FingerTech 'Viper' Combat Robot Kit

  

June 16: All Viper pre-orders up to June 12 have shipped!
Now two components are out of stock:
1. tinyESC motor controllers - A new batch is scheduled to arrive in 1~2 weeks.
2. The 33:1 ratio drive motors are also out of stock now and expected early August (no promises). By default, pre-orders will be held until the 33:1 ratio restock has arrived. If you would like your Viper sent with 22:1 ratio motors instead (50% more drive speed), add that note to your Additional Comments during checkout and they will be sent as soon as tinyESCs have arrived.
We will continue to allow pre-orders on the next batch of Viper kits. The dates given are best estimate, not guaranteed! (Last time the pcbs needed rework and were delayed two weeks. Unfortunately this is out of our control.) Vipers will be shipped out in the order that pre-orders were received. Purchasing this pre-order means you understand and accept delays.

The Viper Combat Robot Kit comes with everything you need to get started in combat robotics.
- The custom-formed 6061-T6 Aluminum chassis has plenty of strength and space for additional components and upgrades.
- A 6-Channel radio transmitter and receiver pair leaves four channels free to add any active devices you desire. (Optional, in case you already have a radio.)
- Two FingerTech "Silver Spark" gearmotors with 2.25" Foam Wheels provide both speed and pushing power.
- Two FingerTech "tinyESC" speed controllers translate the radio receiver commands into motor movement and provide 5V power to the radio.
- Polycarbonate combat armor keeps the components safe.

The Viper kit is fully intended to be sawed, drilled, modified, and upgraded. Recommended for ages 10+ (6+ with a parent).
Its base weight is only 313grams (11.0oz) leaving 141grams (4.97oz) for additional parts if entering the Antweight (1lb) weight class (We don't recommend running the Viper in the Beetleweight class versus 3x larger opponents!)


Dimensions:
Body Width: 16.5cm (6.5in)
Length: 14cm (5.5in)
Body Height: 3cm (1.18in)
Weight: 313grams (11.04oz)

*Transmitter and receiver are required. If you already have them, you can say "No" to the Radio Option above.
*The Viper can be run off a 9V battery (not included), but for maximum competitiveness we recommend using a lipoly battery. Lipoly Battery and Charger are available as an option above.

Add-ons:
These add-ons fit right onto the existing Viper robot chassis - no machining or soldering required!

Viper Lifter add-on Take your Viper Combat Robot kit to the next level by adding a powerful servo-actuated lifting arm!

Viper Vertical Spinner add-on Knock 'em out with a ferocious vertical spinner weapon!

Viper Horizontal Spinner add-on Add a vicious horizontal spinner weapon to your Viper Combat Robot!

Kit Includes:

Chassis:	15gauge (1.45mm / 0.057in) 6061-T6 alloy Aluminum stamped and formed baseplate (pic). Has mounting holes for motors, armor and add-on kits.
Motors:	2x 33.3:1 Silver Spark Gearmotors
Motor Controllers:	2x tinyESCs translate the radio commands into motor movement and power the receiver.
Wheels:	2x 2.25x0.75" Foam Wheels are soft and grippy.  A direct hit will be absorbed and won't destroy your motors!  Includes 3mm x 0.75" Twist Hubs and Twist Hub Key.
Battery:	A JST-to-9V Battery Adapter is included for operating the Viper with a 9V battery. (9V battery not included.) - One or two 9V batteries (two doubles run-time and requires a JST to Dual 9V Battery Adapter). We recommend Duracell Procell (PC1604) for over two hours of run time and bursts of 12A (using 2 batteries) - better than every other 9V we've tested. Procells can run an HXT12K servo at 1.5A continuous (while driving) for well over 15 minutes. (Robot matches are 3 minutes each.) For maximum competitiveness, we recommend using the rechargeable 7.4V 300mAh "Galaxy" lipoly pack, available with Lipoly Charger as an Option above.
Power Switch:	A Switch/charge jack that you unplug to turn on. Comes pre-soldered with a female JST connector and includes a pair of Mini Terminal Blocks for making wiring connections. Plug has male JST end for easily recharging the lipoly battery. (Do not attempt to recharge a 9V alkaline battery.)
Armor:	3mm (0.118in) thick front wedge and 1.5mm (0.059in) top armor made of high-strength polycarbonate.
Screws:	Four 2-56x0.125" screws for mounting the motors. Ten 6-32x0.25" screws for fastening armor. 0.05" and 5/64" hex wrenches included for tightening screws and setscrews.
Instructions:	Detailed instructions with many pictures and tips for getting more from your robot. (Download V3.3 here)(Download V4.0 here)

Requires:
• Transmitter and receiver are required. If you don't have them already, you can add them with the option above. "Radio Option" includes: T6A Radio Transmitter, TR6A receiver  (Transmitter requires 8 AA batteries.)

• The Viper can be run off a 9V battery, but for maximum competitiveness we recommend using a lipoly battery. Lipoly Battery and Charger are available as an option above. "Lipoly Option" includes: Lipoly charger, 7.4V 300mAh "Galaxy" lipoly battery

• If you do not wish to use lipoly batteries, the Viper includes a 9V battery connector. You will then need a 9V Battery.

Viper-v2-R5.STEP (full bot)
CAD files for individual components can be found on their own pages, by following the links on the Contents tab.