The work
| Phase | Hours | Cost |
|---|
| 1. Design freeze and part filesCheck delivered parts against the design and adjust it. DXF part files for your laser cutting, 3D-print files, ordering support. | 11 | $550 |
| 2. Electronics and software bring-upPower up and check the electronics. Adapt the control software to the new chassis: steering, drive, sensors and mast. Bench-test each system. | 31 | $1,550 |
| 3. Integration and tuningSteering and drive calibration; distance sensors, LiDAR and motion sensor; mast and camera; emergency stop and fault handling. | 30 | $1,500 |
| 4. Iterations and acceptance testingTwo rounds of changes from your feedback, with revised part files for anything that needs re-cutting. App control and image transfer. Test runs against the acceptance criteria. | 44 | $2,200 |
| 5. Coordination and documentationQuestions and quick fixes as they come up. Drawings, parts list and instructions updated to match the prototype. | 14 | $700 |
| Total | 130 | $6,500 |
Detailed breakdown
Each phase broken into its tasks. The hours add up to the phase totals above.
1. Design freeze and part files 11 h · $550
| Task | Hours | Cost |
|---|
| Fit checks against the delivered parts (wheel hubs, mast tube and flanges, servo couplers, board footprints), with any CAD changes they call for | 5 | $250 |
| DXF files for the 26 laser-cut parts (18 aluminum, 8 acrylic), each checked against the model | 3 | $150 |
| Print files and settings for the 4 printed designs (38 PETG parts) | 1 | $50 |
| Ordering support: confirm listings, approve substitutions, check deliveries | 2 | $100 |
2. Electronics and software bring-up 31 h · $1,550
| Task | Hours | Cost |
|---|
| Wiring review and first power-up: fuses, relays, power converters and the E-stop chain | 4 | $200 |
| Computer and motion controller set up: Orange Pi, Pico firmware, USB devices | 4 | $200 |
| Drive on the bench: motor driver, encoders, wheel speed control | 6 | $300 |
| Steering on the bench: servos and couplers, centering, travel limits | 4 | $200 |
| Sensors on the bench: 8 ToF and 8 Sharp sensors, LiDAR, IMU, current monitor | 8 | $400 |
| Mast and camera: limit switches, height control, camera capture | 5 | $250 |
3. Integration and tuning 30 h · $1,500
| Task | Hours | Cost |
|---|
| Drive and steering calibration on the floor: wheel speeds, turning radius, odometry | 8 | $400 |
| Sensor calibration on the car: distance sensors through their windows, LiDAR alignment, IMU | 6 | $300 |
| Mapping and localization on the new chassis | 7 | $350 |
| Safety: E-stop, obstacle stops, fault handling and recovery | 5 | $250 |
| Mast and camera on the car: 55 in camera height, vibration check | 4 | $200 |
4. Iterations and acceptance testing 44 h · $2,200
| Task | Hours | Cost |
|---|
| First round of changes from your feedback, with revised part files where needed | 10 | $500 |
| Second round of changes | 8 | $400 |
| App control and image transfer: Bluetooth link, photo sessions, sending the image set | 11 | $550 |
| Orbit and photo runs: approach a vehicle, orbit it, take 20 to 30 photos, tune | 9 | $450 |
| Test runs against the acceptance criteria, with a short results report | 6 | $300 |
5. Coordination and documentation 14 h · $700
| Task | Hours | Cost |
|---|
| Questions and quick fixes as they come up | 6 | $300 |
| Documentation updated to match the prototype: CAD, drawings, parts list, build guide | 8 | $400 |
Schedule
- Week 1: design freeze, part files handed over for your cutting, parts checked as they arrive.
- Week 2: electronics and software running on the bench.
- Week 3: systems working together on the car and tuned; first review with you.
- Week 4: second round of changes, acceptance test runs, prototype ready.
Assumptions
- Work starts from the existing design, parts list and control software.
- Laser cutting is done on your side, from the supplied DXF files.
- Two rounds of feedback are included. Further rounds are billed at the same rate.
- Parts, materials and shipping are billed separately.
- Billed for actual hours at $50/hour. This is an estimate, not a fixed price.