How To Build A Solar Charged RC Electric Lawn Mower
Robert Smith has put together a series of videos below that will show you how to create a solar charged remote control electric lawn mower (SCRCELM). The videos below will explain everything you need to know such as what parts to order, how to hook up components, advice, and more. After viewing a video, the video player will automatically take you to the next video in the series. So sit tight, enjoy, and let Robert guide the way.
SCRCELM Photo Gallery
Important Files & Downloads & Tutorials
Files
- Google Sketchup (SCRCELM) 3D Model Drawing 
Tutorials
-Google Sketchup How To Take Measurements Video Tutorial 
-Google Sketchup Additional Video Tutorials
Downloads
Diagrams & Schematics & Program Code
-Solar Charged RC Electric Lawn Mower Schematic 
-Connecting two 12v Batteries In Series To Produce 24v
Templates
-Electronic Box Interface Template 
Resources
SCRCELM Weight
Below is the weight for the primary components apart of the SCRCELM
Category |
Weight (in pounds) |
| Lawn Mower | 64 |
| Batteries | 46.3 |
| Aluminum & Bolts/Screws | 15 |
| Tires | 14 |
| Swivel Wheels | 12 |
| Motors | 40 |
| Solar Panels | 12 |
| Electronics | 9 |
The total weight for the SCRCELM is approximately 210lbs – 250lbs.
SCRCELM Parts List
Parts List Last Updated On: Dec. 20, 2011
| Part | Part # | Location |
Frame & Body |
||
| Steelworks Aluminum Flat 1/8 x 2 x 8′ (Quantity may vary) | 55960 | Lowes.com |
| Steelworks Aluminum Flat 1/8 x 1-1/2 x 8′ (Quantity may vary) | 55959 | Lowes.com |
| Steelworks Aluminum Flat 1/8 x 1 x 8′ (Quantity may vary) | 55958 | Lowes.com |
| Steelworks Aluminum Angle 1/8 x 1-1/2 x 8′ (Quantity may vary) | 55973 | Lowes.com |
| Steelworks Aluminum Angle 1/8 x 1 x 8′ (Quantity may vary) | 55971 | Lowes.com |
| HM 5/16 – 18 x 1 Hex Bolt (100 pack) | 63317 | Lowes.com |
| Stop Nuts Nylon Insert 5/16 – 18 (100 pack) | 180150 | Lowes.com |
| HM 5/16 – 18 x 1 1/2 Hex Bolt | 63318 | Lowes.com |
| HM 5/16 – 1/2 Hex Bolt | 135696 | Lowes.com |
| Nylon MS BH/Slot 1/4-20 x 1 | 139081 | Lowes.com |
| Nylon Hex Nuts 1/4-20 | 138986 | Lowes.com |
| 5/16 Drill Bit | 219775 | Lowes.com |
| Multiuse Lube WD40 | 188735 | Lowes.com |
Electric Wheelchair Related Components |
||
| Electric Wheelchair Motors | eBay | |
| Sabertooth 2X25 Dual Motor Driver | Sabertooth 2×25 | Dimension Engineering |
| DX5e DSMX 5-Channel Transmitter/Receiver | Spektrum | Amazon |
| Male Servo Connector | B0006O5LOA | Amazon |
| 9-18VDC Hobby Motor | 273-256 | RadioShack |
| 2x NOCO Group U1 Battery Box | BOX-U1 | BatteryMart |
| 2x 13×5.00-6 Carlisle Tire Split Rim | 260120 | BMI Karts & Supplies |
| The Hillman Group 5/16″ x 2″ Zinc Plated Fine-Thread Hex Bolt | 138064 | Lowes.com |
| Hitachi 13/32″ Drill Bit | N/A | Lowes.com |
| Flat Washers 5/16 – Box Set | N/A | Lowes.com |
| 2x UB12350 Group U1 Battery | Universal Power Group | Amazon |
| 24v Battery Charger | 022-0158-1 | Amazon |
| 20-Ft. UL-Recognized Red Hookup Wire (12AWG) | 278-565 | RadioShack |
| 20-Ft. UL-Recognized Black Hookup Wire (12AWG) | 278-566 | RadioShack |
| Waxman 8-Inch Polyurethane Caster with Swivel | 4136455 | Amazon.com |
Lawn Mower Related Components |
||
| Black & Decker CM1836 Electric Lawn | Black & Decker | Amazon |
| 1x 1N4007 1A 1000V Rectifier Diode | 220754568126 | eBay |
| 36 Volt Continuous Duty Solenoid Relay | SSMU-1021 | Amazon |
| 25A Solid State Relay SSR DC In DC Out | ESSR-25DDC | LightObject |
| Heatsink for Solid State Relay | 175441 | OSCSYS |
| Heatsink Compound | 17568 | OSCSYS |
| In-line ACT Water-resistant Fuse Holder – 10 AWG | Inline | Amazon |
| ATC / ATO BLADE FUSE 25 AMP | N/A | eBay |
| Heat Shrink Tubing | 773809 | Lowes |
Microprocessor Related Components |
||
| Parallax Board of Education | 28803 | Parallax |
| 1x 9v Battery Clip | 2700325 | RadioShack |
| 1x IRF3205 MOSFET | 618089 | Jameco |
| 1x PicoSwitch | PicoSwitch | Dimension Engineering |
Solar Related Components |
||
| 1x Morningstar PS15 ProStar 15 Charge Controller (PS-15) | PS-15 | Infinigi |
| 2x 12v 20 Watt Solar Panels | STP020P | UL-Solar |
| 8x Z Style Flat Roof Mounting System (Brackets) | Z-BRACKET | UL-Solar |
| 24v Power Inverter | 170644050866 | eBay |
| Pan Head Slotted Screws 4-40 x 3/4 | 881944 | Lowes.com |
| Hex Machine Nuts Stainless 4-40 | 882014 | Lowes.com |
Other Electric Components |
||
| Voltage Regulator | DE-SWADJ3 | Dimension Engineering |
| Voltage Regulator Breakout Board | Vreg Breakout | Dimension Engineering |
| Dri-box Waterproof Outdoor Connection Enclosure | 58-14220 | MCM |
| Cooler Master Computer Case 120mm Cooling Fan | B0026ZPFCK | Amazon |
| SilverStone 120mm Fan Filter with Grill FF121B | FF121B | Amazon |
| Nylon Wing Nuts 1/4″-20 | 138998 | Lowes.com |
| Nylon Mach Screw 1/4″ x 1-1/2″ | 139008 | Lowes.com |
| Nylon Mach Screw 1/4″ x 1/2″ | 139081 | Lowes.com |
| Nylon Hex Nut 1/4″-20 | 138986 | Lowes.com |
| 2x 25A DPDT Toggle Switch | 360-1909-ND | Digi-Key |
| 1x 50A Toggle Switch (On-Off) | 85904 | Autozone |
| 2x 36v Battery Voltmeter | 150609894288 | eBay |
| 2x SPST Rocker Switch | 275-693 | RadioShack |
| 100A Busbar | 2314 | Amazon |
| Pwr Plug Sealed IP68 | 502-S761KS12 | Mouser |
| Pwr Jack Sealed IP68 | 502-L722AS | Mouser |
| Digital Multimeter | 22-813 | RadioShack |
Recommended Tools & Machines |
||
| Torque Wrench / Kit | Any Home Improvement Store | |
| Wrench / Kit | Any Home Improvement Store | |
| Band Saw | Any Home Improvement Store | |
| Belt Sander | Any Home Improvement Store | |
| Drill Press / Power Drill | Any Home Improvement Store | |
| Heavy Duty Spring Clamps | Any Home Improvement Store | |
Comments & Questions
Check my Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page prior to using the contact page. If your question is not listed on the FAQ page or if you wish to leave a comment, visit my contact page.
DISCLAIMER – Controlling an unmanned vehicle as shown above can be potentially lethal. You run the potential risk of hurting someone, an animal, or yourself if proper precautions are not taken. I accept no responsibility for any potential dangers that may arise while you build the vehicle above. If you decide to build the device above, you do so at your own risk, and you are acknowledging that you and only you will be held responsible if any problems occur.
The Media
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