NEW VERSION! Version 2 of the
Viper was introduced back in November of 2014 and has helped thousands of new builders and school programs get started in combat robotics. We are now thrilled to announce the release of
Version 3!
Upgrades: New Baseplate - This improved baseplate has a secondary position for mounting the power/charge switch, holes for mounting custom side and rear armor, and extra mounting points in the base for doubling up or mirroring weapons and servos. Plus the threaded inserts are a beefier style and won't ever pop out!
UHMW Front Armor - First introduced as an upgrade to go along with the Tail Spinner Add-On, this UHMW front armor is both lighter AND holds up to hits better so we are now including it by default!
tinyESC v3 - More efficient, more responsive, with easier "Combat-Safe Calibration", and a juiced up BEC that can supply power hungry telemetry receivers!
Lightweight Twist Hubs - Injection molded from glass-filled nylon for strength and low weight, with an integrated threaded insert so you can still torque down the setscrew.
Extra motor shaft support - Flanged Ball Bearings that integrate into the baseplate for extra motor shaft support
6-position Terminal Blocks - Two extra ports can power additional devices - especially handy for the new Low-Voltage Alarm
Low Voltage Alarm - Now included with the Lipoly Option; beeps when it is time to recharge so you don't ruin a lipo battery
Updated Instructions - We are proud of our instructions that teach important principles and safety practices while being easy to follow along in building your first robot!
(*Some of these upgrades have been rolled out over the past months as we received them)
Temp textWe 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.
- Sized for the 1lb Antweight class.
- The custom-formed 6061-T6 Aluminum chassis has plenty of strength and space for additional components and upgrades.
- 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.
- UHMW and polycarbonate combat armor keeps the components safe.
- 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.)
The
Viper kit is fully intended to be sawed, drilled, modified, and upgraded! Out of the box, you will have a sturdy dr
Recommended for ages 10+ (6+ with a parent).
Its base weight is only 313grams (11.0oz) leaving 141grams (4.97oz) for additional parts when entering the Antweight (1lb) weight class. (We don't recommend running the Viper in the Beetleweight class versus 3x larger opponents!)
*Transmitter and receiver are required. See the "Radio Option" notes in the Kit Includes tab for more info.
*Battery required. The Viper can run off a 9V (disposable or rechargeable) or lipoly battery packs. See the "Battery Option" notes in the Kit Includes tab for more info.
Add-ons: These add-ons fit right onto the existing Viper robot chassis - no machining or soldering required!
Spare Parts: Looking for backups for an upcoming competition? You can find every part of the Viper kit here!
Viper Kit Spare Parts If the Viper is out of stock, it might be just because of one or two parts. You can use the Spare Parts page to get everything and substitute missing parts with others. |
Kit Includes: Dimensions: Body Width: 16.5cm (6.5in)
Length: 14cm (5.5in)
Body Height: 3cm (1.18in)
Weight: 313grams (11.04oz)
Controller Option: • Transmitter and receiver are required. If you don't have them already, you can add them with the option above.
"Controller Option" includes:
T6A Radio Transmitter,
TR6A receiver (Transmitter requires 8 AA batteries.)
Battery Options: Your Viper includes a
JST-to-9V Battery Adapter for running the Viper on a 9V battery. It is highly recommended that the first time you turn on your Viper robot is with a 9V battery. They are much more forgiving than lipoly batteries. If there is something plugged in wrong, a lipoly's power might be catastrophic, but a 9V can't put out enough current to melt anything.
1) If you choose to run your Viper on a disposable 9V battery, we recommend
Duracell Procell (PC1604) for over an hour of run time - better than every other 9V we've tested.
2) The most economical solution is our
Rechargeable 9V Battery. They can be recharged hundreds of times! The
"Rechargeable 9V Option" includes a
Rechargeable 9V Battery and Dual Charger, and a
9V Charger Adapter Cable so you can recharge without removing the battery from the robot.
3) For maximum power density, you can't beat a rechargeable
7.4V 300mAh "Galaxy" lipoly pack. If you are planning to add a spinning weapon, you will need the amperage that lipoly batteries can supply. Battery and Charger are available as an option above. The
"Lipoly Option" includes a
C6D Lipoly Charger, a 300mAh
7.4V "Galaxy" Lipoly Battery, and a
FingerTech Low Voltage Alarm.
Viper-v2-R5.STEP (full bot) (V3 files coming soon!)
CAD files for individual components can be found on their own pages, by following the links on the Contents tab.