Will It Move after 10 Years? Sketchy Robot Hacking

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  • Опубліковано 17 лют 2024
  • Will it move under its own power? We are going to find out!
    You can help make more videos like this at patreon.com/watchweswork
    We really appreciate it!
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 4,5 тис.

  • @WatchWesWork
    @WatchWesWork  3 місяці тому +340

    You can help make more videos like this at patreon.com/watchweswork
    We really appreciate it!

    • @sidneyking11
      @sidneyking11 3 місяці тому +17

      Wes, the end of the video had me cracking up! love your sense of humor. The alignment project sound interesting, I hope you build it.

    • @mobiousenigma
      @mobiousenigma 3 місяці тому +3

      lol i already deleted the parts that dont work... well thats codeing i guess and i dont do it . do you think my basic experience would be of use happy to collaborate lol . humour aside thanks for the videos and somehow education happened grats on the success,

    • @badasssamurai4954
      @badasssamurai4954 3 місяці тому +6

      Afternoon Wes and family... I just signed up to be a patreon! I have to see this through! I'm absolutely hooked!!!

    • @andylewis7360
      @andylewis7360 3 місяці тому +4

      Really enjoyed this video, Wes. You’re the very definition of a Self-sufficient Man. And multi-talented into the bargain. Can’t wait to see this sketchy little monster making quick work of a tree! 😁👍🏻

    • @nevadak
      @nevadak 3 місяці тому +6

      Soon as the fancy board building montage started, I searched out your patreon and thought man he needs to advertise this after I didn't see it under the video description. I subscribed and then returned to watch the rest of the video, where you then said it was in the comments 😂

  • @itneverwasme
    @itneverwasme 3 місяці тому +1660

    Wes's 'limited knowledge of electronics'....proceeds to perform expert eletronics work

    • @erik_dk842
      @erik_dk842 3 місяці тому +83

      Then imagine him doing stuff he says he knows a lot about.

    • @timidater4803
      @timidater4803 3 місяці тому +31

      I was just going to reply the same thing! I build guitar pedals which I call a very limited knowledge of electronics. Wes is brilliant!

    • @OTPFrodo
      @OTPFrodo 3 місяці тому +37

      ​@timidater4803 I used to test and repair industrial control boards for pollution control and broadcast. I built their test fixtures. Wes did a great job with this. 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

    • @kevinkennedy8677
      @kevinkennedy8677 3 місяці тому +14

      Way better EE than many I have worked with. :)

    • @jackpatteeuw9244
      @jackpatteeuw9244 3 місяці тому +9

      @@kevinkennedy8677 EE "design". Electronic techs make it work !

  • @whatthehamsandwich
    @whatthehamsandwich 3 місяці тому +328

    I can’t remember the last time I was as impressed with anything as I was with this video. Reverse engineering a pilot project with nothing other than your own ingenuity? Amazing, truly amazing…

    • @billybobs841
      @billybobs841 3 місяці тому +10

      I agree hell I couldn't think of how to say wat you said .. hes a genius

  • @w900stu8
    @w900stu8 3 місяці тому +58

    You know, now that you’ve done all that work, somebody will send you a message saying “Hey Wes, I have the actual remote for that if you want it!”

    • @joecraig6056
      @joecraig6056 3 місяці тому +6

      I'm scrolling now looking for just that

  • @clinthillard2219
    @clinthillard2219 3 місяці тому +51

    I like it when really smart people are super humble and sarcastic. It’s fun to watch you reveal a little bit of that here. I’ll take the guy from the cornfield any day.

  • @IAmUndersteer
    @IAmUndersteer 3 місяці тому +383

    “It was built by…”
    👉😐
    “…some guy in a corn field.”
    😂😂

    • @Rein_Ciarfella
      @Rein_Ciarfella 3 місяці тому +23

      …and I’m pretty sure Superman was raised around the corner. I think the corn must accelerate super powers, which explains Wes’s superior, innate abilities. No, really! 🔧👍

    • @robertadams2857
      @robertadams2857 3 місяці тому +10

      That was a good line.😂😂

    • @halbud
      @halbud 3 місяці тому +3

      "Build it, They will come!"

  • @robbyp03
    @robbyp03 3 місяці тому +387

    As a mechanical engineer turned electrical engineer with some computer curiosity mixed in, this series has been a ton of fun to watch. Love learning new things!

    • @JohnSmith-tv5ep
      @JohnSmith-tv5ep 3 місяці тому +15

      As a guy that went to Electronics Institutes in Pittsburgh back in the 70's and had to learn the operation of vacuum tubes,(plate-grid, etc) to transistors ( npn / pnp).
      I'm just a dinosaur now!
      But.retired and happy!
      Don't wanna learn anymore, but love to watch (in awe!)

    • @jp-um2fr
      @jp-um2fr 3 місяці тому +5

      I'm a real engineer, I build engines, not wires. Technically, you are now an electrician. Much better than a sanitary engineer, though.

    • @TheBrookian
      @TheBrookian 3 місяці тому +2

      @@jp-um2fr Do you have your own train and everything?

    • @JohnSmith-tv5ep
      @JohnSmith-tv5ep 3 місяці тому

      @@TheBrookian let's be
      'Civil ' now ! LOL 😆

    • @daleolson3506
      @daleolson3506 3 місяці тому +6

      My parents told me I could be anything I wanted. So I became a problem. I also ran with scissors today. I also enjoyed it.

  • @psullivan81
    @psullivan81 3 місяці тому +94

    Wes, you need to add calibrations for each solenoid on the motor drive valves. You need to find the current command at which each track starts to turn and save into EEPROM. Then you adjust your solenoid commands using this "start current" so that you get a consistent initiation on each function. Typically, you'd also calibrate a "max current" point which provides the same reference speed for each function.
    For the solenoid dither, you need to tune these settings with the goal of minimizing the hysteresis of the actuator valve. To do this, you need to measure the position of the actuator in real-time as you sweep your solenoid commands up and down. A cross-plot of actuator position vs solenoid current will show the hysteresis. Then adjust the dither frequency (Hz) and magnitude (mA) to find the optimal set the reduces the hysteris and provides good linearity in the actuator. Typically, this is around 100 Hz and 150 mA peak-to-peak but will vary based on the design of the coil, valve, and current driver design.
    Once you've tuned the hysteris and calibrated each solenoid, you need to add some rate limits to your solenoid current commands in order make the machine track smoothly.
    Looks like a fun project, good luck!

    • @RPike-bq3xm
      @RPike-bq3xm 3 місяці тому +1

      I was thinking of a form of feedback but the valve calibrations is good.

    • @psullivan81
      @psullivan81 3 місяці тому +2

      Usually, a calibration is good enough and doesn't add the complexity of a closed loop control.

    • @brsrc759
      @brsrc759 3 місяці тому +6

      Good God you sound like an electrical genius. Almost none of what you said was even English 🤣

    • @theovannieuwenhuizen5756
      @theovannieuwenhuizen5756 3 місяці тому +1

      Excellenty written.
      Maybe add a low and high rate switch to switch from a low rate current to the maximum / high rate coil current. Or to switch between low and high rate joystick to current mapping of the output pins.

    • @dans_Learning_Curve
      @dans_Learning_Curve 3 місяці тому +2

      I'm guessing the accuracy of the $3000 joysticks and the very lower cost one Wes choice out of his lower budget allowed on this project is required to deliver slight changes the operator delivers.
      Didn't understand everything you wrote about, but was able to catch enough to understand the basic idea.

  • @rhekman
    @rhekman 3 місяці тому +66

    Heck yes to a Wes Made Alignment machine. As an owner of several TTB Fords, steering & suspension geometry seems like black magic, and most of the local shops just throw up their hands, or just set the toe, and say "good enough".
    When I tried to find resources on doing it myself, there are plenty of videos and articles that show "how" to get a proper alignment, but it's all strings and tape measures, and maybe an angle finder or two. If there's any math, it's just "rule of thumb" stuff. Nobody can seem to explain the actual trigonometry involved in going from a reference angle to proper caster and camber.

    • @blackmesaresearch2
      @blackmesaresearch2 3 місяці тому +2

      I think you might be over-complicating this. The kinematics of a suspension system don't really matter for an alignment - unless we're talking about modifying the suspension for custom race/drift setups. After all, you can't change how it moves on a stock setup. I totally agree that most local shops suck at alignments, I think mostly because they just set the numbers to 'green' and call it done - despite some of those measurements fighting each other while technically being 'in spec'.
      Strings and tape measures have won a lot of races, and I've sent several street cars down the road using this method with no complaints. There's nothing wrong with it if you're willing to learn how to do it this way and are meticulous enough to take good measurements. There's no trigonometry involved, just simple subtraction for toe measurements, and leveling/reading of bubble gauges for camber/caster.

    • @rhekman
      @rhekman 3 місяці тому +4

      @@blackmesaresearch2 One man's overcomplication is another man's learning process I guess. 🙂
      I have nothing against strings & tape measures. And eventually I was able to dial in a setup that didn't eat tires and handled well. The reason I'm looking for something more in-depth is my desire to not have arrived where I did by basically trial and error. If I could read the level/angle finder and do some math and figure out how many degrees of caster & camber I actually had, then I would have saved many steps.
      On an A-arm vehicle with cam bolts, adjusting & checking alignment isn't that big a deal. On a Twin Traction Beam/Twin I Beam vehicle, an adjustment involves removing the wheel, undoing the pinch bolt, removing the alignment bushing, then reinstalling everything.

    • @SabbaticusRex
      @SabbaticusRex 3 місяці тому

      Have you tried kicking or hitting stuff if it doesn't drive straight ..? The Ultra-Violence method of suspension alignment .

    • @SCARLETBIRDS
      @SCARLETBIRDS 3 місяці тому

      fastest way to align a ttb is to align your tires with the frame first, make sure the pitman arm is at 90 degrees with the steering wheel matching and then measure between the front and back edges of both tires, then drive it with 4x4 on, if you are off it will pull when you give it gas and can make guesses as to which side needs adjusted based on the visual pull you also get vs the body, just had to do this the other day

  • @tomjohnson6036
    @tomjohnson6036 3 місяці тому +263

    My wife has always been impressed with my ability to figure out and fix anything that breaks in the house. Cars, furnace, A/C, etc. I do not want her seeing your videos or she’ll figure out how much of an amateur I actually am.

    • @WatchWesWork
      @WatchWesWork  3 місяці тому +49

      You're still a hero!

    • @warrenfromga9945
      @warrenfromga9945 3 місяці тому +4

      Ditto.

    • @colin8532
      @colin8532 3 місяці тому +11

      LOL! See, the answer for your wife is that you don't have the right tools (for whatever job you're working on) so if she wants you to be able to fix things, she needs to be ok with you buying the tools you need for each job. Best way to get a shop full of all the tools you want :)

    • @jaycarva
      @jaycarva 3 місяці тому +4

      This is the truth right here!

    • @GeneralSulla
      @GeneralSulla 3 місяці тому

      ​@@colin8532Genius! Honey! Read this! Oh wait, nevermind...,

  • @glen4130
    @glen4130 3 місяці тому +132

    I'm not sure how many people in the world could repair the engine,reverse engineer the missing controller and build a new one but I am glad you ended up with it. I'm enjoying this series!

    • @antoncrewe4378
      @antoncrewe4378 3 місяці тому +6

      Wes I've got zero understanding of this but your explanation/working diagrams made it interesting & understandable. Love to see more videos. Wireless would be cool.

  • @wscorners
    @wscorners 3 місяці тому +30

    0:45-18:37 is undoubtedly the greatest transition from mechanic to engineer/programmer in the UA-cam automotive genre, and I partake in said genre almost exclusively. Wes, that segment has the ability to stand on its own as an educational clip used in community colleges as an aid for teachers. Bravo!

  • @charleshoppmann3591
    @charleshoppmann3591 3 місяці тому +9

    As a high school electronics student, electrician, and lifelong shade tree mechanic I think this is the greatest and most inspiring content I have seen. I’m amazed at the breadth and depth of your knowledge Wes!

  • @nathan747berg
    @nathan747berg 3 місяці тому +123

    I sincerely hope some high school shop teacher sees this and shares it in class. Your ability to articulately explain the problem and then walk through the repair process is bar none. Fantastic job Wes.

    • @JackdeDuCoeur
      @JackdeDuCoeur 3 місяці тому +7

      I wholeheartedly agree. Including the illustrations and models.

    • @colt250ss
      @colt250ss 3 місяці тому +3

      I am that high school shop teacher that will be sharing this next week. My students and I thought we were onto something last year when we made VEX robotics controllers trigger lawn mower solenoids and drive drill motor robots running off drill batteries. Those students will eat this high level engineering up!

    • @oldbloke100
      @oldbloke100 3 місяці тому

      @@colt250ss Wes is next level, his knowledge is amazing.

  • @IAmUndersteer
    @IAmUndersteer 3 місяці тому +102

    The shot at 23:03 of you literally taking your robot for its first walk on a leash could not have been more perfect. I’m in total awe at your ingenuity and sticktoitiveness. Bravo, Wes! 👏

    • @dvdosterloh
      @dvdosterloh 3 місяці тому +4

      I was waiting for a yelp and the skidder took off across the fields😀 and a chase scene

  • @StB55-oi9yp
    @StB55-oi9yp 3 місяці тому +11

    Loved your class on hydraulics and electronics, Professor Wes.
    Not to mention the programming part and the video editing.
    You are truly a renaissance man.

  • @FarmCraft101
    @FarmCraft101 3 місяці тому +8

    Damn Wes. I wish I had even a fraction of your knowledge on electronics. Very impressive. I'm looking forward to seeing that thing wireless, and I have a feeling you are going to get it working better than it ever did in the first place.

    • @WatchWesWork
      @WatchWesWork  3 місяці тому +2

      I hope I do. This things needs to go back to work!

    • @dans_Learning_Curve
      @dans_Learning_Curve 3 місяці тому

      John, good to see you doing something other than starting excavator on fire! Sorry, just a little jab! LoL 😂😆
      Eagerly awaiting your next video on that tractor!

    • @dans_Learning_Curve
      @dans_Learning_Curve 3 місяці тому

      How about doing a collaboration with Wes helping him pick up a few thousand subscribers? I have a feeling your subscribers would definitely enjoy Wes's content!

  • @karencary3312
    @karencary3312 3 місяці тому +84

    The smile on your face as you were remotely driving the machine was the smile of a very proud parent. Great job, well done. ❤❤❤

    • @WatchWesWork
      @WatchWesWork  3 місяці тому +48

      I think it was a look that says "I'm ready to run for my life".

    • @mr_gerber
      @mr_gerber 3 місяці тому

      ​@@WatchWesWork Why not both?! xD

  • @CaptnCall
    @CaptnCall 3 місяці тому +78

    One of the coolest guys on UA-cam. Had no idea how universally educated he is.

    • @jeffo881
      @jeffo881 3 місяці тому +3

      go back and watch his old CNC machine repair videos

    • @nodaklojack
      @nodaklojack 3 місяці тому +3

      His middle name must be da Vinci

    • @madrew2003
      @madrew2003 3 місяці тому +2

      Way over-educated for the "guy living in a corn field" thing. His neighbors are way lucky he's around.

  • @unimoggel
    @unimoggel 3 місяці тому +8

    What you performed as a "side" project, is just incredible. I'm a mechatronics technician by trade and this is right up my alley way. Seen the project going through its phases is awesome and probs to you for for building everything on the control side from ground up, it's truly impressive.
    Please keep on going and take your time, stuff like this is not worth the rush💪💪

  • @Zach_Miller
    @Zach_Miller 3 місяці тому +2

    Man it was exciting to see it move finally, I'm totally invested in this series. The electronics work, though on a cutting board, was quite impressive. I'm all for more of these engineering type videos, this format and the method of delivery does have a pretty big audience. Information & results > production

  • @bulgarianicedtea7897
    @bulgarianicedtea7897 3 місяці тому +84

    As a student just getting into electrical engineering and software. This video was 30 minutes of pure bliss. I don’t think you give yourself enough credit with your knowledge of electronics, that was mighty impressive.

  • @JNHEscapes
    @JNHEscapes 3 місяці тому +112

    I am blown away by all of this. I have owned an IT support company since I graduated high school (1995) and I’m semi-retired having made a good living in tech, yet, I wouldn’t even know where to begin with this project. I understand the general concepts and I own an excavator so I understand the principles of hydraulics, but watching you build and 3D print your cutting board was magical. As a business owner I also understand time and money too and your explanation about why patreon is important was THE best explanation I’ve ever heard. I always thought it was stupid that people just gave other people money to see them do dumb things, but watching your videos is like taking a course on how to get things done. I would LOVE to see a very detailed video on how you would convert that to wireless. How much do you need to do it? I also wondered while watching…if building that machine today would make it a viable product? Maybe the pumps are junk or newer design pumps would work better and be less sketchy. Regardless, this has been awesome to watch, but I understand it’s hard to monetize. Know there are alot of us nerds out in the world that believe you are an alien for being able to combine fixing a 7.3 diesel and programming c++!! I wish I was your neighbor we could do amazing things together! Great work!

    • @Hyratel
      @Hyratel 3 місяці тому +6

      you need a transmitter and receiver of some sort (many options, some more application-suitable than others), signal-loss failsafe (some wireless options make it easier than others), control-encoding protocol if you don't use something turn-key (many to choose from)
      my brother and I built a little R/C skidsteer about 60 pounds of anklebiter using a wireless Xbox controller, which the machine-side transceiver has a built-in signal loss monitor that can be used to E-stop On Lost Signal

  • @angrypandaification
    @angrypandaification 3 місяці тому +2

    Taking the robot for a walk? Man, that truly is one of the most remarkable things I've ever seen on youtube. Fantastic work Wes.

  • @michaelbabella1103
    @michaelbabella1103 3 місяці тому +3

    'Limited electronic knowledge' my foot...this is the best series u have done, MOST INTERRESTING...the rv episode is still the funniest i have ever watched! Be safe around that thing, 'squishy human', LOL!!!

  • @viendo1alotro
    @viendo1alotro 3 місяці тому +71

    Wes, as a company owner I had to long ago understand that I might be a visionary but that the key to growth was to keep a sensitive eye out for those whose talents and drive would move the company forward and raise the standards-the bar. They also had to be teachable and be able to teach.
    You are that kind of person. Your family should be proud

    • @justinagrella3065
      @justinagrella3065 3 місяці тому +2

      The all new Wes Automated Roving Robot. WARR for short. 😆

    • @TheDesertRat31
      @TheDesertRat31 3 місяці тому

      ​@justinagrella3065 thats awesome ! Lol

  • @guswalker8895
    @guswalker8895 3 місяці тому +77

    Wes you are amazing, I've worked with hydraulic systems for over 40 years. Retired now, what you did and explained was one of the most impressive feats I've ever seen. The programing aspects are way beyond my experience but you somehow made them understandable. You truly are a soft spoken humble genius, thank you.

    • @glenndarragh4417
      @glenndarragh4417 3 місяці тому +4

      "Soft spoken humble genius " Nailed it 👍 My 70 year old brain melted watching this - I have NFI how Wes can do this stuff.

    • @whammond511
      @whammond511 3 місяці тому

      @@glenndarragh4417And it’s such a pleasure to watch!!

  • @joshspranger7041
    @joshspranger7041 3 місяці тому +1

    Wes, you are me 30 years ago. I too had all kinds of different projects I was involved in. Granted mine were more in the digital space with not so much mechanical (USAGI and Curious Marc), so it's fun to watch you. Love your format.

  • @daveschroedersworkshop4479
    @daveschroedersworkshop4479 3 місяці тому +1

    Wes, I would hardly call your knowledge of electronics "limited". It's been some time since I've seen anybody do what appears to be wire wrapping. Also, your component choices seem to be pretty much spot on. I just subscribed, not sure why it took me so long to climb on board. Nice video! I'll be waiting for the next one!

  • @callen6893
    @callen6893 3 місяці тому +66

    I was waiting for Mrs. Wes to say “have you seen my cutting board?”
    Glad to see you found a project to bring us along with. Definitely seems to have captured your interest and keeps you excited about.

    • @johnwilliams4545
      @johnwilliams4545 3 місяці тому +1

      🤣

    • @major__kong
      @major__kong 3 місяці тому +2

      I've made many trips to Walmart for plastic electronics mounting trays aka cutting boards. I thought I was the only one with that idea. Those flexible plastic cutting mats also make good battery cell separators / insulators.

  • @TooPoorForADirtFloor
    @TooPoorForADirtFloor 3 місяці тому +59

    If you could get it back to wireless and put some cameras on it you could plow your parking lot from your couch

    • @johnsmith-wd5sq
      @johnsmith-wd5sq 3 місяці тому +2

      Omg! This is the same comment I just posted before I saw yours! Great Minds think alike!

    • @MaShcode
      @MaShcode 3 місяці тому +1

      Absolutely! Draw a box with x/y lat/lon and and hit run. The Roamba.

    • @IGDZILLA
      @IGDZILLA 3 місяці тому

      I was thinking Wes could put it on the Internet and have everyone able to control it to clear snow. What could go wrong.

  • @RobsFixitShop
    @RobsFixitShop 3 місяці тому +1

    Wes, I am an embedded software developer and I loved this video. Just a note that it is now really easy and cheap to draw out circuit boards and have them built. There are templates for the Adruinos so that you can drop the pin headers right onto the design.

    • @WatchWesWork
      @WatchWesWork  3 місяці тому +3

      I’m using KiCAD to do just that. It’s new territory but it think I can figure it out.

  • @DELirious97
    @DELirious97 3 місяці тому +1

    A wireless sketchy tank bulldozer is always a good idea. Loving this thing. Really interesting

  • @JoeInBendigo
    @JoeInBendigo 3 місяці тому +63

    PLEASE, please keep doing engineering videos! I enjoy your problem-solving vehicle vehicles too, but this is much more exiting.

  • @anthonyvisnesky6656
    @anthonyvisnesky6656 3 місяці тому +94

    Wes, I'm a 76 year old EE ( Purdue Un.) the first computer I programmed was a PDP 8( 8 bit binary) it used Punched paper cash register tape ; lamps and photocells shining through the holes in the tape or blocked by no hole. I learned Fortran IV programming as a freshman in 1965. I absolutely loved this video. I loved being " geaked out". My family insists I always have been! Keep up the great work for those of us who are entertained by arcane stupifing engineering projects. Excellent work.

    • @denjhill
      @denjhill 3 місяці тому +4

      Ah yes, the PDP 8. Remember it well. I worked for NOAA doing hydrographic surveying and that computer was our mainstay back in the 1970's. Water depths along half of the U.S. coastline were acquired with it. Always liked it. Simple, robust, and reliable.

    • @nodaklojack
      @nodaklojack 3 місяці тому +4

      Yeah, I'm not a fraction of you guys but still enjoy this channel, much respect.

    • @major__kong
      @major__kong 3 місяці тому +1

      Purdue AAE grad '94. Aerospace is full of decades old Fortran code. I started off with F77 but eventually stumbled into older NASA code that used overlays (poor man's memory management) and Hollerith constants.

    • @mdouglaswray
      @mdouglaswray 3 місяці тому +1

      DEC! DEC! DEC!!!!!!

    • @stephenwilson7641
      @stephenwilson7641 3 місяці тому

      @@denjhill Small world!! I worked for NAVOCEANO and we used the PDP-8i and the PDP-9 for Hydrographic Data Acquisition on our survey boats and ships.

  • @VinyB57
    @VinyB57 3 місяці тому

    LOOOOOOVE this project! It might sucks to spend that many hours in programming and not beeing able to translate that directly into content. Like building something for 30 hours can get you a 1 to 2 part video, but 30 hours of programming, is just a 30 sec montage!

  • @arlienorwood
    @arlienorwood 3 місяці тому

    Awesome video Wes! Love this stuff, keep it up!

  • @TheHomePros6221
    @TheHomePros6221 3 місяці тому +67

    Your mechanical,computer engineering, code writing, electrical, filming,editing,….ect…..ect…..ect….ect skills are absolutley amazing!!!!! All of us viewers are so blessed to be able to watch someone that’s so talented! Keep up the great work wes!!

  • @LazarusMP
    @LazarusMP 3 місяці тому +90

    You were both literally AND figuratively 'bread board' prototyping this thing... Amazing. And as for this kind of content and more of your 'cornfield engineering' ideas I can simply say YES!

  • @aarongriffith8918
    @aarongriffith8918 3 місяці тому

    Wes, I must say you're a national treasure. I appreciate how you're adept, willing and enjoy simple mechanical repairs yet have the ability to delve into big brain stuff like electrial theory and computer programming. You are such an asset and inspriation for people to be humble, learn, and truly excel. Talent and work ethic don't even scratch the surface. Thanks for bringing your dry humor and talent to the masses. 👍

  • @franksalvo4954
    @franksalvo4954 3 місяці тому

    Seriously some great videos. Thanks wes. Look forward to everything you post

  • @benc3380
    @benc3380 3 місяці тому +51

    As an industrial electrician, I'm glad you followed the standard working procedure of hitting and releasing the E-stop a couple times for shits and giggles after installing it.

    • @mattmanyam
      @mattmanyam 3 місяці тому +5

      Sparkys version of "That's not going anywhere!"

    • @etcss642
      @etcss642 3 місяці тому

      Fact! On point.

  • @wakeupamerica2971
    @wakeupamerica2971 3 місяці тому +53

    First, a DIY alignment rack would be legendary! And you could probably set yourself financially for a very long time if you make a usable model!
    Second, it's absolutely insane that you put this much work into making this machine work just to make a video for us to watch! We appreciate your efforts Wes!
    This video blew me away.

  • @Caleb.G632
    @Caleb.G632 3 місяці тому

    Love this style of video. Nice work!

  • @vredeaske
    @vredeaske 3 місяці тому

    Im loving this series Wes keep it up! :D

  • @kirkstruik6118
    @kirkstruik6118 3 місяці тому +65

    As a Patron, a network admin, and a shade tree mechanic, I fully support more videos like this too. I’ve created a few things from Arduino and Raspberry Pie at work to solve specific problems, and it’s immensely satisfying. Keep up the great work.

  • @scottsutcliffe1558
    @scottsutcliffe1558 3 місяці тому +82

    Wes, as a former ASE Master Technician, and now a software engineer, your videos really hit home with me. I’m 62 now and absolutely love to watch you diagnose and fix a complex issue, as well as projects like this one. Keep doing this, I’ll be joining Patreon for this stuff. Also, YES, create the alignment machine!!!

  • @umdback20
    @umdback20 3 місяці тому

    Wes as always you are awesome! This is incredible. Great video again!

  • @graysoncalmes7428
    @graysoncalmes7428 3 місяці тому

    Dude I love these types of videos from you, can’t wait to see more

  • @littlewingpsc27
    @littlewingpsc27 3 місяці тому +137

    I know you keep saying you don't have Electrical Engineering skills, but as a former Electrical Engineer and now a Project Manager, you did exactly what we used to do (and still do) all the time. You made a working "bread board" (that is what we call it) prototype, splayed out into working sub-systems, manually wired up, and got a working prototype. Easy to develop on, easy to troubleshoot, exactly how it is done in the real world. Now that you have it working, if you had a student version of OrCAD or some other PCB layout tool, you could design a PCB controller board to reduce the "sketchiness" and probably get a online PCB house to fabricate a board for you. As a wireless interface you could probably use Bluetooth, WiFi, or other similar short range data interface to your controller. This has been a very cool project. If your local High School has a STEM or Computer Science class you could offer up the programming as a class project to the school. This would be a cool learning experience for the students. There is probably some up and coming SW programmer that could assist with this. Definitely worth a membership. I'm in.

    • @WatchWesWork
      @WatchWesWork  3 місяці тому +28

      You can get PCBs made for $50 or so. I'm using KiCAD for electronics. It's free and does PCB layout.

    • @conorstewart2214
      @conorstewart2214 3 місяці тому +11

      @@indylmc have you been living under a rock? PCBs are relatively cheap to get made now, potentially as low as $5 for 10 two layer, 100x100 mm boards, of course shipping is extra though.

    • @conorstewart2214
      @conorstewart2214 3 місяці тому +6

      Kicad is good enough for most PCB design work and since it is open source it is completely free to use, no need to try and get student licenses or pay for licenses just for work like this.

    • @tiredoldmechanic1791
      @tiredoldmechanic1791 3 місяці тому +9

      I took electronics classes in the 60s. The term breadboarding came about because early creators used the wooden boards that were common in many kitchens for mixing and kneading bread dough on. They were about 2 feet square, the wood surface was perfect for laying out electrical circuits and the boards were cheap to buy back then. We used the wooden boards to lay out circuits to prove the design. They started getting some of the plastic boards in my senior year.

    • @or-what
      @or-what 3 місяці тому

      ​@@WatchWesWork Alongside your idea for a homemade Alignment machine, how about a homemade locking tool chest, seeing if you can beat the price of a Snap-On tool chest

  • @kevinlewis7250
    @kevinlewis7250 3 місяці тому +23

    “A 2 ton diesel powered robot on tank tracks” I love it. Sounds like something right out of Wolfenstein.

  • @claycarrie7787
    @claycarrie7787 3 місяці тому

    Very impressive Wes! I enjoyed the video as always.

  • @xXRandomVids56Xx
    @xXRandomVids56Xx 3 місяці тому

    Wes!! I love this type of video style man! I’d watch!

  • @Trains-With-Shane
    @Trains-With-Shane 3 місяці тому +65

    Nice work! At what point does the machine become self aware, go back in time, and attempt to kill Sarah Connor? Because we'll need to pull the plug before that happens.

  • @nerdyrcdriver
    @nerdyrcdriver 3 місяці тому +57

    Two joysticks for tank steering might be easier than the single joystick. I piloted many robots in high school and college and always preferred two joysticks instead of 1. You can get clever and have a switch that changes what the joystick is controlling, just like an MPG handwheel on a CNC machine can jog any axis but only has one wheel.
    Absolutely more engineering videos!

    • @MrSleepProductionsInc
      @MrSleepProductionsInc 3 місяці тому +4

      Yea, had a scissor lift with a single joystick forward/back left/right setup like Wes made and it was horrible to drive! Never could get it to reliable move how I wanted it to either.

    • @robertbrewer2190
      @robertbrewer2190 3 місяці тому

      Your modular track setup should make two joysticks easy, relatively. Maybe better quality joy stick from Remote Control model airplane gear? When you have to fix the new unit to install it, well...

  • @zaccarden6393
    @zaccarden6393 3 місяці тому

    Best Vid i have seen on UA-cam for a long time! well done!

  • @nathanstoughton5641
    @nathanstoughton5641 3 місяці тому

    I'm so glad i stumbled upon this channel! You're awesome, and keep up the good work!

  • @henrysboy2
    @henrysboy2 3 місяці тому +45

    As fun as the technical work was - the conversation with your wife at the end was the best part. Amazing job and wonderful video. Thank you.

    • @WatchWesWork
      @WatchWesWork  3 місяці тому +19

      I thought so too. I wasn't going to include it. Glad I did.

  • @charlesm8834
    @charlesm8834 3 місяці тому +38

    Honestly Wes has the kind of mind that if he was born in the 1920’s or 30’s this is the brain that deciphered the enigma machine or created the timing
    Mechanism for torpedoes in depth charges. Your truly amazing my friend

    • @1pcfred
      @1pcfred 3 місяці тому +1

      No one decyphered the Enigma machine. It was commercially for sale. Before Poland fell they sent one to the British. What they did was figure out how to crack the wheel code fast. Which was an impressive feat. But mainly they did it through gaming stupid operators. Some would always sign off the same way. That would give the code breakers cribs. If you had a handful of letters you could work back from there.

  • @Kamtheman1
    @Kamtheman1 3 місяці тому

    This is pretty cool, great work Wes. Really enjoying this for sure.

  • @slikballa
    @slikballa 3 місяці тому

    You was nerdin out bro ! Hahah great vid man loved it!

  • @jg24diecast41
    @jg24diecast41 3 місяці тому +40

    Your lovely wife with her dry humor and digs needs to be in more of your videos!

  • @_ohmz_electric
    @_ohmz_electric 3 місяці тому +26

    He’s gone from having no idea how it works to walking it like a dog in his front yard. I love this series. Perfect Sunday morning watch

  • @GrahamMcIntire
    @GrahamMcIntire 3 місяці тому

    Love the build/electronics videos, more of those please!

  • @alanlsavoy
    @alanlsavoy 3 місяці тому

    This is one of your best edited videos. Thank you!

  • @joshuban
    @joshuban 3 місяці тому +39

    Amazing. There's so much in this video. The moving hydraulic diagrams with explanations, the comparison of 80s/90s tech with what you can do today, the valve centering model, a bit of 3D printing, a bit of coding, a bit of signals analysis, a bit of electronics, jokes, danger. It's got it all!

  • @trezsr
    @trezsr 3 місяці тому +36

    I have to say that you’re precisely the right person to own this contraption, because I can’t imagine anyone else having the right combination of mechanical and electrical know how, not to mention the patience, to get it functional. Just friggen brilliant!! Well done!

  • @octavianfie5918
    @octavianfie5918 3 місяці тому

    Hi Wes, it's one of the coolest videos you uploaded so far: thank you!

  • @Brandonmark
    @Brandonmark 3 місяці тому

    Definitely one of the best series on the tube, keep it up Wes!

  • @epongk1209
    @epongk1209 3 місяці тому +41

    Wes....I've watched you religiously for years now and have never commented. I love all your content and especially the variation in it. You put forth a TON of effort and it shows. Having said that, this is, BY FAR, the best video you have EVER made thus far. Keep up the awesome work my friend! I sooo look forward to your videos. You made my week dude... you're a good man.

  • @vernonhuey5885
    @vernonhuey5885 3 місяці тому +20

    Im 67 and just recently retired this is so out of my league but I love it you are not just a car fixer you are a very talented person

  • @jimmaul
    @jimmaul 3 місяці тому

    This is some of your best content. I really enjoy it, please keep it going.

  • @georgewood100
    @georgewood100 3 місяці тому

    The best yet, keep up the great work.

  • @BIllMcCambridge
    @BIllMcCambridge 3 місяці тому +29

    Dang Wes a true level 10 project. You are really a man's man. Your ability to break down complex physics, programming and mechanical concepts into easy to understand and simple demonstrations is genius.
    You are teaching 10s of thousands of people how to trouble shoot and understand problems. Getting your Robot working is a triumph in and of itself. However the true triumph is getting us to understand how that thing works and teaching us the process so we can apply it to our problems and projects.
    Thank you for sharing your talents, your process and your adventures.
    And God bless your wife for her understanding of a man's need to piddle with projects.

  • @dirtydeedsvienna
    @dirtydeedsvienna 3 місяці тому +37

    This is really one of your best videos. Education (great diagram explaining the hydraulics), storytelling, video production, Wes exploring new stuff, humor with the wife, this has it all. Absolutely love that format. Must have been a great joy for you when driving it for the first time down the driveay. Felt happy for you. Thanks for that!

    • @jackpatteeuw9244
      @jackpatteeuw9244 3 місяці тому

      I have to agree on the diagram and solenoid "prop". Great educational tools.

  • @jensstratenwerth5742
    @jensstratenwerth5742 3 місяці тому

    Wow Wes - well done. absolutely amazing. Love this project

  • @aussiemotorsportmick
    @aussiemotorsportmick 3 місяці тому +1

    Wes we would love to see some more of your special projects. They are interesting and entertaining, thanks from Sydney Australia

  • @laurence1643
    @laurence1643 3 місяці тому +28

    First thing Sunday morning I wake up and watch this episode. I'm immediately chuckling out loud and fully engrossed by your analytical way of solving this electromechanical, hydraulic mystery, killing machine's manual of operation.
    Your sense of humor significantly heightens the experience.
    This is the ultimate, industrial version RC toy. Make it wireless and you could sit in a watchtower and run a logging operation.
    The perfect epilog was with your wife's comments . You are blessed to have each other.
    Thank you Wes !!!!!

  • @DieselDoc78
    @DieselDoc78 3 місяці тому +29

    You freaking blow me away. You have a brilliant mind. Keep producing, and we’ll keep watching!

  • @rangeyrover
    @rangeyrover 3 місяці тому

    Loved it mate. Well done, great video, the engineering is great. I love your stuff but this one is up there

  • @bruwin
    @bruwin 3 місяці тому

    First of all, I love your wife, second of all, I'm currently going through a mechatronics degree where realistically I could have the job of repairing the brains of a machine like that. You had a lot of good explanations for how that all worked.

  • @colddiesel
    @colddiesel 3 місяці тому +31

    Watched it twice so far.Your most interesting project to date. I now understand why a friend who teaches at TAFE (Technical and further Education College) here in OZ has made the viewing of a number of your videos compulsory for his students. His objective is to show them how to go about problem solving. You are all the things other folk compliment you on and a fine teacher too. I'm into my ninth decade and still learning. Thanks.

  • @Mrpaint06
    @Mrpaint06 3 місяці тому +25

    I've not made it though the entire video yet, but as a novice at...life. From 10:37 to 10:47 is probably the simplest and most profound way to explain a hydraulic pump connected to a hydraulic motor. Wes, thank you for distilling very complex information down to very simple concepts that the rest of us can understand.

  • @markmonroe7330
    @markmonroe7330 3 місяці тому

    Just wow. No words. Amazing job. Love the channel.

  • @dondelche
    @dondelche 3 місяці тому

    Loved the video and your detailed walkthrough.

  • @JHruby
    @JHruby 3 місяці тому +37

    I was just glad to hear you say that what I thought was an Ikea bamboo cutting board forming the base of all the electronics, wasn't actually a bamboo cutting board. Because that would have been sketchy.
    Absolutely love this project. You're awesome Wes.

    • @TheShawna1
      @TheShawna1 3 місяці тому +1

      In the antique electronics world that is called a "Bread board"! and quite literally it is one.

    • @imchris5000
      @imchris5000 3 місяці тому +1

      @@TheShawna1 high voltage stuff used slate as a backer

    • @dans_Learning_Curve
      @dans_Learning_Curve 3 місяці тому +1

      ​@@TheShawna1 now that you mention the word bread board, I've caught the humor of his choice of base!

    • @dans_Learning_Curve
      @dans_Learning_Curve 3 місяці тому

      ​@@imchris5000LoL 😂😆
      Unlike the guys that intentionally run extremely high current/voltage through wood to obtain the burn marks/path!

  • @christhefistful
    @christhefistful 3 місяці тому +17

    As a mere mortal with 30 plus years of twisting wrenches on HD equipment I salute you Wes. You explained everything we needed to know to follow along and understand what is going on.

  • @jongmassey
    @jongmassey 3 місяці тому

    Bloody hell Wes, that's an amazing effort and so well explained too. Look forward tothe

  • @alonzo5800
    @alonzo5800 3 місяці тому

    Love this kind of video, please upload anything and everything like this, or just whatever kind of video you feel like, I love your channel either way

  • @olds69trondjarle
    @olds69trondjarle 3 місяці тому +37

    That could work as a tow vehicle when the misses is unavailable! Make it wireless and you can control the tow and move things around alone...

    • @rimmersbryggeri
      @rimmersbryggeri 3 місяці тому +3

      It could also be used as an a remote controlled self propelling engine hoist. Could be useful considering some of the vehicles wes works on.

    • @olds69trondjarle
      @olds69trondjarle 3 місяці тому +4

      Multipurpose vehicle, towing, plowing snow and engine hoist.

    • @artemiasalina1860
      @artemiasalina1860 3 місяці тому +3

      @@olds69trondjarle Yes, snow plowing with way-points and collision avoidance would be hilarious to see!

    • @johnnyzander1466
      @johnnyzander1466 3 місяці тому

      Thanks. I was going to write the exact same thing. 😂

  • @gumby2241
    @gumby2241 3 місяці тому +28

    you have totally outdone yourself! I'm a retired electrical engineer who does all of the 'hobby' type stuff you have done. It's not as easy as you demonstrate, I can only speculate the time you've spent on this project, bravo!

  • @kosydarskorner4833
    @kosydarskorner4833 3 місяці тому

    I really appreciate the way you explain how stuff works!

  • @AndrewHCann
    @AndrewHCann 3 місяці тому

    Excellent video Wes :) also bet lots to thinking to figure out and glad got up running also moved on Controlling box you made too ! Hope see more improvement you do next to and very good information so far Wes :) !

  • @thetoolman3
    @thetoolman3 3 місяці тому +20

    Wes, as a senior level mechanical engineer with a couple of decades of experience with hydraulics, controls and programming, I have to say your capabilities are quite impressive. I've been a fan of yours for a while. But this is next level. I think this one video is the best thing I've ever seen on YT. Well done, sir. I'm headed to Patreon now.

    • @ap6553
      @ap6553 3 місяці тому +1

      I agree, this was definitely one of your best videos ever Wes

  • @jasonb6570
    @jasonb6570 3 місяці тому +16

    You had me at "full nerd mode".

  • @douglasholland7083
    @douglasholland7083 3 місяці тому

    Love these videos. Im here to learn with you as you teach/learn youself. I enjoy challenging myself as do you. Thanks wes.

  • @TopNotchSawRepair
    @TopNotchSawRepair 3 місяці тому

    Great Job Wes!!! Fantastic on the electronics. Would definitely watch more on all of it.

  • @mwhferrari
    @mwhferrari 3 місяці тому +26

    Nothing says DIY like using your wife's cutting board as a platform! Loved the video.

  • @SmallMartingale
    @SmallMartingale 3 місяці тому +9

    I don't know why I couldn't stop laughing as you drove your little demon child out of the shop. Dr. Frankenstein in awe of his creation.

  • @bjornjeansson5947
    @bjornjeansson5947 3 місяці тому

    Impressively educational. Best video so far! What a production!