REALISTIC SCALE RC CRAWLER

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Objective:

Ariel developed a 1:12 scale radio-controlled crawler as a test platform for off-road suspension and drivetrain geometry. The build paired a coil spring suspension with high pinion axle gears to clean up the drivetrain angle and improve articulation over rough terrain. The 1:12 scale was picked deliberately so the project could be built around off the shelf motors, electronics, and hardware, keeping costs down and making each iteration faster to validate.

Product Design and Development

Ariel modeled the chassis and suspension system in CAD, then specified the powertrain around a brushed motor, ESC, and receiver matched to the scale. A two-speed shiftable gearbox was built into the drivetrain so the vehicle could switch between low range torque for crawling and a higher range for open driving. Custom mounts and brackets were designed and 3D printed to tie the electronics, gearbox, and lighting into the chassis cleanly. LED lighting was added to the off-road body for a finished look, and the transmitter was programmed across three channels to handle throttle, steering, and the gearbox shift, giving full driver control without external switches.