3D Printed RC SkidSteer

This DIY RC SkidSteer is the perfect project for someone looking to get into robotics and programming.
MINISKIDI 3.0 IS OUT
Pick up a Kit here: professorboots.com/products/r...
Discord: / discord
3D Files: www.printables.com/model/7212...
Code and Wiring Diagrams: github.com/ProfBoots/MiniSkid...
300mAH 2s Lipo Battery: a.co/d/6nncb06
USB 2s Charger: a.co/d/3JIbvDV

[@professorboots]

For everybody planning on building this, I will be uploading a V2.0 model with some updates including but not limited to, a n20 powered arm for more power. Modular bucket, and a auxiliary motor option. These changes will be uploaded between August 4-6th. This will also Include a written step by step guide on how to assemble. Followed by a video of course. Thank you to everyone for watching and if you have questions don’t hesitate to DM me on discord!

[@TinyHardware]

Awesome!

[@TinyHardware]

Any chance of posting a BoM list with part numbers. It could help those who wish to solder the kits up with their little ones. Projects like these make me miss the old days of Radio Shack

[@vitorhugovieira517]

Gostei muito do seu trabalho, mas gostaria de fazer algumas modificações então poderia dispor o arquivo no solidworks

[@mohitmathew1]

Thank you will wait for v2. I also think you should make a video on the 3D design process. I do some of my own in onshape and will be good to see the thought process and iterations.

[@robbjosh]

Where can I find the link to Discord server?

[@christiankm8820]

yet another grossly underrated youtuber

[@josh6444]

Im really suprised how small this channel is, these videos are well made, entertaining, and you provide everything in the description. Keep it up man!

[@professorboots]

Thank you so much I really appreciate it, and will do I look forward to making more stuff!

[@vaishnavibywar620]

It's really a treasure of a channel for new robotics enthusiasts cuz he always comes up with new and better ideas and provides complete guide through it. Thnx bruv u helping a lot 🤧

[@jonnywakefield8796]

These are some great mini builds, videos are well made too. A lot better+more educational than bigger 'maker' channels that focus on mindless entertainment.

[@professorboots]

Thank you so much, that really means a-lot. It’s good to hear that they are as educational as they are enjoyable.

[@melon9088]

This guy's channel checks all the boxes, 3D printing, robotics, FPV drones, what more could you want? Brilliant video, maybe in the future you could try out 3d printed fpv drone frames, could be interesting.

[@zoeyzhang9866]

This is EPIC! Really informative tutorial, thank you for sharing this!

[@professorboots]

Anytime! It was a blast to build.

[@davidbrooke4829]

this is the same as when i try and explain something to my 4 year old, you are way more intelligent than the rest of us, ive printed the parts and now im lost! Even the instructables are complicated! one of the best prints ive seen on prusa prints is your mini skidsteer but people are reluctant to jump in because of the complexity.. dumb it down and really go basic on the instructions and i bet way more downloads and builds

[@orange1248]

Amazing project, finally a skidsteer with a proper tilting bucket! Definitely going to try it out. There are also metal geared versions of the servos with greater torque, might be a nice upgrade without redesigning.

[@CameronMatthews760]

Surprisingly well edited video for such a new KZbinr! Keep it up!

[@professorboots]

What every small KZbinr wants to hear haha, thank you so much!

[@frikkiesmit327]

Whaaat?! If he is small or not if he can edit well than he can edit. Gona keep an eye on this channel. Looks great!

[@sonwill17]

very good work thanks for sharing, greetings from Colombia

[@3dprintinglibrary335]

Finally someone that understands solidworks.

[@professorboots]

Haha I don’t know if I’d go so far as to say that, but I know my way around it.

[@danielstewart3507]

Really cool! Can't wait to see you grow.

[@Quinchi]

Noted and saved in Thingiverse, I now have a nephew, so it´s only matter of time to start doing thins like this :D

[@user-bv2qv3im9z]

Awesome & neat build!

[@professorboots]

Thank you!

[@ItsEggo]

I love this so much, please keep doing what you’re doing!

[@bowieinc]

Excellent video, so glad I found your channel.

[@professorboots]

Thank you, and I’m glad to!

[@toddroles3234]

Keep doing projects and videos like THIS! Great job. Subscriber!

[@professorboots]

Thank you for the feedback and thank you for the sub!

[@peterdr]

Nice Projekt 😊

[@AlexanderFrenette]

Fantastic work, keep it up! : )

[@mohitmathew1]

This is sooooo nice. Always wanted to build something like this. I will likely build this with my kids. Keep going and thank you so much.

[@professorboots]

Thank you and you definitely should there’s nothing more satisfying than making a mini RC haha. That’s awesome, I hope your kids like it as much as you do. There will be a V2.0 coming out this weekend might be worth the wait before printing

[@inoid724]

well done !

[@deuxbleux]

Your videos are amazing! I can't wait for you to get the attention you deserve after all your hard work. :)

[@Evilslayer73]

Amazing little loader project!nice work young man :)

[@professorboots]

Thank you!

[@Harel-DIY]

Great video as usual!

[@professorboots]

Haha thank you very much “as usual” always good to hear your comments!

[@125nsr]

Nice project :)

[@peternickerson2911]

This is super cool! I love designing and 3d printing little RC vehicles but I have never done something like this. I am very impressed. Super cool video

[@professorboots]

There is definitely something about making a tiny RC anything that is just insanely satisfying haha. And thank you it was a blast to make!

[@peternickerson2911]

@@professorboots Yeah I completely agree. And when it comes to RC the smaller it is usually the more of a challenge it is to design, but it is always super rewarding

[@professorboots]

Truer words have never been spoken

[@PunakiviAddikti]

I think a SBUS receiver works better. Then you can drive it with any compatible RC controller.

[@peterwiessenthaner5107]

It's so cool.

[@TheDistur]

That's really cool.

[@AndrewDanne]

I love what you do. Please Please keep it going. I think I will make one of these for my Nephew or Neice. I can see you scalling this up!

[@hotpushupguy4203]

Great fucking work man, both on the video and the skid steer!

[@professorboots]

Thank you, I appreciate it!

[@phreshxmetal]

Awesome!

[@leiflang8097]

Definitely fun driving a full sized skidsteer around. They are an amazing and versatile machine. Hopefully you get to try driving one some day!

[@professorboots]

Haha they look like a blast! Someday down the road it’ll happen, for now MiniSkidi it is

[@leiflang8097]

@@professorboots Most interesting part is how they are controlled, I believe old skidsteers had two pettles on the floor to control the wheels and then two leavers to control the loader. Generally nowadays you just get 2 sticks, one stick for moving the vehicle and the other for the loader.

[@robbjosh]

You Sir, just earned a sub!

[@professorboots]

Why thank you good sir!

[@McFlysGarage]

I now have a new hobby

[@professorboots]

Haha I’m pretty sure that’s the best response I could hope for!

[@nevenlukic]

I hope it can do a sick wheelie :) Great project!

[@professorboots]

Ohhhhhh you bet it can, solid 8.7 out of 10 wheelie score with the new upgrades I added which will be shown in the next video

[@JLake3D]

I was just thinking about designing a skid steer and this video popped up! 😂 nice 👍 Great video, good luck on the full size one 👌

[@professorboots]

Haha it’s been on my mind for awhile now so it was definitely a blast to build, and thank I’ll get there someday!

[@jagadishdm7537]

Good luck 🎉

[@EngieInPixels]

you"re doin good lad

[@professorboots]

Why thank you sir 🙏🏻

[@GeorgeZhukovv]

Great!

[@SantaDragon]

Thanks, what a great project. Maybe I will build one for my nephew (when he gets a little older than 2,5) or for me ^^

[@professorboots]

Haha that sounds like a great idea!

[@arthurdent8091]

Cool project. Now if I could find space and time to put this along with a myriad of other projects of mine. Good job.😁😁

[@professorboots]

Haha thank you! And whaaaaaat to many projects, is that even possible? Nah JK I am constantly running into that issue.

[@sarahmiller9188]

Love it

[@bluenamjay1547]

I'm a simple man; I see skid steer, I subscribe. Great video :)

[@professorboots]

Haha that’s makes two of us! And thank you!

[@bluenamjay1547]

@@professorboots just found out you don't ship the kit outside the US :( would have been cool to try and make this

[@professorboots]

Yeah I’m sorry I’m working on getting something set up for that, though everything will be open source so you should still be able to piece everything together

[@leonardterlevic4765]

I would recommend getting a proper lipo charger which has the option of discharging batteries to storage voltage (around 3.8 volts per cell for lipos) and balancing the cells (if one is more charged than the other the charger will even it out). Lipo batteries are very tricky to use because they have a high risk of just catching on fire spontaneously if not cared for properly.

[@theLyzhendricks]

0:09 the kill Dozer is a great example of what u can do with somthing like them lol

[@FrugalNation]

Mr Boots, This thing is just the coolest and straight up my alley. Once I have the money to get a nice printer I will be making a ton of "Heavy" Equipment just like this. I have drone experience while I was in the military, I have electrical and mechanical engineering background and a Certified SolidWorks Professional. If you ever need any help with digitally designing parts, just ask. I'll do what I can. Thanks for such a great video too. -Rich

[@professorboots]

Wow that’s so cool! Thank you so much for the offer I might just take you up on that offer or at the very least pick your brain if I have any questions. You’ll have to let me know if you start any projects or get a printer.

[@DrSpider77]

Great Thanks for show I work for a lot of years with ESP32 but I don't build an Skiddy

[@Victor_2019]

Great Video, subed!

[@professorboots]

Thank you!

[@remcoder6]

I don't know what's cuter than a skid loader but I'd love to see a forklift. It had some interesting challenges to it.. and you could do the forklift sounds ;-)

[@3D-Printed-Guy]

That’s a cute little fellow ❤🥺

[@chasr34]

if you ever have future problems with the 4 wheel drive system, some skid steers have metal tracks for the wheels so you could always use that to help, plus it will add more for the look of it (and probably traction, idk)

[@professorboots]

That’d be a really good idea, I think I’m definitely going to make that a option in the future

[@odysseyr7]

this is fucking awesome.

[@Ryan_Tidwell]

That is freakin cool. How have I not seen this channel before. You just earned a sub bud. Too bad your stuff is all backordered. I guess I'll have to be less lazy and make one myself. I gotta have one!!

[@professorboots]

Haha well I’m glad you found it! Yes hoping to catch up with all the orders this week. But if you need any help finding the parts don’t hesitate to message me on discord!

[@fealXX]

Very cool project! Go skiddi! 😂

[@professorboots]

Thank you! And yes go skiddi!😂

[@hvtdev]

Hey man, Really like your videos. Wouldnt mind seeing a video on the mini FPV drone. Liked and subscribed for hopefully seeing one on the little drone. Greetings from South Africa.

[@professorboots]

Thank you! There will definitely be one on the little drone at some point!

[@BQAggie2006]

Wonderful build! My 5yo would love an auger attachment, please!

[@professorboots]

I can definitely make that happen!

[@KhatabRobotics06]

how are u only at 2000? Your videos are great!

[@alexanderzawydiwski9534]

It looks like the Anki Cosmo robot

[@_The_Phantom]

3d print waste is one of the things thats stopping me in my robotic projects. I'm trying to save money and not producing any waste (I'm kinda broke). I loved the video❤, these videos gives me different angle of motivation ❤😂

[@professorboots]

There is a decent bit of waste that comes along with 3D printing so I understand that. I hope you’re able to venture back Into robotics soon though. And thank you!

[@joesephrodrigues]

fun project! I'd love if you considered moving to printables, its the future.

[@professorboots]

Thank you! I agree I actually put it up on printables as well www.printables.com/model/531344-diy-rc-skidsteer/comments In the future I’ll do better, and put it in the description

[@prozacgod]

Just an FYI 9-volt batteries are very low current... Well for this sort of application.

[@laratsiraivo1986]

How many rpm n20 motor have what U use

[@frikkiesmit327]

Ok ok ok im gona do it now!!!!! Im gona sub

[@trialanderrorrobotics3616]

Great video! I'm strongly considering picking up a kit to put together with our FIRST FTC team. At least that's what I'm telling myself... I was somewhat suprised that you didn't go straight for the track model after you decided to go with the belt to drive the other wheel. The track would perform the same function. You mentioned later in the video that you'll be doing this in the future, so it's a pretty easy mod. Have you considered using a rope and pulley system to operate the bucket tilt? You could relocate the servo to the back which would lighten the weight of the bucket and increase the lifting capacity and increase the counter weight to balance the load. Designing channels into the print would keep it clean and using fishing line would keep things small, low friction where there's a turn, and strong.

[@professorboots]

Thank you! Ohhh that sounds really cool! are you a robotics teacher by chance? I should also mention there’s a 2.0 video coming out tomorrow with a bunch of updates though you’ll be shocked to hear I didn’t go for the tracks… not yet that is. Your idea to move the servo away from the front of the arm is amazing and I wish I would’ve considered that when I was first designing it. Though in the updated version I ended up swapping the arm motor for another n20 which makes the arm really overpowered so the extra weight doesn’t hurt it to much. If you decide that you want to build one for your FTC team definitely DM me on discord as I’d love to learn more about it. Thank you for the great comment!

[@trialanderrorrobotics3616]

@@professorboots I'm not a professional teacher, the day job is in Additive Manufacturing R&D. I'm the lead mentor for the community-based robotics team. I was about to download and start printing the parts, but I saw the update coming and decided to hold off until tomorrow. I'll be in contact via Discord soon.

[@professorboots]

Oh gotcha, well that’s super awesome! And sounds good!

[@ItsEggo]

Yo I would love to purchase the parts kit with just the electronics but I noticed it’s on back order, how long would you guess your shipping times are out?

[@vaishnavibywar620]

Hello !! Gr8 work!!! When will u post the vdo for TFT LCD shield with chatgpt on ESP32?

[@professorboots]

Hello, thank you! I’ve been working on that project a little here and there but keep running into some coding bugs with the Tft screen and keyboard, so I’m not too sure. But it’s definitely something I plan to keep chipping away at!

[@pauls414]

No shipping to Europe?

[@kepler_45]

You could try to use belt drive for the main servo to see if it moves smother

[@professorboots]

I like what you’re thinking, I might try and give that a try.

[@kepler_45]

@@professorboots also consider using 2 motors one for each side to balance the load on both arms

[@kepler_45]

+ you could use belt drive also in the bucket removing the motor from it wich is heavy

[@kepler_45]

Ik very well that this is not easy task but its a solution i whould use

[@professorboots]

I like all of your suggestions! Especially the belt drive running to the bucket, that would be really cool!

[@christopherlarson4089]

What scale is it?

[@dakotadriggers8838]

genuinely curious, what do you gain from using an esp32 and custom pcb over an off the shelf rc receiver and esc?

[@professorboots]

Haha if you really want to look at it sideways and squint you could say you gain the ability to command it to do anything via writing custom firmware for example. You could make 10 of them and have em sink to each other and make em do a little dance with a handwritten script. But this is mainly an educational project to get hands on experience with development boards in a fun way

[@ognjennikolic1384]

Could you please elaborate on the belt drive? Did you make the belt yourself, or is there a company that makes such small belts? Otherwise great project and video, keep it up!

[@professorboots]

I 3D printed the belt using TPU. Thank you it was a blast to make!

[@MATEKYOO]

I made one on thingiverse, it's a bobcat t550 with all functions

[@professorboots]

That sounds awesome! I’ll see if I can find it

[@TinyHardware]

I think this is awesome, I have a family member that works in a bobcat and would die for this. I didn't see a link to the schematics for PCB. Are the electronics purchase?

[@professorboots]

Haha same here I have a family member who lost it when I made them one. I’m working on updating the circuit board design so I haven’t swapped in the new gerber files. The new design features another n20 motor for the arm which makes it capable of lifting ALOT more weight. The wiring diagram is Inside the GitHub repository. The electronics you can either pickup through my website or by sourcing them individually

[@TinyHardware]

@professorboots okey, I'll start sourcing the parts that I don't already have. I'll hold off until the new PCB design. Thank you

[@TinyHardware]

@@professorboots Should I wait to start printing parts? because it sounds like the chassis may change to support that N20 motor.

[@professorboots]

Yes that would be very wise, also I will definitely put a note in the bio of the 3D printed parts so people don’t get led astray.

[@seb2721]

Mo powa baby = subscription lol

[@professorboots]

Haha that’s what I like to hear!

[@tarcisiobatista5595]

Use On shape man. Is from solid works

[@professorboots]

I’ll definitely check it out!

[@meretrix]

FYI the Discord link doesn't work for me

[@professorboots]

Thank you so much for letting me know here’s a new link! discord.gg/4RKGgKFDM7

[@alex59292]

I'm your 1k sub 🎉

[@professorboots]

🎉 LETSSS GO!! Alex will go down in the books as the 1000th subscriber!

[@alex59292]

@@professorboots 💪

[@almaefogo]

Just found this from the hackaday post and I have 2 questions: Why not just sell the electronics board file so that people outside of the US can buy just board for 10€ for example and we can then order them ourselves instead of paying the ridiculous shipping prices from the US plus TAX? Is there enough space to build everything without the custom board? I would like to make this to gift to some kids I know but it would be too expensive to buy the ready made kits you sell, because in the end with tax a shipping each electronics kit might be close to or even above 100€, buying the board template from you and then ordering it online from china would be a lot cheaper and with faster shipping times than from the US, plus I would be able to easily source the components either locally or online for somewhat reasonable prices. making it a total of maybe 20 to 30€ excluding the custom board files, this would make it reasonable to build, more than that and I won't be able to afford it. But i have to say it looks amazing and I would have more fun with it than the kids.

[@professorboots]

You make a great point, right now I don’t ship out of the US. I plan on making the circuit board open source once I finish the new v2.0 model. It’ll be in the GitHub repository for free! Check in there a week from now

[@almaefogo]

@@professorboots yes, that would be amazing, once you have that's available and I have some money I'll make sure to donate 10€ or something

[@almaefogo]

Time to start sourcing most of the parts

[@professorboots]

Oh no worries the fact you’re building it and excited is more than enough! Definitely let me know how the build goes. Also along with that circuit board I’ll be releasing new 3D files for a V2.0 version. The difference in electronics is another H-bridge, another N20 motor(totaling 3) and one less servo though I still recommend getting 2 servos so you can build the log grabber attachment haha.

[@Berkley_Sauve19]

If you buy the diy kit do you have to code anything?

[@professorboots]

Originally I wasn’t preloading the boards with code, but now I always upload the latest onto it before shipping. So to answer your question nope!

[@Berkley_Sauve19]

Thank you for your help

[@el_mario_reus]

morning! need some helo with the discord, the invite link is expierd

[@professorboots]

Oh shoot thank you so much for letting me know! Here’s a new link discord.gg/4RKGgKFDM7

[@ElykBoi]

What kind of screws are they?

[@professorboots]

I’m using Truss Head self tapping screws

[@ElykBoi]

​@@professorboots do you know what size? im not sure what i should look for at the hardware store

[@professorboots]

I’m using a combo of 2.3x5, 2.3x8, and one 2.7x10 but those can be hard to find. Any M2 screw you find will most likely work. I’d recommend aM2 pan head screws, your hardware store will likely have those. If not they’ll definitely have the Allen head version which looks a little different but would also work

[@ElykBoi]

@@professorboots ok awesome, thanks!

[@flpsht]

aww, man, only shipping the kits in the US. : /

[@professorboots]

Yeah I’m sorry, hopefully someday that changes

[@MegaTraxxas]

Nice project man! But using battery in 2023 looks obsolete)

[@brendan636]

No shipping out of the USA? WTF... how will I tend to my bonsai's with out this.

[@professorboots]

NOT the BONSAIS! I’ll definitely figure something out, because we can’t be having that

[@conorstewart2214]

One thing I have realised over the years is that 9 V batteries are absolute rubbish. They barely have enough power to do anything with and they definitely are not suitable for driving motors.

[@tankgrrl]

9v batteries are a trap for hobbyists. Their form factor makes them seem so enticing but frankly... they suck complete ass. For ~ 5v projects, 4 AA batteries (or a LiPo as you found) will beat the pants off a bucked 9v all day long. 9v batteries are good for only one thing: Devices specifically designed around 9v batteries like fire alarms.

[@professorboots]

Very very true, glad you agree haha

[@Impruve-Your-Life]

first

[@professorboots]

You sir were Indeed first