PC RC Baja: Steering and Drivetrain

Students participating in the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) RC Baja competition are expected to work in teams of two to create an RC car from their own design to compete in a race and off-roading competition, as well as meeting the requirement of holding a top speed of at least 15mph. The students of team PC RC Baja used various methods to create the parts necessary for a functional RC car. Parts such as the gearbox and differential-box were 3D printed to incorporate their complex designs, and because they’re used as housing and not expected to withstand substantial load. Other parts such as the multiple drive shafts, shock towers, and chassis were machined from aluminum and steel, because they are expected to withstand substantial load and provide torque for the RC car. Finally, many parts were purchased for various reasons, such as the motor, servo, and motor controller and RC remote because of their complexity and importance. Other parts like the gears, shocks, and tires were purchased because the students simply didn’t have enough time to create these parts on time. The RC car is functional and ready for testing. The RC car has an 8:1 gear ratio and has a top speed of 30mph