Rack and Pinion Steering Car

This rack and pinion steering car was borne as a test vehicule for my wire guidance sensor, but it can be also used with many other sensor configurations. This car uses only parts included in Robotics Invention System box (with the exception of red rear lights - RIS contains no red parts!). Originally intended to be a simple chassis, I soon found that it's "cubic" structure was closer to old jalopy than to modern cars, and I added bells and whistles to reinforce this look.

Guided tour...

Top and bottom view.
It is fairly easy to modify gear train to change car speed.

Steering assembly details.
Two touch sensors are activated when steering is at full stroke, but I seldom used them as the belt driven mechanism slips in that case.

Sensor equipment.
The car can be easily equipped with one or two light sensors for line following. And of course it can use my wire guidance sensor!
The sensors are placed on the front bumper, and driven by steering mechanism. This provides better direction control.