SSP DIY Edition Robot Kit (3D-Print + Self Source Parts!)

Solid Drivetrain and Servo For Your Next Robot!

The original SSP Kit was designed using the best parts and materials to make a super durable 4-wheel drive lifter bot. But not everybody needs all that durability. Maybe you are looking to build a soccer bot and can 3D print and laser cut all your own parts, or just want to make a unique bot with a completely different look. If you have a 3D printer, you can build your own bot from scratch easily, and this kit is the perfect place to start! 

The DIY Edition kit comes with all the electronics and most of the hardware you need for a powerful 2- or 4-wheel drive platform.

• Two high-performance DartBox Dragon brushed drive motors
• Dual brushed drive ESC
• 3S 550mAh LiPo battery
• Just 'Cuz Robotics 32kg true 200 degree servo
• Just 'Cuz Robotics Motherboard to make wiring super simple and clean
• FS2A Radio Receiver (AFHDS-2A Compatible)
• Custom machined steel servo arm
• Two front and two rear wheels, 1.75inch diameter with integrated 22T S3M pulleys
• Custom machined wheel hubs, bushings, and a full hardware kit for assembly
• And more!

The SSP Kit is designed to be super easy to change and upgrade. Want to see what others are doing to their SSP Kits? Check out this mod gallery!

Note: Kits may take up to 2 weeks to ship! Please ignore the estimated delivery date at checkout.

You will need to purchase your own radio transmitter, battery charger, soldering equipment, plus a few tools. See recommendations below!

NOTE: SSP decals will not be included with the kit, there may be stickers included but you will need to decorate your bot to make it look different from any others!

Want to know literally every little component in the kit? Take a look for yourself! The entire list of included parts can be found here.

Specs

What are the Specs and Details?

• Drive Motors: dual DartBox Dragon drive motors for nearly unmatched pushing power and reliability
• Drive ESC: Powerful dual brushed ESC with built-in drive mixing, with battle-tested reliability and no programming necessary
• Battery: 3S (3 cells, 11.1V) 550mAh LiPo (lithium-polymer) battery for over 9 minutes of aggressive driving capacity
• Arm Servo: Just 'Cuz 32kg-cm servo for high-torque positional arm control
• Wiring: Just 'Cuz Robotics Motherboard for simplified wiring and reduced assembly errors. The Motherboard houses the power distribution, switch, LED, dual voltage BECs, and more in one small package!
• Receiver: FS2A 2.4GHz receiver (AFHDS-2A protocol) for reliable wireless control (possible to swap for other receivers with non-soldered kits)
• Wheels: Cast urethane rubber wheels on 3D-printed TPU hubs for maximum traction and durability, Shore 40A hardness
• CAD Files: available for all components (original kit design) for easy modifications

What You Need

What else do I need?

If you have a 3D printer and the skills to use it, you can make a 3D-printed version of the original SSP kit easily. You can also source laser-cut metal parts from suppliers like Oshcut and Send Cut Send, flat Carbon Fiber or G10 parts from CNC Madness, and CNC machined 3 axis parts from many online vendors such as PCBWay. In addition, you will need a few tools, an RC radio/transmitter, and a battery charger.  

You don't need a lot of tools to make this kit work for you and may even have all of these lying around. There are also cordless driver sets that come with 80% of what you need. The full list includes:

1. 2mm hex L key/allen wrench (included)
2. 3/32 hex wrench (T handle included, as power switch key)
3. 4mm L key/allen wrench
4. Torx Plus T10 bit/driver
5. Torx Plus T15 bit/driver
6. Soldering iron/solder
7. Needle nose pliers
8. Radio Transmitter
9. LiPo Charger
10. Charger XT30 Adapter (Can solder yourself, or buy here)
11. Blue Loctite (242 or 243 is highly recommended)
12. Insulating Electrical Tape (Recommended: Heat Shrink + Heat Gun or Lighter)
13. Hot Glue Gun (highly recommended)
14. Cordless drill/driver with clutch (highly recommended but optional)

FS-i6 (top) and Radiomaster Zorro 4-in-1 (Bottom) These are two of the most popular hobby radios, and what tutorials for the kit are based around. The cheapest option that works well is the tried and true FS-i6 transmitter, often available for around $50 USD on Amazon. A much higher quality and more fully featured option is the Radiomaster Zorro 4-in-1. This TX has better build quality and a gamepad-like feel.

Radio Transmitters

There are a ton of radio options compatible with the FS2A receiver in this kit. The cheapest option that works well is the tried and true FS-i6 transmitter, often available for around $50 USD on Amazon. A nicer option for those looking for advanced programming features, or who just want to buy something really nice off the bat to avoid upgrading later, is the Radiomaster Zorro 4-in-1. This radio has a multiprotocol module allowing it to work with almost any brand receiver, recharges over USB-C rather than eating AA batteries, and has a ton of cool features and a game controller-like feel. Seth has personally used and likes both of these options. Any other radio with a multiprotocol module will work just as well, as will any modern FlySky radio that works with the AFHDS-2A protocol.

Standard 4 Button Balance Charger examples - get one with an XT30 Connector on the connector squid or you’ll have to make your own!

LiPo Chargers

DO NOT cheap out with a lipo charger! An improperly charged and handled battery can lead to a battery fire fast, one that cannot be put out with water and is difficult to fight! Definitely get a LiPo Balance Charger, which there are a million versions of in prices from $30 to $100+. Generally, the difference is just in features and power, but any $30 charger should be easily able to charge this small battery safely. Many different versions of the “standard 4-button charger” work pretty much the same.

Proper LiPo Balance Chargers will let you dial in an exact charge current to prolong the life of your battery. You should select 0.5 amps when charging at home, and up to 0.8 amps if you need a speedy recharge at an event. Like with a radio, a good charger will last through many robots into the future! We personally use the HTRC dual lipo charger. There is also a cheaper single battery version. 

CAD (3D Model)

How are you releasing the CAD Design?

Like this! Click here to view or download the full SSP robot CAD.

Just ‘Cuz Robotics fully embraces the Right To Repair. As the first-party provider for a large number of components of this kit, we want to do our best to keep spare parts available in the future. Anyone can feel free to 3D print/laser cut/machine their own replacement parts from these designs, or modified versions thereof, as long as they do not sell them for profit without permission. We also have to rely on good faith and this license:
SSP Kit and CAD Design © 2023 by Just 'Cuz Robotics, LLC is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0

Safety + FAQ

FAQ

Where to buy Spare Parts?

All currently available spares can be purchased here. The plan is to sell any spare parts that are not readily available off the shelf, but some common parts might need to be purchased elsewhere. 

Safety Disclaimer

Warning: combat robots are not toys! They can be extremely dangerous. Click here for a safety video.

The SSP Kit is relatively safe, although it should be obvious that the servo is pretty powerful and care should be taken to avoid fingers getting stuck in pinch points when the bot is active. But if modified with a spinning weapon, it will be just as dangerous as any other spinner. Testing a robot with an active spinning weapon should never be done while maintaining a line of sight with the robot. Ideally, you should be testing inside an enclosed box or arena with at least 1/4" thick polycarbonate windows or top to see through, and 1/2” or thicker plywood or MDF construction. Operation (Including testing) outside of a suitable arena or test box could cause serious injury. By purchasing this product you acknowledge that you are responsible for the safe use of this product and that Just ‘Cuz Robotics or its employees are not liable for any injuries or damages.

Shipping

Domestic

Due to the complexity involved in packing a kit and shipping with a lithium battery, not all shipping options are available. The vast majority of kits will ship with USPS Ground Advantage which is a 2-5 business day shipping service at an affordable price. UPS Ground is also an option

International Shipping

Shipping is available to almost every country, just add the kit to your cart to view options and pricing!

If you order a kit along with at most 1 additional battery it's possible your kit will ship via UPS Air or UPS Standard, but generally, DHL will be much more reliable. >2 batteries cannot be UPS Air shipped so please do not add more than 1 additional battery to your SSP order.  

If you are in Canada, UPS charges $100 or so brokerage fees upon receipt so I removed this option. USPS with no battery can be an option. DHL is likely your best bet with a battery.