1346 mecanum

[b_mallerd]

We've been working hard on the chassis and mecanum drive for the last few weeks. This is just a quick little video and some pics of the progress we have made.

This is just a video of some open loop control...We're still working on the closed loop but I think we're pretty close.

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h121/b_mallerd/1346saturdayjan272007.jpg

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h121/b_mallerd/1346mecanumoutside.jpg

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h121/b_mallerd/1346mecanuminside.jpg

Our video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xgTJcm9EVnE

[Madison]

That looks great -- we can't wait to see it in Portland.

It looks like you're using a rubber offset coupling or something similar as suspension. Is that correct?

[nikhil1923]

Wow. Those are some nice rubber coupling wheels. Sorry didnt notice vid...

[b_mallerd]

I'm not absolutely sure but I think what you are referring to as suspension is actually our optical encoders. We need them for the feedback to control our would be PID controlled drive train.

[dtengineering]

It looks like you're using a rubber offset coupling or something similar as suspension. Is that correct?

Actually we're just going to keep the frame nice and flexible this year rather than building a suspension system.

It seems to be working so far, although the real test will come once we "close the loop" either through the encoders or a gyro.

(The programmers always like it when I say stuff like that.)

We're at about 55 pounds as seen in video/photos and will be adding a lift/arm combo, pneumatics and ramp to get up to 125 pounds.

Um... yeah... I know. We always have to shed a bit of weight just before we ship. I'm guessing it will be only five pounds or so this year.

We're looking forward to Portland, too. It is always a good time... and we're bringing some friends from north of the border down with us this time. It will be 2273's first FIRST experience!

Jason