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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. See the "Radio Option" notes in the Contents 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 Contents 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:Chassis: | 15gauge (1.45mm / 0.057in) 6061-T6 alloy Aluminum stamped and formed baseplate. Has mounting holes for motors, armor and add-on kits. |
Motors: | 2x 33.3:1 Silver Spark Gearmotors
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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" Lightweight Twist Hubs and Twist Hub Key. |
Power Switch: | A Charge Switch 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.) A JST-to-9V Battery Adapter is included for operating the Viper with a 9V battery. (Recommended during testing.) |
Armor: | 3mm (0.12in) thick front wedge and 1.5mm (0.063in) top armor made of high-strength polycarbonate. |
Screws: | Four 0.125" 2-56 screws for mounting the motors. Four 0.50" 6-32 screws and six 0.375" 6-32 screws for fastening armor. 0.050" 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 V4.0 here)
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Controller Option: • 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.)
Battery Option: 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.
• The most economical solution is our
Rechargeable 9V Battery. They can be recharged hundreds of times! Make sure to grab a
9V Charger Adapter Cable so you can recharge without removing the battery from the robot!
• 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.
Your Viper includes a
JST-to-9V Battery Adapter for running the Viper on a 9V battery.
[Or, a
JST to Dual 9V Battery Adapter can double run-time and available amperage by using two 9V batteries.]
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. Lipoly Battery and Charger are available as an option above.
"Lipoly Option" includes:
Lipoly charger, 300mAh
7.4V "Galaxy" lipoly 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.