Tiny Trak - Night Crawler by GSlug

Last crawled date: 3 years, 3 months ago

NOTICE: Be sure to read through the thing details for information on Print Settings and Parts list! More detailed instructions will be posted at a later date.
Also be sure to follow the Tiny Trak Facebook group! Share your builds and experiences!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/181517579149618/
Contents List: *Friendly Tip: Use CTRL+F (Command+F) to quickly search for specific sections in this guide.
Introduction
Parts List
Required Parts Links
Other Links

Printing Instructions (Coming Soon)
Print Settings
Supports
Making Things fit!

Building Instructions (Coming Soon)
INTRODUCTION: (OPTIONAL READ)
TL;DR: I'm a noob, tiny traks are cool, build one.
Hello everyone! Like many of you reading this, you have found yourself very interested in these tiny tracked RC tanks, also referred to as "Tiny Traks," but have run into a slight problem. You have no flippin' idea were to start.
Well, look no further because the rabbit hole ends here (with this guide).
Like most of you, I found more questions than answers (at first) when I started off trying to build my very own Tiny Trak. I searched the internet and eventually came across the Tiny Trak Facebook group which helped to get things going. I cannot recommended enough to join the group (SO JOIN). Most everyone in the group is willing to answer questions, but we also recommended doing your own research if you need to. Hopefully I can answer the most basic questions.
This guide is intended for people interested in building their very own Tiny Trak. Both new and advanced users, but also for those who might want to go the extra mile. It is also meant to be affordable and easy to build. So keep in mind the parts listed are just to get things going. No fancy RSSI feeds or on screen HUDS here, but don't let that stop you later down the road from adding it. If you want something like that, build it (then share it because I want one to).
As a disclaimer, I am in no way a "Pro." I am a complete amateur and Noob. This is just something I enjoy doing on side for fun like most people. I just wanted to provide a means for those interested to get started and not feel as overwhelmed as I did searching for answers. So make sure to read through everything! I didn't type all this stuff for nothing you know.
Let us make the most of it! Enjoy!
PARTS LIST:
For those wondering (and just to get it out of the way) the total cost of this build is roughly:

$63.93 without Batteries, Radio TX, Monitor/FPV rig, FPV Camera, Charger, and Filament. (Cost was also determined on a per unit base and not as lots)


REQUIRED:
2 - FS90R Servo
4 - 684ZZ 4x9x4 Bearings
2 - Hex-socket M4x20 screws
2 - M4 Washers
1 - DasMikro 2S6A ESC
1 - Micro Receiver (Your Choice)
1 - 1S LiPo Battery (Your Choice/2S Optional)
1 - Radio TX (Your Choice)

OPTIONAL:
2 - 3V LEDS
1 - FS90R Control Board
2 - 68 ohm 1/8th Watt Resistor
1 - FPV Camera
2 - 1.25 mm JST 2 Wire Connectors
I have provided 2 links for each listed part, each varying in price for obvious reasons.
For those of you who are so new to the scene and need links for Radios, Monitors, batteries, charges, ETC. Links will be provided for those as well.
All links provided are non-affiliate links just shortened for your viewing pleasure, so no kick backs here.
REQUIRED PARTS LINKS:
FS90R Servo:https://bit.ly/2I230vQ - Lot of 4pcs: $11.28 / Per Unit: $2.82https://amzn.to/3lrp2WA - Lot of 4pcs: 20.99 / Per unit: 5.24
Why get FS90R when SG90 are cheaper and modable?
GREAT QUESTION! Because FS90R servos are much easier to work with and require less modification. They also provide an easier means of adjusting LEDS which is explained more in depth in a different part of this guide. (NOT ADDED YET)
684ZZ Bearing 4x9x4:https://bit.ly/2I3vyFp - Lot of 10pcs: 7.19 / Per Unit: 1.84https://amzn.to/3mzyTLp - Lot of 20pcs: 8.99 / Per Unit: $0.45
Why use bearings?
Bearings allow the tracks to move more smoothly and offer less friction when in motion.
Hex-socket M4x20/Washers
Bolts: https://bit.ly/3qpRHiC - Lot of 20pcs: $2.30
Washers: https://bit.ly/37opM9W - Lot of 100pcs: $1.82
Bolts & Washers: https://amzn.to/3qnUgkT - Lot of 1228pcs(MIXED): $32.99
Why Hex-socket M4 screws?
Eh, its what I had. So as long as the screws you use are m4x20 they should work.
DasMikro 2s6a ESC:https://bit.ly/37w4NBV - Per Unit: $22.78https://ebay.to/2VsnO2T - Per Unit $22.99
Why use a DasMikro 2s6a ESC?
When building this TinyTrak I put a lot of thought into future upgrades and what people may prefer. This ESC is compatible with 2s and 1s batteries. However when using a 2s battery a 5V step down regulator is required because the servo motors cannot handle anything more than 5V. BUT this will not be case in future builds. Also, The wiring is different for 2S vs 1S. See Wiring diagrams for 1s and 2s batteries in the Build instructions Portion of this guide.(NOT ADDED YET)
Frsky D8 Mini receiver : https://bit.ly/3qmvrG7 Per Unit: $9.44 + shippinghttps://ebay.to/39y5q0E Per Unit: $11.95
Why a Frsky D8 Mini receiver?
Because they are sooo small and perfect for this kind of build, but that doesn't mean you a limited to this receiver only. If you have a receiver that fits this same form factor, you are welcome to use it.
Tracks:
USA: https://amzn.to/33G0SSe Lot of 3 sets: 9.99
GERMANY: https://amzn.to/3aVSvqa Lot of 3 sets: 10.99
Why these tracks?
Because they're SICK.
1s LiPo Batteries (These are what I used):https://amzn.to/33Iou8H
Why 1S LiPos?
For now, I consider these one of the best option. They are cheap and affordable. On my 850 mah 1S LiPo. I can get up to 40+ minutes per battery with LEDS going. If you are looking for something more punchy, go with 2S but a 5v step down regulator is required.
OTHER LINKS:
FPV Camera:https://bit.ly/3mxCgm4 Per Unit: 18.99https://amzn.to/2I6yQHW Per Unit: $16.82
3V LEDS (Your choice of color/style):https://amzn.to/3qufEoE
FS90R Servo Control Board:
You actually get this as a result of separating the control board from servo motor. So it something you should already have!
68 ohm 1/8th Watt Resistor (Needed for LEDS):https://ebay.to/39FNe57
1.25 mm JST 2 Wire Connectors:https://amzn.to/37AiNLe
I used these to connect the FPV AIO camera and my LEDS more easily, and in the event that I need to change either one out for unprecedented reasons.
Recommended Radio TX:
BetaFPV Lite Radio 2 -https://betafpv.com/products/literadio-2-radio-transmitter
Great for beginners, very affordable, and great for anyone wanting to get into drones/TinyTracks.
Taranis QX7 (ACCST Version) -https://bit.ly/2I7VcIW
Great for those really wanting to there hair wet. Taranis also offers a newer version for their new Protocol ACCESS, but a separate module would be necessary to control RXs that use D8 Protocol.
Charger (Not used for 1S LiPo Batteries. Just something I use for 2S and above.):
ISDT 608AC -https://amzn.to/2VyJD0qhttps://bit.ly/2Vx5s0C
FPV Monitor:https://bit.ly/3lI8MAu
Filament Used:
eSUN PLA+ -https://amzn.to/2L637rw