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Hacking the Prototype Logging Robot
🕑 Added 2024-02-17 22:35:37 +0000 UTCLet me know what you guys think about this format.
Comments
Stephen Meeks
Because you are so interested in applying your total skill set to what you do, I have chosen to add my little contribution to you and your family. Your videos are well done, and I really enjoy them.
Paul Kele
Yes. More videos like this, please. This video was fantastic, but that's coming from someone who also likes to save any machine...
Terry Lawrence
I also am here due to the Logging Robot! My passion is telepresence <3
Tor Sjøwall
This video made me support you on Patreon.
Steve Walker
The format is great. You said in your video that you would do more of these if you had support. So here I am supporting you. I just joined patreon. Looking forward to more good stuff!
Greg G.
I personally thought it was perfect! All of your videos are very informative and interesting. Your channel is my favorite by far!
Sue Rollinson
Cold War Motors! It's a great show, a bunch of friends working on 1960's and earlier cars.
Russell Middleton
I very much enjoy your channel. I used to live in Michigan and appreciate your Midwestern humor.
Russell Middleton
Can you spell out CWM for those of us on the spectrum?
Matt Bange
This is a great project, love it
John Hill
Well done! That was fascinating.
Al's Hack Shack
Love the idea of your home brew alignment machine Wes, look forward to the project!
William Hutton (billthehiker)
New member. I love seeing how things work. Keep it up.
Marshall
Actually laughed out loud at "Can I explain how this works?" and then proceeded to witness a Professor-Level explanation and SpaceX-Level graphics. Funny. I also enjoyed the 1960's grocery shopping jazz music.
Marshall
Double confirmed
Darreld Ellis
Always enjoyed your content but it was pretty much a vlog. This episode is far and above the vlog format. Because of obvious amount of time and research you’ve done to create this extremely informative and entertaining content I’ve decided to become a paying member.
Sue Rollinson
Wes, if you'd enjoy watching odd hydraulics, watch this week's CWM. Scott and his buddies are working on a mid fifties Buick. it has automatic windows, but they aren't electric, they are hydraulic!
Joseph Palmer
Nice job! I loved your explanation of the hydraulic system. The valving is very clever! The animation you presented did a great job of clarifying it!. Thanks you!
John Gislason
Wes, there are precious few with your very unique skill set that could accomplish such a revival. Well Done!
Christopher Matson
Am I the only one that can see this being used as a yard dog for the shop, using it to tow cars into the shop and being used to clear snow during the winter?
James Hines
Just joined - limited income senior, wish I could contribute what your time is worth.. Thank You
Bill
Worth all the pennies spent so far and many, many more. Thank you, and my condolences to Mrs. Wes. Maniacal genius can be trying to experience.
Corey Brabant
Amazing video, my main question is what did you use for your hydraulic animations, they are one of the best animations I have seen on the subject
Nick Vogel
One of your best videos yet Wes. Shows your true passions - avoided dying by diesel monsters.
Michael S Wilhelm
This one is just so good! My wife and I are riveted. We understand just enough to get a feel for what's happening and especially for the mountainous difficulties involved. Reminds me of the Edgar Guest poem "It Couldn't Be Done". "He started to sing as he tackled the thing that couldn't be done and he did it!" And just for fun, too! Bravo, Wes!
Terry Lawrence
You have me totally hooked. I love real world adult mechatronics!
Darren B McLellan
I support you so I can see this kind of stuff!
Rodney Juste
Great project Wes ,love the car content, this is next level
Peter Evertz
I am watching Wes Work for a long time. This project is so crazy that i have to join the club. So let the robots rolling!
Matt Londergan
Loved the format Wes. As an engineer this checked all the boxes for me., very impressed. Glad that you are having fun and learning at the same time. As long as forest robot does not have an active connection to Skynet I think the general population will be safe :).
Chris M
Either cost or parts availability - e.g what do we have available. In the end, it's not that difficult to use if you know how it is supposed to work.
Chris M
Same, this is awesome. In my dreams I wish I had time to do stuff like this.
Logan Swanson
Joined the Patreon so you do more projects like this.
Russell Middleton
Wow, you're brilliant, keep going.
Bruce Rose
A gigantic YES on the engineering projects. These type of projects are very interesting and "trip my trigger", I entire working career was just this type of project but in electronics - voice and data.
Anders Lundgren
Also forget about logging with this thing, remove the claw and mount a snow blower and you'll have a wireless remote control snow clearing machine 😀. If you combine it with controller parts from a robot lawnmower it could get interesting...
Anders Lundgren
Keep on keeping on. When you enjoy doing something it shines through. I don't know sh*t about hydraulics, electronics or programming and even less about combining all of them but I highly enjoy this! If you ask me you can even go deeper. My favourite videos of yours is your problem solving/error finding when pull a machine apart to find that cable that's been damaged and caused the problem. Think like that when you film this project.
John Lundh
I love the nerdy stuff. I saw some PID coefficients in the C++ stuff. Wes is a great communicator. I wouldn't be able to talk about this stuff for 5 minutes before everyone would clear the room. Great stuff, keep it coming!
Virtue Streams
I haven’t attempted creating a system from scratch like this one, so I am having a blast watching and learning!
Vadim
Awesome job! Just awesome! I don't know how you keep yourself motivated to keep going etc. End switching from Fortran to C - it's not straightforward, you know :))))))))))))
Gary Rogerson
👍👍👍 Takes me back to my industrial control days (1980s lol) Great job, keep at it!
Eric Olmstead
Awesome job, Wes! I understand the basics of fluid dynamics, but I enjoy learning about the actual application of hydraulics. This project is very interesting, as my family history is one of loggers. I do programming QA as a day job and I enjoy F360 3D modeling, so I'd be happy to provide any assistance where it might provide you benefit. Think of it as PatronSourcing.
Kowyn Hibbert (Warrior of the Rusty Wrench)
Wes you really did an outstanding job with your explanations on this one and an amazing job using simple analogs in your explanations. The editing on this video was also on another level! If you had questions about more complex programing and wireless controlling I would think Sean Hodgins or William Osman would be the ones to reach out to, they are both busy guys but I think they would both absolutely love that little machine, especially William, I mean you basically have a 2 ton diesel battle bot! He would love it for sure. For Sean I'm on his Discord and he's very responsive I could get you in touch I think. After thinking on the how the controls are kind of jerky I had a thought, using a pressure sensor on the open side you could code the controller to adjust the flow to other functions so when multiple actions are in use you don't get a large surge or loss of power when other functions engage or disengage, a kind of intelligent flow control, normally one would be able to do that while operating the machine with levers but doing it remotely is I imagine quite hard, especially the way the solenoids are set up.
Robert Turberville
Great work! Appreciated how you explained how the thing was supposed to work using simple diagrams and mock up solenoid valve. I learned a lot, thanks!
Russ Wideman
that's amazing Wes! You keep that Toque (beanie) on.... it's obviously keeping your brain from exploding!!
Tim Parsons
What an odd bit of machinery. I'm enjoying your attempt at modernizing the controls. I hope we get to see a functioning machine eventually. I'm super excited about the alignment rack idea! Might I suggest a tire balancer after that?
Mark Rages
Wes give me a holler if you ever get in over your head with electronics. I do electronics engineering in Quad Cities. Looks like you have it under control though. Mostly!
rune
This project won't be complete without an FPV camera on top.
adorfer
the track drive is missing a feedback look, it needs some kind of index pulse to make it run straight, independend of mechanical gear (friction/resistance). I would suggest to outsoorce the drive logic to an ArduPilot Rover.
Don Delagrange
Great stuff Wes.
Jeff Duke Jr.
Wes this is so amazing! I loved seeing this finally move on it's own power. Sketchy AF but amazing! Have you considered getting into combat robotics? Something like this is far beyond the weight classes of standard competitions but it could certainly give ideas for something really fun at a much lower weight class. I work with several event organizers in the Southeast if you ever want to check it out, it's a fun day for all ages! Thank you for doing what you do and inspiring!
James Vincent
You should hang out with the STUFFMADEHERE guy
mrklean
Holy cow. I watched this while drinking my coffee this morning and proceeded to unconsciously plow through half a pot of coffee. This is Stellar work. Video has great ratio of nerdy vs entertainment value. I know it's a crushing amount of work to put this together and you did great. As any viewer, I demand more and more. B channel less polished, more verbatim nitty gritty breakdown of the dev would amazing. Haha. I don't know what the modern era best method is if you want to abuse the power of the internet and use the community to assist in anything, but I've seen some solid community contributions through Discord. I'm more of a forums guy myself and I really wish they hadn't started going extinct, but unfortunately have to play to the crowds demands...
Richard Krehbiel
Also, BTW I have been doing embedded software development for the last 15 years, and software development in general for 45 years. I approve of the Teensy 4 in general because it's very powerful for the price, but the lack of a debug port is a problem for me. If you give up 100MHz you might be okay with the Adafruit Metro M7, because it does have a 10 pin SWD debug port.
TJ Miller
I have an Xbox 360 controller with a USB receiver that id gladly donate to the cause. I used this on my langmuir table and this should be easy to integrate into your program.
Kevin McAsh
I watch A LOT of YouTube and this is my first Patreon contribution ever! That should speak volumes.
Richard Krehbiel
My Youtube obsession is watching competent experts being competent doing something; engineers, electronics, mechanics, doctors & veterinarians, etc. This was a masterpiece.
craig orford
Wow thank god you got it going,Amazing vlog keep up the good work hope you and Mrs Wes and the family are all ok
CapnMac82
I'm wondering if the track wants lubing, or if there is a suspension hiccup giving it the herky-jerkies. Mind, it's complicated, as jerky inputs to the hydraulic motors would look the same as sticky track chain, or a bad sprocket tooth. Dunno.
CapnMac82
Those of us versed in LISP programming are all too familiar with having to make modules of code, then tweaking them to get them right. LISP is rather clever in not needing to declare variables at all (this becomes its own headache) if at the expense of being utterly sequential execution. So, bravo on getting the code to do its thing.
Matthew Hodkins
This is so awesome! Love this video. I agree with the others, add a Tier so we can do more!
Wesley Parnell
I want to give more money to you than $5 a month as others have said. Hope you can add a custom tier or some other way to donate to you. Also as others have said, for fine control using some other feedback other than just the current output would improve your control a lot. Hall effect sensor, flow sensor on hydraulic return lines maybe? It would ensure that zero is always zero, and that your acceleration can be controlled in software. Can't wait to see more!!!
THE BAKER FAMILY
Ok $5 is not enough for the amount of joy and wonderment your content brings me.... I'd love to see your Script! PS4 controllered Snowplow is in my future! GIVE US A HIGHER TIER!!!
Jake Gilles
Absolutely love the format and I hope there are enough of us to support you and get a lot more of these.
Adam McKnight
Super cool project!
Wm
MOAR like this. It got me to toss the 5 in the hat.
thedeafguitarist
Really one of your best videos, thats Wes working on next level. Great production, storytelling, education, humor. Enjoyed this video very much. Can't help with the technical stuff, but if there is a higher patreon level like $20, I would subscribe in the next minute.
South Street Barbecue
I usually know a little bit about everything, but you went into a world I know nothing about, with the exception of a smattering of mechanical skill. But if you need brisket to give you energy to blast through these projects, I'm your guy!
Doug McCusker
Wes, I just joined here on Patreon. Can't wait for more on the log skidder robot thingy thing. And remember, it's always a win when you don't die doing something that you enjoy. Keep up the Wes Awesomeness! Thanks!
Jeff LeBell
I'm wondering if you could just use one of the remote control setups from ebay. There are a bunch of industrial ones that may work out a little better, althoughwith possibly less saftey features.
Peter Facey
I didn't particularly like the elevator music, although I can stand CuriousMarc's. As someone into software and electronics, I found the presentation trying too hard to avoid being technical. But I suppose it is difficult to hit the right spot for all viewers. Still a great project.
Jay and Kate
Love it. I’m in RF engineering and watching this series is very interesting to me.
Peter Facey
I know nothing about hydraulics. I suppose the open-centred valve is because the pump doesn't like pumping into a dead end. However, the track drive pumps don't seem to mind doing that (judging from your explanation). Hence I'm wondering if this electronically controlled open-centred bypass valve is really a fuel economy measure. One could just have a pressure relief valve (I presume), but then the pump would be pumping at maximum pressure all the time. I wonder if lack of a bypass valve on the track motors is a reason why they want to start flat out?
vapeythebear
This video and series is some of the most interesting and engaging content I've come across. Absolutely in awe with the breadth of knowledge and skills. Love that you included all the technical and programming work, too. Can't wait for the next one!
Watch Wes Work
I think it already has wheel speed sensors. There's something poking out. I don't think I'm the first guy yo have this problem!
Neal Schurr
👏👏👏 yes more please. Being a farmboy with mechanical engineering education this is stuff I absolutely enjoy. Is there any info on the proportional control solenoids and valves? Are they appropriate spec? Maybe if you are unable to tune it better try sourcing used valves and solenoids from a dingo?
dozerman53111
Your skills and patience still impress me, That's comparable to rebuilding Frankenstein !
Jeff Chandler
Not bad for a squishy human! Amazing and extremely impressive work sir Wes! Thank you for sharing your thoughts and accomplishments with us.
FliesLikeABrick
I'm indifferent about the new format (I'll watch your content pretty much no matter what), but I will say that I stopped watching Stuff Made Here when he started leaving out most to the details of designing, building, and troubleshooting things - I was just reminded of his channel by your "this is 30 hours of integration hell" montage
SA007
Example: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005005783506791.html Think that has enough i/o.
SA007
Maybe ignore the current going through the solenoid and instead put a hall-effect sensor om the actual motor, that way your feedback is based on the motor moving instead of the solenoid moving. Should give you a actual speed control instead of a 'power' control which sortof gives a a speed control? Also, aliexpress had quite reasonable industrial remotes that are at least less sketchy than the dollar store cutting board.
Kevin
Very nice Wes, I like the format a lot. Looks like it might be time for a real circuit board. The software I use can be found here: https://u.easyeda.com. Its easy to learn and the boards you make end up being very cheap. The only down side is its a Chinese product and the turnaround is about 7 or 8 days. I wish you the best of luck!!
David Yates
I'm frankly in awe of your skills and perseverance Wes. The mechanical and electrical parts are mostly within my grasp but the software is completely outside of my ability. I tried to learn C++ 20 plus years ago and it turns out that my mind just doesn't work that way! The test drive looked absolutely terrifying, especially with the bulkiness of the controller. I enjoyed this video very much, your explanations were spot on and the in depth technical nature really scratched that nerdy itch!
Peter Church
Personally these types of projects are unique and I too like the cross discipline as a viewer. Hope it does well for you i would love to see your other ideas come to life.
Christopher
Very nice Wes. The amount of work you have put into this thing is insane. Thanks for the cool ass content!
Clark Douglas
I am so proud of your sticktuitivness on this Wes. Gave me a feeling I don't get on any other YT channel. If you were a soldier, I;d put you for the Medal of Honor. Truly a heroic effort. In your spare time make Mrs. Wes a nice cutting board.
Margit
This was great! More please!
Roger Howell
Incredible that you made this work! It gives more credibility that Tesla can make a self-driving automobile that doesn't kill the passengers. We did dealer engine work on tracked horizontal grinders that were operated by remote control. Those large machines had slow track speed so not scary like this machine.
Gerald Pepper
Thinking was great. More of these please!
Jay VanLanduyt
I have to take a moment and marvel at what I'm watching here. I'll bet there are less than 100 people in this country who have the skill set to take this thing from a non-functioning boat anchor to a moving machine. Diesel mechanic, electrical engineer, computer programmer, 3D printer design and implementation, hydraulic engineer, animator, videographer, editor. A team of people? Sure. Eight to ten people working on this could achieve what we just watched. But ONE guy??? I'm less than couple of hours east of you, but I feel a world away.
Sam Ellison
Very, very cool. Watch Wes go logging. I think a remote control would be much better. Can you dial down the hydraulic output to the tracks so it goes slower? How would the power be going up or down a hill or skidding a log. Would it bog down without enough reduction? My son is in third year engineering, I will be sending him a link.
Tom Hollowell
I love this Wes. Even the animated controller video took quite a bit of time I guess. I think your skills of understanding programming, engineering, mechanical, and good video production quality are unmatched. I could see your sphincter tightening as you drove “death match 2024”. Next up leveraging ChatGTP in some fashion. I also used to sell OOAD training using UML so I could follow that part.
Maurice Johnson
Reminded me of the countless, unchargable hours spent repairing and interfacing marine autopilots with the various form data generating functions in a salt water environment here in Bermuda.
Graeme Zimmer
Wonderful job Wes. I rather liked the idea of using a selectror (eg the joystick) to pre-select each mode, then a "Go" button to enable the open-center solenoid. Should make control more positive and safer. Plus I would drive the proportional solenoids with a H-Bridge and choose the PWM clock frequency to give the necessary jitter. Would be much simpler. But then I prefer Assembly language, and don't like C+ (or Arduino's for that matter). Thanks for an interesting project.
Brandon Carpenter
Awesome vid Wes
Crashing
For a guy that has no knowledge on this stuff you did a heck of a job teaching me stuff. I’ll never use it, but now I know. When you build the remote control, point the “kill skidder” or “skiller” into the corn and do a top speed run. With farmers permission.
Keith Krieger
How’s the installation of the two new lifts going?
Bubba Hyde
Looking forward to the day you put GPS on it, Geo-fence your property and assign it tasks to perform.
Stephen mowrey
this is where the channel needs to go! wireless robots that can battle each other!
llljj9
I'm a big fan of this stuff.
William Sullivan
Fantastic
Bill Scott
It’s alive! Best video yet, I’m glad you have smarter viewers than me to help you out. Have you considered teaching.
Blake Field
Format is approved. Well done, dude. You should be quite proud of this work.
John D'Ausilio
Have you considered adapting RC control stuff, Wes?
duke5572
"my very limited knowledge of electronics" ...montage of Wes literally manufacturing an indisputably complex electronic device from scratch.
John OBrien
You completed a fantastic design project without having the title of "2-ton robot kills Wes. I have been a silicon design engineer dealing with the change/growth over a 47-year time frame, but I am loving every minute of your adventure. Keep them coming.
Jason Hensley
With projects with a heavy mix of multiple component types, this format you used was excellent imo! Along with the simplified way you explained each step along the way, I found it very informative yet also entertaining! Keep up this great work!
Curtis Roberts
Thats a great accomplishment Wes. You did impressive work and I definitely enjoyed the ride. I love the style of video learning the engineering. I would use that thing as a snow plow once it's wireless. Stay insidewhere it's warm.
Eric Corse
First off let me say Mrs. Wes is great. Secondly why, because everyone should have a miniature remote control buncher. If you release the joy stick I am assuming its like a dead man switch. It also looking like the tracks might be sticking could this be part of the control issues? All you need is a milk crate and seat belt on the hood you should be good to go.
Gene Hoffman
Like the format
Chris Jenkins
Thanks Wes for investing the time and money not only into the skidder, but also the awesome video. This video is amazing. This project is awesome, Im always happy to Watch Wes Work!
Bill Rutherford
Maybe remote his Skid Steer?
Benjamin Hall
LOVE the forum. But then again, I'm also an ME who love electronics, engines, hydraulics, Arduinos, etc...
Bill Rutherford
I'm from Idaho and I am quite amazed at your skills.
Dennis Lesh
Fantastic..........can't wait for more. After you get it wireless, maybe a load of logs to play with?
Dr. Internet
As an engineer myself, I love this content. Nothing more interesting that making stuff do cool things. Congratulations on building your bread-board on an actual bread board. Yaaayyy! Second, you need a kill switch. If you trip and fall down that thing will run right over you. Something simple like a button you have to press every 10 secs or, better yet, one you must hold down or it stops. Third, I wonder if Weyerhaeuser or Georgia-Pacific would help fund this with the goal of putting it into their logging museum in the future? Worth a phone call. Keep up the good work. Absolute thumbs-up on the computerized alignment machine. Thanks, Wes!
Tim Allan
Given the twin motor set up you should be able to add "zero steer" (if you want to?) Have a look @ScrappyIndustries he has added a wireless remote control to a mobile crane.
James Riordan
Really stellar presentation Wes
James Riordan
…remote control snow plow ?
