VEXpro One Day Robot Chassis & Drivetrain Build

[Ricky Q.]

Today, the VEXpro team will be designing, prototyping and building several robot chassis and drivetrain options intended to be used in the 2013 FIRST Robotics Competition game, Ultimate Ascent. Once complete, these chassis and drivetrain options will be available to purchase as VEXpro products.

The One Day Build Web page is live at:

http://www.vexrobotics.com/vexpro/one-day-build.html

Our Documentation Google Document is live here:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/14Yu6CMpzaxKH-pJvPqxcL6N-qIwCgcYhQ03-czWiFKo/edit

This page, along with our Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/VEXRobotics) and Twitter feed (http://www.twitter.com/VEXRobotics) will feature updates, photos and videos throughout the entire process.

Post any questions in this thread and we'll get to them throughout the day.

[Ricky Q.]

We've made it through some chassis size, intake and wheel choice discussion and have moved on to motors and gearing. Random quotes and some photos have also made their way into the Google Doc. (https://docs.google.com/document/d/14Yu6CMpzaxKH-pJvPqxcL6N-qIwCgcYhQ03-czWiFKo/edit)

Its almost time for some CAD!

[Ricky Q.]

Time to sketch out some concepts on the whiteboard before getting to the good stuff in CAD.

Photos will be up soon in the Google Doc.

[billbo911]

The first thing we will be looking at when it comes to a drive train is:
What would be the easiest and most cost effective way to integrate the Ball Shifter into the KOP drive components in place of the Toughbox Mini?

So the question is: How would you do it?

[Ricky Q.]

The first thing we will be looking at when it comes to a drive train is:
What would be the easiest and most cost effective way to integrate the Ball Shifter into the KOP drive components in place of the Toughbox Mini?

So the question is: How would you do it?

We got our first look at the Kitbot Chassis yesterday with everyone else.

We'll have information on how to best do this posted on the Ball Shifter page as soon as possible.

Best,
Ricky

[Ricky Q.]

The first Sheet Metal parts have gone across the street to manufacturing!

CAD screenshots will be posted in the Google Doc. (https://docs.google.com/document/d/14Yu6CMpzaxKH-pJvPqxcL6N-qIwCgcYhQ03-czWiFKo/edit)

[Ricky Q.]

Prototyping preparation has begun as the final parts are moved over to manufacturing.

We'll continue to post updates, photos and CAD screenshots in the Google Doc and on Facebook.

[Ricky Q.]

Does it look like a robot yet?

http://www.chiefdelphi.com/media/img/01d/01d0a91468b8cd0b3cfd2bce8b6b0d86_m.jpg

[AllenGregoryIV]

Any time frame for when these will be available for purchase and than when will they be shipped?

[Ricky Q.]

Any time frame for when these will be available for purchase and than when will they be shipped?

Available for purchase (with details on final configurations and options) early this week and shipping late this week.

Best,
Ricky

[Ricky Q.]

We have all our parts and are building!

Here are CAD screenshots of a few options. Final VEXpro product configuration and pricing to come.

http://www.chiefdelphi.com/media/img/be2/be2dc18ed8ad33b54c662c0952ad47b6_m.jpg.pagespeed.c e.7pbRsarrHt.jpghttp://www.chiefdelphi.com/media/img/b50/b502a86a0e853722aa4fbc98a24e51c1_m.jpg.pagespeed.c e.gtrKfhos8u.jpg

[Richard Wallace]

"He's gonna have to lay up short of that bunker at 320 yards ...

Oh, that's not even fair -- he just AIRMAILED the bunker!"

-- golf commentator Johnny Miller, covering Tiger Woods during the 1995 US Amateur at Pumpkin Ridge.
-----------

Ricky, this is a game changer.

Seriously? John, Raul, Bob, you, etc. -- this takes the concepts of VENDOR and COTS MECHANISM to another level.

Props to VEXPro. :)

[Ricky Q.]

http://www.chiefdelphi.com/media/img/d4b/d4b70864edff0ad024c7eb7273cd9cbb_m.jpg

The VEXpro Drive in a Day is done! Robot is built, wheels and chain and transmissions on. We built one half in 6WD and one half in 8WD. There are a few tweaks to make before starting production tomorrow.

Retail will be $99.99 for the basic frame.
Additional parts are available (battery holder, bumper mounts)

Recap of our day is here: http://www.vexrobotics.com/vexpro/one-day-build.html

[Starke]

Ricky, JVN, and the VEX team,

Thank you so much for your dedication to continue to provide new and innovative products to the FIRST community. I am really excited about your new products and am anxious to hear/witness the results of the systems! Nice work!

Matt

[AllenGregoryIV]

I'm really loving this chassis. Thank you to all the members of the IFI team that helped put this together.

Now if only I could decide between the 6 CIM single speed or a ball shifter my worries would be over.