nuts M2 - http://ali.pub/49vq1e
  • Screws m3 - https://www.aliexpress.com/item/10000150053486.html
  • 1x XT60 Connector - http://ali.pub/5cpai8
  • JST connectors - http://ali.pub/510ugc
  • Wires:
    • 16 AWG - https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005001568846789.html
    • 20 AWG - https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005001568846789.html
  • Nylon braid:
    • 8mm - https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32883104236.html
    • 5mm - https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32883104236.html
  • 1x Power Supply - https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32851821363.html
  • 1x Raspberry Pi Zero W - https://www.raspberrypi.com/products/raspberry-pi-zero-w/
  • 1x MicroSD card 16Gb
  • 2x PWM 16 channel control board – https://www.adafruit.com/product/815

3d print parts

Download STL files

Print

Black

  • Base\1x base_connector_v2.stl
  • Base\1x Base filter part 1
  • Base\1x Base filter part 2
  • Base\1x Base Servo Mount (Center)
  • Base\1x Base Servo Mount (Front)
  • Base\1x Base Servo Mount (Rear)
  • Base\1x Charger cover
  • Base\1x Head servo Mount MG996
  • Base\1x Middle Base cover (with bearing) V1.1
  • Base\1x Upper bearing cover
  • Head\1x Back protection
  • Head\1x bottom protection
  • Head\1x Cable fixing
  • Head\1x Charge indicator cover
  • Head\1x Flashlight lens retainer
  • Head\1x head_electric_mount
  • Head\1x Head Mount V1.1
  • Head\1x Mount for camera and flashlight
  • Head\1x Top Protection
  • Head\2x Filter holder
  • Head\2x Retainer for small lamp lens
  • Head\2x Ventilation cover
  • Legs\3x TIBIA V1.1 left
  • Legs\3x TIBIA V1.1 right
  • Legs\6x COXA (part 1)
  • Legs\6x COXA (part 2)

Silver or gray

  • Head\1x Head base (one piece)
  • Head\1x Left side
  • Head\1x right side
  • Legs\3x FEMUR left
  • Legs\3x FEMUR right

Accent color

  • Base\1x Base
  • Base\1x Front Base Cover
  • Base\1x Rear base cover
  • Head\1x Head cover left
  • Head\1x Head cover right

Transparent or White

  • Base\2x Marker light for head
  • Base\6x Marker light for leg
  • Legs\3x TIBIA V1.1 left cover
  • Legs\3x TIBIA V1.1 right cover

Rubber or soft plastic

  • Legs\6x tip of the leg

Software

Install and configure Raspbian

There are tons of installation guides on the internet. Just google it (For me the first link in google was this site). We need headless mode (without graphical interface)

Configure Raspbian

[General]
ControllerMode = dual
Privacy = device

Install APC-1 software

Assembly Everything

You’ll primarily need to follow this guide. Except few notable difference: * Mount of electronics in base * Mount of electronics in head

Optional changes, that I personally recommend: * Use braided sleeving instead shrinking tube (it looks and feels better) * Do not cut servo wires. There is enough room to keep it inplace

Base electronics

Use base_connector_v2 to mount all internal electronics before putting it into base. It should look like this: electronics base

After that insert base_connector into base chassis, you should get something like this: assembled electronics

Servo connection orider: TBD

Head electronics

Use a small breadboard to create a power distribution circuit (5v). Use head_electric mount to mount all of your electronics before putting it into the head. You should get something like this:

head electronics

How to calibrate

  • Press a calibration button to switch robot in calibration mode
  • Use vertical dpad buttons to change position of the servo
  • Use horizontal dpad buttons to switch between servos

Here is an example: