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(Created page with "=THIS PAGE IS UNDER CONSTRUCTION= {{float_box|{{VCH Quick Links}} }} Vorpal The Hexapod is a low cost, easy to build hexapod that includes a Bluetooth gamepad. All the struct...")
 
 
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=THIS PAGE IS UNDER CONSTRUCTION=
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Max The Megapod (Max is short for Maxnome) is a double sized version of our popular Vorpal The Hexapod project. It's twice the size in all directions, or eight times the build volume. All the structural parts are 3D printed, allowing you to modify the design easily, reprint parts when needed, and save money (if you have a 3D printer) by only purchasing the electronic parts.
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<youtube>XHUst4hxf8Q|Max the Megapod Dancing with Vorpal The Hexapod</youtube>
  
{{float_box|{{VCH Quick Links}} }}
 
Vorpal The Hexapod is a low cost, easy to build hexapod that includes a Bluetooth gamepad. All the structural parts are 3D printed, allowing you to modify the design easily, reprint parts when needed, and save money (if you have a 3D printer) by only purchasing the electronic parts.
 
<youtube>kq7DRDUKuT0|Vorpal The Hexapod</youtube>
 
 
==What can it do?==
 
==What can it do?==
  
This robot is made for educational fun through friendly competition and there are endless ways it can be used by both the hobbyist and teachers.
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This is an experimental project for people who are comfortable building larger robots. This is not a consumer level project!
The Vorpal Hexapod has these features:
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* 12 degrees of freedom using all-metal gear mini servos.
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Max has these features:
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* Software compatible with our popular smaller version, Vorpal The Hexapod.
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* 12 degrees of freedom using all-metal gear high torque standard size servos.
 
* Bluetooth wireless control using the custom Vorpal Button Gamepad
 
* Bluetooth wireless control using the custom Vorpal Button Gamepad
 
* Arduino open source hardware used on both the gamepad and hexapod
 
* Arduino open source hardware used on both the gamepad and hexapod
 
* The gamepad has many preprogrammed functions for walking, dancing, and fighting style competitions.
 
* The gamepad has many preprogrammed functions for walking, dancing, and fighting style competitions.
 
* A unique feature allows gamepad functions to be recorded and replayed. For example, record a dancing session, then rewind and replay it all from the gamepad!
 
* A unique feature allows gamepad functions to be recorded and replayed. For example, record a dancing session, then rewind and replay it all from the gamepad!
* MIT Scratch Programming!
 
 
**Tether the gamepad to your computer via USB and control the hexapod using your own Scratch code.
 
**Tether the gamepad to your computer via USB and control the hexapod using your own Scratch code.
 
**Scratch programs can both wirelessly control the robot and read sensor data from optional sensors on the robot.
 
**Scratch programs can both wirelessly control the robot and read sensor data from optional sensors on the robot.
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==How Do I Get it/Build it?==
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==Important Notes==
Vorpal The Hexapod is available on our store (see [https://vorpal-robotics-store.myshopify.com/collections/hexapod-kits low cost hexapod robot kits]) as well as fully built and tested.
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Max is great for maker faire demonstrations and is a crowd pleaser, but it has powerful servo motors and is not for use by young children. Keep fingers clear of legs when Max is operating. It is possible to get pinched if you stick your hand in the wrong place while Max is moving. It is even possible for these servos to break fingers under the right circumstances. Max is big and love-able and small children are naturally fascinated by him, so adult supervision is required to make sure little fingers stay safe.
 
 
You have several options for obtaining Vorpal The Hexapod:
 
 
 
* Buy it completely built and ready to use
 
* Buy all the parts, including the structural parts, and assemble yourself (assembly time is about 90 minutes)
 
* Buy just the electronics, and you 3D print the free STL files for the structural parts, then assemble yourself
 
 
 
The first option is the most convenient (and the most expensive, although the Vorpal Hexapod is still among the least expensive complete Hexapods on the market).
 
 
 
The second and third options are a lot more educational and fun, and will allow you to explore making your own enhancements. If you have a 3D printer, the third option is the most economical of all, because you can print all the parts you need for only about $10 worth of filament.
 
 
 
No soldering is necessary when building the kit. Age for build: 6th grade through adult. Adult supervision is suggested for students who are younger than high school level.
 
  
See our [http://store.vorpalrobotics.com Vorpal The Hexapod Store] for information on where to order parts or fully built hexapods.
 
 
[[File:Scamp-Leg-Raised.jpg|left|350px|Vorpal The Hexapod Robot]]
 
[[File:Scamp-Leg-Raised.jpg|left|350px|Vorpal The Hexapod Robot]]
 
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{{Vorpal Quick Links}}
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==More Questions?==
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See our [[Max The Megapod FAQ]] for answers to the most common questions, or send email to support@vorpalrobotics.com if you don't see the info you need there.
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{{Megapod Quick Links}}

Latest revision as of 20:18, 25 February 2026

Max The Megapod (Max is short for Maxnome) is a double sized version of our popular Vorpal The Hexapod project. It's twice the size in all directions, or eight times the build volume. All the structural parts are 3D printed, allowing you to modify the design easily, reprint parts when needed, and save money (if you have a 3D printer) by only purchasing the electronic parts.

What can it do?

This is an experimental project for people who are comfortable building larger robots. This is not a consumer level project!

Max has these features:

  • Software compatible with our popular smaller version, Vorpal The Hexapod.
  • 12 degrees of freedom using all-metal gear high torque standard size servos.
  • Bluetooth wireless control using the custom Vorpal Button Gamepad
  • Arduino open source hardware used on both the gamepad and hexapod
  • The gamepad has many preprogrammed functions for walking, dancing, and fighting style competitions.
  • A unique feature allows gamepad functions to be recorded and replayed. For example, record a dancing session, then rewind and replay it all from the gamepad!
    • Tether the gamepad to your computer via USB and control the hexapod using your own Scratch code.
    • Scratch programs can both wirelessly control the robot and read sensor data from optional sensors on the robot.
  • Tremendous Expandability! The built in hardware and sensor expansion ports guarantee nearly unlimited expandability. Besides the accessories we already have, we are working on tons of new cool extensions, and you can also create your own using a 3D printer and standard, inexpensive sensors and other hardware.


Important Notes

Max is great for maker faire demonstrations and is a crowd pleaser, but it has powerful servo motors and is not for use by young children. Keep fingers clear of legs when Max is operating. It is possible to get pinched if you stick your hand in the wrong place while Max is moving. It is even possible for these servos to break fingers under the right circumstances. Max is big and love-able and small children are naturally fascinated by him, so adult supervision is required to make sure little fingers stay safe.

Vorpal The Hexapod Robot


More Questions?

See our Max The Megapod FAQ for answers to the most common questions, or send email to support@vorpalrobotics.com if you don't see the info you need there.

Max The Megapod Quick Links

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