Copyright © Parallax Inc.
Propeller QUADROVER Robot (#28195)
v1.3 7/8/2008 Page 3 of 16
1.0 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
CAUTION: The customer/user must read and understand this entire document before
attempting to use the Propeller QUADROVER robot.
The QUADROVER is a heavy-duty robotics
test-bed that is intended for customer research and development, including custom user-written
programs and control systems. Because of its size and weight, an improperly controlled QUADROVER can
cause damage to itself and to other property, as well as personal injury, including death. The
QUADROVER employs a gasoline engine and hydraulic power system, both of which can create high
temperatures and high hydraulic pressure. Proper care and safety precautions must be taken when
working with these systems.
Please observe the following precautions:
y
Parallax Inc. will issue changes to this manual to update its accuracy and apprise the customer of
new procedures and design changes. It is the customer’s responsibility to maintain an updated
operating manual. Documentation revisions will be posted and available for download from the
QUADROVER product page at www.parallax.com. Before using the QUADROVER, check for the
latest documentation.
y
When developing and testing programs and applications with the QUADROVER, the robot should
be elevated and firmly mounted on a platform in such a way that the wheels do not touch the
ground and vibrations will not cause the QUADROVER to break free.
y
The QUADROVER must be safely operated in a controlled area free from people, animals, and
property that could be damaged.
y
Proper safety equipment must be worn while working on the QUADROVER.
y
An engine kill-switch pull string and tether have been provided. The tether must be attached to
the ring on the pull-string for use as an emergency cut off in the event of an unintended loss of
control.
y
It is the responsibility of the customer and any designated operator to know and comply with all
state and local laws and regulations applicable to the operation of gas-engine equipment,
including, but not limited to, requirements for spark arrestors and any restrictions for operating
gas-engine vehicles on public property or streets.
y
It is the customer’s and the user’s responsibility to obtain and properly store all Material Safety
Data Sheets for the gasoline, engine oil, and hydraulic oil used.
y
Parallax Inc. cannot be held responsible for any harm or injury that may occur due to improper,
unsafe, or uncontrolled operation of the QUADROVER.
1.1. Description
The Parallax QUADROVER is an all-terrain, gasoline-powered hydraulically driven robotic test-bed That
has not been tested by Parallax with components carried or added to the QUADROVER chassis. The
QUADROVER drive train is a 4WD drive skid-steer system, which operates most efficiently on gravel and
dirt surfaces. The skid-steer system is less efficient at turning on grass and pavement, but top speeds are
not affected.
The QUADROVER’s gasoline engine provides longer operating durations and higher energy density and
power than a battery powered electric motor. This is necessary for a larger robot based on skid-steering
and allows extended use by refueling when distant from an electric recharging source.
Parallax provides sample Propeller code for radio-controlled use. Using a QUADROVER for autonomous
outdoor robotics projects requires further code development and modification by the user with particular
attention paid to safety precautions. The QUADROVER’s size and mass may pose considerable risk to
humans, property, and the environment if not used responsibly. All additions, changes and modifications