Base Testing, Second Motor, Print Post-Processing

Goal

Dual-motor skid steering working. Base platform fully tested under load. Begin post-processing first batch of prints.

Day-by-Day Tasks

Day	Task	Method	Notes
1-2	Install second 775 motor + gearbox for skid steering	BaneBots motor, mount plates	Wire to BTS7960 motor driver. Independent control per side = skid steering.
2-3	Wire RC receiver → Arduino → motor drivers	FlySky FS-i6X, Arduino Mega #1	Basic RC control: left stick = left motor, right stick = right motor. E-stop on channel 6.
3	Install E-stop mushroom button	Wiring, panel mount	THIS IS NOT OPTIONAL. Wire between battery and everything else. Test it. Test it again.
3-4	Test drive: flat ground	RC control	Forward, backward, pivot turn, gentle curves. Verify both motors respond correctly.
4	Test drive: stairs with 50lb sandbag	RC + manual supervision	SOMEONE MUST SPOT THE ROBOT. Start with 50lbs, work up to 100lbs.
4-5	Test drive: outdoor terrain	RC control	Grass, gravel, sidewalk. Note what stalls the motors, where traction fails.
5	Install all-terrain rubber track overlay	Glue/bolt to track pods	Improve grip based on terrain test results.
5-6	Mount outer torso panels (3D printed, from Week 2-3 queue)	Bolts, clips	First cosmetic parts attached. Check fit — if printing drift, reprint affected sections.
6-7	Begin head shell post-processing	Sand 120→240→400, filler primer	Head printed during Week 3-4. Now sand, fill, prime. This is SLOW — 2-3 coats of filler primer with sanding between each. Don’t rush it.
7	Begin track cover post-processing	Sand, fill, prime	Simpler than head — larger flat surfaces, fewer details. Good practice before head detail work.

Skills Practiced

Motor wiring, RC integration, safety systems, 3D print post-processing (sanding, filling — learn on track covers before touching the head).

Print Queue

Head shell finishing → nose/radar/antenna → arm covers begin