build-guides
Build Roadmap & Philosophy
Master build order, tools needed, and why we test before we integrate
Build Guide: Roadmap & Philosophy
Type: Build Guide
This is the master roadmap for building the Tick Slayer 3000. The build is broken into 8 guides that take you from unboxing parts to autonomous tick runs. Each guide is self-contained — you can stop at the end of any guide and have a working (partial) system.
Build Order
| # | Guide | What You'll Have When Done |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bench Testing Electronics | Every electronic component verified working individually |
| 2 | Raspberry Pi Setup | Pi running, camera working, GPS reading, Python environment ready |
| 3 | Vehicle Prep & Mounting | TRX-4 ready to receive electronics, enclosure and mounts installed |
| 4 | Wiring & Control Integration | Pi controlling the TRX-4 via PWM — throttle and steering |
| 5 | First Drive & Calibration | Rover driving under Pi control with tuned steering and speed |
| 6 | Drag Cloth & Sampling Rig | Complete sampling apparatus attached and dragging properly |
| 7 | Capture & Navigation Software | Camera pipeline, GPS logging, path record/replay all working |
| 8 | Data Pipeline & First Run | Full autonomous run with data flowing to the web app |
Why This Order
The build follows a principle: test small, then integrate. Every component gets verified on the bench before it goes on the rover. This means when something doesn't work after integration, you know the problem is in the wiring or connections — not the component itself.
The software and hardware tracks are interleaved intentionally:
Guide 1-2: Electronics & Pi setup (bench work)
Guide 3-4: Physical build & wiring (garage/workshop)
Guide 5: First drive (outdoor, satisfying milestone)
Guide 6: Sampling rig (back to the workshop)
Guide 7: Software deep dive (desk work)
Guide 8: Full integration & first real run (the payoff)
This keeps things from getting monotonous — you're never doing the same type of work for too long.
Tools You'll Need
For electronics:
- Multimeter (voltage and continuity testing)
- Soldering iron + solder (a few connections required)
- Wire strippers
- Small Phillips and flathead screwdrivers
- Breadboard + jumper wires (for bench testing)
- Heat shrink tubing or electrical tape
For vehicle assembly:
- Hex driver set (TRX-4 uses metric hex screws)
- Zip ties (many)
- Double-sided mounting tape (VHB or similar)
- Drill with small bits (for mounting plate, if needed)
- Velcro straps (for battery mounting)
For the drag cloth:
- Scissors or rotary cutter
- Sewing machine or heavy needle + thread
- PVC cutter or hacksaw (for drag bar)
- Measuring tape
A Note on Patience
You'll be tempted to skip bench testing and jump straight to mounting everything on the rover. Don't. A 10-minute bench test saves hours of debugging when something doesn't work and everything is zip-tied inside a waterproof box on a moving vehicle. The bench testing guide exists because we learned this the hard way.
Ready?
Start with Guide 1: Bench Testing Electronics and work your way through. Each guide tells you exactly what parts and tools you need before you start, so you can grab everything and set up your workspace once.