Bricktronics Mini Tank

Lets’ begin by adding pegs to two motors. Add two cross-pegs to motors as shown in figure 1 and four normal pegs and two more cross pegs, as shown in figure 2.

Use two 5×7 beam frames to connect the two motors. You can see how to do it in figure 3. Add six more pins to the back of the combined chassis, shown in figure 4.

Take a 5×11 beam frame and put two pegs in it as shown in figure 5. Next, connect a 7M beam and 3M beam with snaps like you see in figure 6. Finally, add another 7M beam and two more pegs as you see in Figure 7.

This sub-assembly is so nuts, let’s keep going! Add another 5×11 beam frame to the top (figure 8) and then connect the whole shebang to the back of the motors (figure 9).

Add 3M beams with snaps as shown in figure 10, then pop in five cross-pegs and one normal peg just like in figure 11. Finally, connect two 3M beams and the 2M beam with cross-hole, as shown in figure 12.

Add cross blocks as shown in figure 13. Next, slide two 6M cross axles through the central hole of the cross blocks. Position them just like you see in figure 14. Finally, secure the axles with bushings as shown in figure 15.

Add four connector pegs and two cross pegs as shown in figure 16, then attach two 15M beams along the sides. As you can see in figure 17, the final holes of the beam will accommodate the front axles. Finally, let’s add those 7M cross axles, position them just like you see in figure 18.

First, let’s secure the 7M axles with bushings, as shown in figure 19. Next, add rims to all four axle-ends… I only show two in figure 20. Then secure the axles with half-bushings, seen in figure 21.

Lets finish ‘er up! Add two 3M pegs to the top of the robot as seen in figure 22. Then, connect two 7M beams just like you see in figure 23. The penultimate step in the Lego build (figure 24) is to add cross pegs to the top so you can attach your electronics. The final step (not shown) is to attach the tank treads to the rims. You may need to gently stretch out the treads to make them fit.

Begin with the battery pack plate. Attach the pack to the plate, and screw in the standoffs from below using the M4 screws. (Note I ended up using #4-40 x 1/4″ screws and nuts to attach the pack to the board.)

Connect the Arduino to its mounting plate using #4-40 x 0.75″ screws. Attach the plate to the standoffs using more M4 screws. Attach the Bricktronics Shield to the Arduino.

The Mindstorms wires connect from the motor terminals to the motor ports on the shield.

Use the “drawbot” example sketch from the Bricktronics library as a starting point for your tank. It’s not perfect for this robot but it will get you started!