We currently have 2 pilot projects running in Calderdale. On this page you will find specific information for participants of those, and also general information about getting and using the resources.
Scout Road Academy – pilot
With the support of a micro-comission from IVE we are running the first school-based pilot of Buggy Battles at Scout Road Academy in Mytholmroyd. This will be delivered as remote learning- pupils at school will build their buggies with live on-screen support.
Information
- Minimum 4 hours of building with tutorial videos and problem solving online meet-ups.
- Battles will take place as soon as we can all meet in one place (probably the Big Tin Shed in Hebden). Hopefully around Easter?
- We will be using the excellent Crumble Controller. Download the software, the ‘getting started guide’ and order the parts here:
- https://redfernelectronics.co.uk/
Rules of Engagment
- Maximum of 2 motors on each buggy
- Buggies Cannot be physically adapted between rounds, but can be re-coded
- Buggies can be built from any recycled material
You will need:
Hire the kits from us for £5, plus £30 deposit to cover any breakages. Deposit will be repaid in full, with the value of any lost or broken parts deducted, after the Battles (we will always try to repair any breakages first). Or, you can keep the kit if you want to make more projects.
Alternatively you can purchase the parts directly from Redfern redfernelectronics.co.uk/
- crumble controller, £12
- croc leads, £3
- battery box, £3.60
- pair of geared motors, £6
- motor clips, £0.60
- wheels, £2.64
- sensor, £3.60
- servo, £5.40 (this is not essential, but might be useful for weapons)
- micro usb cable, £2.40 (you probably already have one- it’s an android phone charger lead)
- 2 X sparkles (LED lights) or a sparkle batton (8 sparkles), £8.40
- push switch, £1.20
Batteries 3 X AA
Redfern recommend using disposable batteries. We only use rechargeable and have had no problems but please read the following before you decide:
- Reachargeable batteries are often more toxic when they are discarded, so it’s only a more environmentally-friendly option of you use (charge) them properly so that they last.
- Almost all chargers sold (including ‘intelligent’ chargers) will degrade the batteries. You need a good ‘conditioning’ charger.
- Don’t panic if you have a basic charger, run your batteries out completely before charging them and get a decent one when you can.
- We use a MAHA Powerex C9000 and have batteries working well after many years.
- Rechargeable give a lower voltage and higher current. Make sure they are inserted into the battery case the right way around.
- We prefer to use recharegable, but we can’t be responsible for any problems if you use them.
- If in doubt, use disposable and make sure they get recycled afterwards.