Q: Where do I get the files from?
A: Access Early CAD Updates & Releases via Patreon(1 Quarter Before Public Release) or 2022 J5 CAD File Download. We also request that anyone privately hosting our 2020 Cad Release to remove them (ASAP) as many of the old files and designs are obsolete and making many of those old parts will be a waste of Time and Money for anyone unfortunate enough to have built from them.
Q: But I saw files on Thingiverse/Facebook/somewhere else...
A: Again, many of these files are either our earlier work, or derivatives based on our earlier 2020 Cad release work. We do not recommend them in any way! We understand it's tempting, but seriously, don't. We provide the official files available 100% for free (2022 J5 CAD File Download) and they are update often with corrections, improvements, better functionality and/or reduction in fabrication cost to the Builder.
Q: When will the files become available then?
A: The latest files are avalable now at the links above.
Q: Will the files include instructions?
A: We would love to create some instructions, however this would be incredibly time consuming and thus your best option is to join our Discord Community via Patreon.
Q: How much of the robot is 3D-printed? Can't I just I print the entire robot?
A: Only the head, fingers, outer coverings, and other very specific parts are 3D-printed. We only use 3D-printing where a metal part would be difficult (or borderline impossible) to fabricate with home-level shop machinery.
Yes, it is technically possible to 3D-print an entire robot, though it will be incredibly weak in key structural areas due to the spindly, gangly nature of the robot itself. It would also require many spools of filament and countless months of print time. Either method is an EXPENSIVE venture and you do so at your own time and monetary risk!
Q: How much does it weigh?
A: Around 350lbs fully loaded, but still capable of carrying a human (or towing a van) with ease. It is a heavy, complex, and dangerous machine with numerous ways it can maim you; think of it as an anthropomorphic riding lawnmower or moped.
Q: How much does it cost to build? Can you build me one? Are you selling parts?
A: The cost including any mills, lathes, press brakes, and other machinery is around $30,000 USD, or more. Aside from that, the robot by itself is perhaps around $15K. We consider it roughly as much as a new car.
Input-Inc cannot build and sell you one as that would violate US Copyright Law, just as Astromech builders cannot sell a complete R2-D2. Unless you are rich enough to pay any impending legal fees, you are on your own, our apologies.
We do small part runs from time-to-time, please refer to the J5GURU YouTube channel or contact us to find out if anything is available at this time. Please bear in mind they are high quality and NOT cheap as everything is handmade.
Q: What motors are you using? What is the track made from? What servos are you using? What are the orange neck cylinders? What are the eyes made from?
A: Both drive motors are made using the BaneBots BB-150 Sport Gearbox: Heavy Duty 16:1 gearbox, combined with a 3.25:1 dual-motor input stage and two RS-775 motors for a total reduction of 52:1. The tracks are Rexnord TableTop Chain D821K7-1/2G (gray acetal, not tan low friction). The servos are exclusively Hitec brand, along with some Wingxine ASME-04B 380KG servos where extreme torque is required. The orange neck cylinders are the Fabco K-5-X. The eyes are vintage Wollensak Raptar 209mm lenses, which can be purchased from eBay and further machined by someone local to you. Please note you only get one shot at machining them correctly, so research extensively - unless you want a fancy vintage paperweight.
Q: What makes up the electrical system?
A: We are going to have both a 24V and 6V system. As the system is open-achitecture, you can use either sealed lead acid (SLA), NiMH, or LiFePO4 batteries, maybe even a combination of both if you wire it safely. It needs to be safe to both charge and discharge at home and in public. We don't know how long the system can run for yet, but we're obviously designing it to run for as long as possible. There will also be an onboard small form factor (SFF) computer for semi-autonomous control.
Q: Are you currently accepting new members?
A: Sorry, we are not currently seeking any new additions to the team. However, if you are able to demonstrate exceptional ability within your area of expertise, are productive and helpful within a team environment, and play well with others, we have been known to make exceptions.
