Not the most hi-tech thing I've ever put together, but definitely one of the most fun. You can also tie some string to it and run it over a dropped ceiling grid to simplify running cable almost to the point that it too is fun. (Those are strong words, but it's true!)

So what is it? I started with the chassis of a four-wheel drive remote control truck that I bought at Radio Shack. I took back the first one I got because it was under powered and basically too wussy for me. I exchanged it for the biggest, baddest one they had called the Trespasser if memory serves. The body comes off real easy. Just a bunch of cotter pins holding it on.

Next I got a 2ghtz video transmitter, a CCD camera and a battery to power it. These are going pretty cheap at eclectic electronics stores since the X-10 fad has all but died out. Hopefully they will have a camera there as well because they are looking to rape you at the spy shop. It needs to be small and you might want to check the light sensitivity. The color often requires more light and IR definitly scores cool points. They come with transformers so check out the power specs and run to BatteriesUnlimited or somewhere and find a gel-cell that will pull your load and get a charger for it while you’re there.

I strapped the battery on the middle with a couple of zip strips and screwed the video transmitter to the back and the CCD to the front. I had to saw off part of the chassis frame so I could mount it on the back but it was necessary because the battery is a little heavy and you need to be conscious of the center of gravity during assembly. Actually, I found using a grinder was easier to get the offending plastic removed and it leaves a nice flat mounting surface. This came out looking something like this:

You're virtually done at this point. Jack the 2ghtz receiver into your TV and throw the truck into the yard and go nutz. We were have a load of fun chasing the neighbors cat until we realized the neighbor was standing there in the yard. I wonder if he's the one that but that huge snake in me mailbox? Hmmm?

If you want to take it a step further, I got a battery-powered portable television and picked up an additional gel-cell to power the receiver so that the entire kit and kaboodle is mobile. Jack a vid cam or corder between the receiver and the television and you can make some fun little movies.

I considered mounting the cam on an extra servo or two, but I figured that was overkill and was more than a little concerned about weight. Perhaps you might think differently. If you build your own Mars rover, make sure to send me a pic of it!

L8rz - TexorcisT