Motorized 42005 Monster Truck

[codefox421]

I really liked the look of 42005 Monster Truck, but wanted to motorize it. I found Splat's motorized version, which helped kick me into gear and order the necessary parts. Once all the parts arrived from several BrickLink orders, I started thinking: why not try motorizing the model without following Splat's build? Later, I'll tear my design apart and try his build.

So here is the result of my tinkering.

Motorized LEGO 42005 by niaconis, on Flickr

I've been able to retain much of the look (and build) of the official LEGO model.

Motorized LEGO 42005 by niaconis, on Flickr

The battery box is easily removable and slips into the empty space at the back of the truck for use.

Motorized LEGO 42005 by niaconis, on Flickr

It is possible to charge the battery without removing it from the vehicle.

Motorized LEGO 42005 by niaconis, on Flickr

A BricksTer Open Source Bluetooth receiver prototype is mounted to the frame using technic pin/axles and half bushings. I found I needed the bushings because the holes are sized for studs, which have an ever so slightly larger diameter than technic axles.

Motorized LEGO 42005 by niaconis, on Flickr

A servo motor mounted in the front steers the front wheels while an L motor mounted at the back drives the rear wheels. I wish I could have geared down the drivetrain more, but I found I currently have no 48-tooth gears.

Motorized LEGO 42005 Steering Demo by niaconis, on Flickr

In the animated gif, you can roughly see how it is steered with an Android phone. And finally, I present a short video showing the monster truck driving around in a local park, controlled by the new proof of concept accelerometer input for the BricksTer Android app (which you can also see in the gif).

Thanks for reading this far! I appreciate critique, comments, and suggestions!

[Doc_Brown]

This is really cool. I think you have maintained the original look quite well.

The app looks great and easy to control too.

Great job man!

[EvilEnderman]

Nice mod, great solution for attatching the battery box, although the servo looks like it's about to fall off :

Nice work

[Zerobricks]

So it has RWD and front wheel steering? Too bad you didnt keep all wheel steering, but its cool none-the-less. What controller did you use?

[codefox421]

So it has RWD and front wheel steering? Too bad you didnt keep all wheel steering, but its cool none-the-less. What controller did you use?

I do wish it cornered a little tighter, which I think all wheel steering would provide. I just knew I couldn't achieve it within a short time frame with my limited technic skills and parts, and I really wanted to have something to drive around in order to try out the accelerometer interface I had just written! This is why I still want to try Splat's version: he achieved AWD and all wheel steering!

Oh, and I use this open source Bluetooth controller called BricksTer: http://www.eurobrick...topic=87340&hl=

Nice mod, great solution for attatching the battery box, although the servo looks like it's about to fall off :

Nice work

It does, doesn't it?! Thanks.

This is really cool. I think you have maintained the original look quite well.

The app looks great and easy to control too.

Great job man!

Thanks! Glad you like it.

Edited August 18, 2014 by codefox421

[Paul B Technic]

Very good job with this, I love the video of it driving around.

[Splat]

@codefox421 - 42005 is a fairly compact model, so it is difficult to fit everything in and you have done a great job. I like the video that you created as well. It looks like Bluetooth gives you much better range than the Lego IR controllers - I can't wait to get my hands on the SBrick. I see your version is just as top heavy as mine, and likes to roll over just like mine too

[codefox421]

@codefox421 - 42005 is a fairly compact model, so it is difficult to fit everything in and you have done a great job. I like the video that you created as well. It looks like Bluetooth gives you much better range than the Lego IR controllers - I can't wait to get my hands on the SBrick. I see your version is just as top heavy as mine, and likes to roll over just like mine too

Thank you! One of these days I'm going to have to play around with someone's IR system or buy my own. I don't really have any comparison to consider while I'm developing the BricksTer Bluetooth receiver. It's so nice to be able to just whip out my phone and go, even though it's getting to be an old man of a phone with only Bluetooth 2.1. And yeah it takes some nose-dives, especially going downhill.

Can't wait to try out your version too! Maybe when I have some time over the weekend.

[BartSimpson]

Really like the mod