bill_of_materials.md

Bill of Materials - Arduino Tank Robot

Core Electronics

Component	Qty	Specifications	Approx. Price	Notes
Arduino Uno R3	1	ATmega328P, 5V logic	$10	Microcontroller board
L298N H-Bridge Module	1	2A per channel, 5-35V	$3	Motor driver
PS2 Controller + Receiver	1	Wireless, analog sticks	$15	Must include receiver
DC Geared Motors	2	6-12V, 100-300 RPM	$10/pair	With mounting brackets
Aluminum Tank Chassis Kit	1	15x10cm base, tracks	$20	Includes tracks/wheels

Power System

Component	Qty	Specifications	Approx. Price
18650 Li-ion Batteries	2	3.7V, 2000-3500mAh	$5/pair
18650 Battery Holder	1	2-cell series	$2
9V Battery + Clip	1	For Arduino	$3
DC Power Jack	1	2.1mm barrel	$0.50
Slide Switch	1	3A, 125V	$0.30

Interconnects & Materials

Component	Qty	Purpose
Jumper Wires	1 set	M-M, M-F, F-F
EVA Foam Sheet	1	3mm thick, 20x20cm
Heat Shrink Tubing	1 set	Assorted sizes
Zip Ties	10	10-15cm
Double-Sided Tape	1 roll	1cm width

Recommended Tools

Tool	Purpose
Soldering Iron + Solder	Permanent connections
Wire Strippers	Preparing cables
Multimeter	Voltage/continuity checks
Screwdriver Set	Chassis assembly
Needle-Nose Pliers	Component handling

Total Estimated Cost: $80-100 USD

Supplier Recommendations

1. Electronics:
   • Adafruit (Arduino, sensors)
   • SparkFun (PS2 receiver, motors)
2. Mechanical Parts:
   • Amazon Robotics Section (Chassis kits)
   • AliExpress (Budget components)
3. Local Stores:
   • Batteries and wiring at hardware stores
   • EVA foam at craft stores

Important Notes

1. Battery Safety:
   • Use protected 18650 cells
   • Never leave charging unattended
2. Motor Selection:
   • Geared motors (≥ 100 RPM torque)
   • Current draw < 1.5A per motor
3. Alternative Options:
   • Replace 18650s with 9V battery for motors
   • Use plastic chassis if aluminum unavailable
   • Substitute EVA foam with electrical tape

Cost Saving Tips

• Salvage motors from old toys
• Use USB power bank for Arduino
• 3D print chassis components if possible