About the HexCrawler
For 2004 we have made the HexCrawler even better than ever by enhancing key features that separates our kits from all of the rest (review the "Key Features" below to find out more). At 19.56 inches (49.68cm) long and 15.5 inches (40.00cm) wide, the HexCrawler is the largest and lightest, all aluminum hexapod kit available anywhere. The HexCrawler's large size and generous number of expansion slots can accommodate a considerable amount of additional electronics and hardware upgrades. With a payload capacity of over 7.5 pounds, no other hexapod kit can even come close to the rugged design, payload capacity and expandability of the HexCrawler.
Additional Enhancements
Increased the HexCrawlers length from 13 inches to 19.56 inches to ensure maximum, physical leg clearance. This enhancement will allow the HexCrawler to walk with a maximum walking stride without the legs physically touching. The front support bracket has been enhanced with sensor "wings" offset at 26.6 degrees. This is especially useful when adding sensors to the front support bracket in that it allows the HexCrawler to have a wider sensory "field of view" than just having a sensor pointing straight in front of the hexapod.
The top deck will now accept the SG5 series robotic arm. Not only can you navigate your environment with the HexCrawler but you can manipulate and interact with it as well!
Key Features
At CrustCrawler, we believe that a hexapod should have some key material and construction features to be a truly useful and robust robotic platform. Our HexCrawler features include:
Super stiff yet light construction material
All aluminum components are precision CNC machined from incredibly strong .063 ga. 5052 aluminum sheeting.
Integrated Pem Stud Pivot Points
Pem studs are super smooth, solid aluminum spacers that are pressed into the aluminum body of the HexCrawler with more than 300 pounds of pressure. These spacers are used as the servo pivot points for all of the HexCrawlers legs. The combination of these spacers and the solid design and aluminum components are what gives the HexCrawler it's overall rugged design and payload capacity.
Integrated Pem Nuts
Pem nuts are used throughout the key support points (16 in total) of the HexCrawler. Pem nuts are nuts that are pressed into the aluminum sheeting with more than 200lbs. of pressure. Pem nuts lower the number of loose parts in our kits which makes our kits quick and easy to construct. Pem nuts also allow you to have quick and easy access to the lower deck of the HexCrawler without removing major construction components.
 Horizontally Centered Leg Design
To ensure equal, physical, horizontal movement of all legs during the HexCrawlers walking cycle, the legs have been physically designed to align with the horizontal leg servos.
Pass Through Leg Design
Having the ability to expand and add lots of additional electronics and sensors to your hexapod is a key component of robotic experimentation and development. The HexCrawlers "pass-thru" leg design allows you to route and secure electronics at any point on the legs of the HexCrawler without wire or electronic components being exposed or interfering with the operation of the HexCrawler.
Dual Deck Electronics Mount Design
The HexCrawler has been designed so that you can mount the controlling electronics either on top of the upper deck or mounted inside,top of the lower deck. Also, the front and rear support brackets can swing open to allow easy access to the inside of the HexCrawler for battery and electronics installation or removal.
Power Requirements:
Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MH) batteries are best suited for the Hex or HexCrawler. These batteries range from 1000 to 3000 series and are readily available at most hobby shops. At CrustCrawler, we use the 3000 series Ni-MH batteries. The HexCrawler can walk up to approximately an hour of continuous use before a recharge of a 3000 series Ni-MH battery.
Expandability
Being the largest and lightest hexapod available, the HexCrawler has ample room to accommodate a multitude of additional sensors and hardware add-ons. Multiple expansion slots and holes have been strategically placed on both "decks" of the HexCrawler as well as the front and rear support brackets for the addition of hardware and electronics.
Adjustability
Unlike hexapods made from heavy, non-adjustable, plastics and other materials, the HexCrawler's legs are fully adjustable. Each leg offers 2 fulcrum points to choose from in the event your HexCrawler needs to carry extra heavy loads. |
