Arcadia Tractor Rovers

Introduction & Overview

This is the Arcadia Farming Rover page where we are building / managing the Arcadia Farming Rovers with the Electric Vehicles Class

WORK IN PROGRESS

I'm working on this module, but it's not at the top of my priority list. That's because I have passed this section in my class this year, or we have not got to it yet... either way, I'm way behind. ALSO my ADHD and ability to fucus on projects because other "shiny" projects keep getting in the way does not help... If you wanted to help shape my priorities, you could connect with me here on my "How To Support My Curriculum Development" page

Arcadia Tractor Rover and Robots

We have 3 completed Rovers, and the possibility to build 2 more... maybe 3.

The Arcadia Tractor rovers are from the now defunct Arcadia Tractor start up. We will do our best to keep these rovers working and leverage a collaboration between the SVCTE Mechatronics Engineering and the SVCTE Electrical Vehicles class.

Sponsor Shout Out

I would like to thank "Who"? for their generous support of my classroom and curriculum development.

(If you would like to sponsor this, or other Modules or presentation, please contact TopClown@STEAMClown.org or check out my "How To Help Page"

Unit: Robot Club - Rovers & Python Hardware
- Arcadia Tractor Rovers - Lessons, Projects, Technology & Resources
This is a LEARNING Activity : Lesson / Lab

Last Revised: March 23, 2025 - Authored: March 23, 2025
Original Author: Jim Burnham - TopClown@STEAMClown.org
Content License: Distributed as Open Source. (There are some specific Licensing restrictions with the Arcadia Software, which will be honored, and I will only be sharing public open Source content, and not their original licensed content. - See Rights & Usage

Sid Bar for Teachers: This Module or lesson is how I teach in my class. Many of the lessons might be specific to my class, but you could probably adjust them for your class. I'll try to make them a neutral as I can, so they can be used in any Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science, or any other Engineering / Technology class. Let me know how I can make that better. I'll try to keep this unit current and relevant. Please let me know if any resource links are broken or not accessible. Use this email link to let me know what is broken @ TopClown@STEAMClown.org

Caution & Safety Considerations:

Primer: "Aaron, I can imagine no way in which this thing could be considered anywhere remotely close to safe. All I know is I spent six hours in there and I'm still alive... You still want to do it?"

As with any activity, please make sure you are using appropriate safety equipment. If you are coding, writing, reading, or working a lab, make sure you stand up and stretch every hour or so, Please consider any safety issues connecting to a Raspberry Pi, Arduino, computers and other electronic equipment.

Robots and Resources

New Links & Resources:

These are resources, that have been added in the last few weeks. They were found by your teacher or fellow students. Take a look. There are linked here, but also will be listed under an appropriate heading below too...

Arcadia
Mr. Burnham's Robots
Rovers Engineering Notebooks - TBD

Arcadia Support / Docs / Resources:

Getting Started - Lessons, Projects, & Labs

Introduction To Arcadia and the Rover Hardware

Introduction To Arcadia Rovers

Amiga Introduction, is a Presentation and Lesson introducing the Arcadia company, what they do, their goals, and opportunities. A Deep dive into resources on their web site and how to find information to setup your Rover.

Mechatronics - Robot Club - Introduction - 📖 Lesson Tutorial (Coming Soon)
Mechatronics - Robot Club - Introduction - 📽️ Video / Podcast (Coming Soon)
Mechatronics - Robot Club - Introduction - 📰 Slide Presentation
- Mechatronics - <topic> - LAB #1 - 🛠️ LAB Activity
- Mechatronics - <topic> - LAB #2 - 🛠️ LAB Activity
- Mechatronics - <topic> - LAB #3 - 🛠️ LAB Activity

Rover Hardware - Let's Build A Rover

Frame, Motors, RC Build Instructions:

Assembly Instructions - Frame, Motors, RC Build: Each year a team will build a rover from a completely disassembled state. These are the assembly instructions. Step by Step to put the rover frame, drive motors, battery and remote control drive system together.

Advanced Control (Raspberry/Jetson Nano):

Assembly Instructions - Advanced Control (Raspberry/Jetson Nano): Each year a team will take a "Frame, Motors, RC Build" rover and add the "autonomous" control system to it.

Motor Controllers (RoboteQ GIM2660TE (obsolete)

GIM26xx Series Information

High Power 2 x 180A or 1 x 360A Variable Frequency Drive for AC Induction Motors

USB, Serial, 0‑5V Analog, or Pulse (RC radio) command modes
One serial port
CAN bus interface up to 1Mbit/s with multiple protocol support
Optional RS485 interface
Optional 10/100 Ethernet
Auto switch between Serial, USB, CAN, Analog, or Pulse based on user‑defined priority
Built‑in dual 3‑phase high‑power drivers for AC Induction motor at up to 180A
Output channels can be paralleled in order to drive a single motor at up to 360A
Multiple Motor Operating mode
- ‑ Open Loop Volts per Hertz
- ‑ Fixed Slip Control
- ‑ FOC Torque Mode
- ‑ FOC Speed Mode

Roboteq's GIM26xx is a feature‑packed, high‑current, dual or single channel controller for AC Induction Asynchronous motors. The controller uses the motor's Encoders to capture the Rotor speed and measure traveled distance. The motors may be operated in open or closed loop speed or torque modes. The GIM26xx features several Analog, Pulse and Digital I/Os which can be remapped as command or feedback inputs, limit switches, or many other functions. The GIM26xx accepts commands received from an RC radio, Analog Joystick, wireless modem, or microcomputer. For mobile robot applications, the controller’s two motor channels can either be operated independently or mixed to move and steer a vehicle. Using CAN bus, up to 127 controllers can be networked at up to 1Mbit/s on a single twisted pair. An optional Ethernet port with PC allows the connection to PLCs and TCP/IP networks.

Documentation:
- User Guide - Data sheets - 📖
Software:

High Level Hardware Introduction

ADD Intro Text Paragraph - This Lesson is coming soon - This lesson will be a introduction to the Hardware of the VIAM Rover, and show that most rover designs could be used. It's a very high level, where students can see the big features. There will be a short slide deck, and then some research assignments/quiz (Canvas)

Mechatronics - <topic> - 📖 Lesson Tutorial
Mechatronics - <topic> - 📽️ Video / Podcast
Mechatronics - <topic> - 📰 Slide Presentation (Coming Soon)
- Mechatronics - <topic> - LAB #1 - 🛠️ LAB Activity
- Mechatronics - <topic> - LAB #2 - 🛠️ LAB Activity
- Mechatronics - <topic> - LAB #3 - 🛠️ LAB Activity

Random Stuff To Sort

https://www.roboteq.com/products/products-ac-induction-motor-controllers/gimg2660te-454-detail

Teachers - Unit, Module and Lesson Plans

Mechatronics Engineering Introduction - <topic>

This Lesson is coming soon - click here to be notified when it's available - Professional Development Newsletter

Mechatronics - <topic> - 📖 Lesson Tutorial
Mechatronics - <topic> - 📽️ Video / Podcast
Mechatronics - <topic> - 📰 Slide Presentation (Coming Soon)
- Mechatronics - <topic> - LAB #1 - 🛠️ LAB Activity
- Mechatronics - <topic> - LAB #2 - 🛠️ LAB Activity
- Mechatronics - <topic> - LAB #3 - 🛠️ LAB Activity

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