2008 Kit of Parts discussion [Archive]

jgannon

05-01-2008, 13:16

I'm very glad to see the addition of the Taigene window motor to this year's kit... it looks like an excellent replacement for the van door motor we've been missing so much. It's also always nice to see the CIM motors, though I'm surprised at the absence of the mini-bike motors. The old LED flasher has returned in place of last year's signal light. It looks like we're back to assembling our own gearboxes... does anyone know who the vendor for these boxes is? Any other thoughts on this year's kit?

thefro526

05-01-2008, 13:52

dude i wanna see the toughbox gearbox.

Alex Cormier

05-01-2008, 14:11

yea... What's with the "Tough Box" from AndyMark?

There is no specs or anything i could find for it...

It comes with a paper saying go to their site to vie assemblies.

Fab.Master

05-01-2008, 14:15

does anyone have the battery disconnect cables in from Anderson Power Products in their kit, we have the spec sheet in the box but no cables:yikes:

Katie Reynolds

05-01-2008, 14:48

It's also always nice to see the CIM motors, though I'm surprised at the absence of the mini-bike motors.For a team that doesn't have its kit yet ... do we have the CIM Motors again? The only motors listed in the Kit of Parts section of the manual (10.2.3) are these:

Denso window motors
FisherPrice Motors
BaneBots RS-540 & RS-550
Taigene van door motor

jgannon

05-01-2008, 14:50

For a team that doesn't have its kit yet ... do we have the CIM Motors again? The only motors listed in the Kit of Parts section of the manual (10.2.3) are these:

Denso window motors
FisherPrice Motors
BaneBots RS-540 & RS-550
Taigene van door motor
I've heard several people say this, but I definitely see two 2.5" CIMs listed on page 5 of 2008_KoP_Checklist.pdf. Are there different versions of this document floating around?

Katie Reynolds

05-01-2008, 14:56

I've heard several people say this, but I definitely see two 2.5" CIMs listed on page 5 of 2008_KoP_Checklist.pdf. Are there different versions of this document floating around?Looks like they're listed on the checklist, but not in the manual ... can anyone else confirm we have them?

Fab.Master

05-01-2008, 15:01

the KOP has two small CIM motors no big ones this year

dani190

05-01-2008, 15:21

a CIM motor isn't what drives the robot is it?

nparikh

05-01-2008, 15:24

a CIM motor isn't what drives the robot is it?

Well, if you choose to use CIM motors on your drivetrain then yes, CIM motors do drive the robot.

dani190

05-01-2008, 15:28

Well, if you choose to use CIM motors on your drivetrain then yes, CIM motors do drive the robot.

kk Thanks

vivek16

05-01-2008, 15:30

I am interested to see how the "van door" motors perform

-vivek

Kevin Sevcik

05-01-2008, 15:31

The lack of a mini-bike motor is very surprising since they're providing a TON of the power-grip belting you'd use with it. Also, the Tips + Guidelines document actually claims that the 2008 KoP HAS one mini-bike motor in it. Inquiring minds want to know just what went wrong.

vivek16

05-01-2008, 15:34

1. did we get a mini bike motor last year? what was it called?

2. The "toughbox" gearbox: can we interface multiple motors through it?

thanks much, vivek

Kevin Sevcik

05-01-2008, 15:40

1. did we get a mini bike motor last year? what was it called?
It was a fisher-price/CIM mini-bike motor. It was the larger black motor with a toothed pulled and belt tensioner on it.

beemgruem

05-01-2008, 15:41

Hey!

Does the covering supposed to be loose around the ball??????

jgannon

05-01-2008, 15:46

The lack of a mini-bike motor is very surprising since they're providing a TON of the power-grip belting you'd use with it.
I knew the name of that belting sounded familiar. That's odd... maybe this is like 2005, when the kit contained shafts for the old seat motors, but none of the motors. Can anybody with a kit on-hand put up a list of the actual motors that came in the kit? There seem to be three documents all in conflict with each other.

vivek16

05-01-2008, 15:49

It was a fisher-price/CIM mini-bike motor. It was the larger black motor with a toothed pulled and belt tensioner on it.

oh, I just always called it the big CIM or the FP CIM.

thanks, vivek

sam

05-01-2008, 15:51

We don't have our KOP yet, so does someone know what the mass of the andymark toughbox is? It isn't listed on their website.. so someone might need to get out some scales!

Also- does it use two cim's?

thanks.

beemgruem

05-01-2008, 15:52

vivek16

05-01-2008, 15:55

Hey!

Does the covering supposed to be loose around the ball??????

I believe so, but not to the point of the nylon being wrinkled. It should be taut across the bladder but not bursting at the seams.

so it should be loose around the ball.

-vivek

Jonathan Norris

05-01-2008, 16:18

I believe so, but not to the point of the nylon being wrinkled. It should be taut across the bladder but not bursting at the seams.

so it should be loose around the ball.

-vivek

The ball should be filled to a diameter of 40", thats how they will be used during the game.

wilsonmw04

05-01-2008, 16:38

Can anyone post the instructions for the Toughbot Transmission? My kids are chomping at the bit and want to get it built! :-)

The Website says that it will be "posted soon," can anyone update us on this?

gaby1367

05-01-2008, 16:44

im just glad we got a new battery charger (last year`s sucked) sorry first

and whats up with not giving us a camera? or TV controller.

Arefin Bari

05-01-2008, 17:29

yea... What's with the "Tough Box" from AndyMark?

There is no specs or anything i could find for it...

It comes with a paper saying go to their site to vie assemblies.

All the specification for the Tough Box could be found here. (http://www.andymark.biz/am-0145.html)

sarcasticmadnes

05-01-2008, 17:31

The kit of parts checklist said four anderson battery disconnects. Did anyone else only get three battery disconnect cables? Thanks

Tomasz Bania

05-01-2008, 17:39

im just glad we got a new battery charger (last year`s sucked) sorry first

and whats up with not giving us a camera? or TV controller.

The lack of a camera makes no dense to me because in the manual (don't remember where) it stated that one the balls for each alliance has 12" white circles to help with guidance. How would you see the circles without a camera?

Question: Are We allows to use the CMU cams?

To answer the second part, I would hope you would have a TV controller, but I think it's because FIRST doesn't want everyone to have the same Remotes.

Tomasz Bania

Chuck Glick

05-01-2008, 17:48

The AM Toughbox (http://www.andymark.biz/am-0145.html) is very similar to the AM Single speed (http://www.andymark.biz/am-0011.html).

Main differences I noticed are the alignment of the shaft (centered on toughbox), polycarbonate plate to mount motors to, and no nylon washers on the inside.

Same 12.75:1 ratio as the AM Single (and banebot last year), Can use 2 cims per gear box (hardware for 1 per gearbox included, must order more for 2), and all the hardware seems to be almost identical to the AM Single.

The Toughbox is roughly 2.5 lbs (our scale) compared to the 3.1 from the AM single.

Assembly Instructions located here (http://lib.store.yahoo.net/lib/yhst-33833170891817/Toughbox-User-Guide.pdf).

chris31

05-01-2008, 17:56

2. The "toughbox" gearbox: can we interface multiple motors through it?

It is designed so that it can use two motors but parts are only given to interface one motor, so you must buy the extra parts from AndyMark.

vivek16

05-01-2008, 17:58

vivek loves being to easily interface two cims or a cim and a fisherprice (with a http://www.andymark.biz/am-0002.html) using these gear boxes!!

/me cant wait to get hands on toughbox...

-vivek

Kevin Sevcik

05-01-2008, 18:02

The lack of a camera makes no dense to me because in the manual (don't remember where) it stated that one the balls for each alliance has 12" white circles to help with guidance. How would you see the circles without a camera?

Question: Are We allows to use the CMU cams?You can use whatever it's legal to use under the Robot Rules. The CMUCam is a COTS item under $400, so it's legal to buy and use one. The white dots on the trackballs are used to help the refs and scorers keep track of which ball is which to make sure they circle the track before scoring again.

neoshaakti

05-01-2008, 18:57

does anyone know what the cooling fans model number or w.e is?
I've never seen one of these things...what are they for if one uses a victor to cool a motor? thanks appreciate it

BanksKid

05-01-2008, 19:01

maby the absense of gearboxes is due to last years incident with them?

Kims Robot

05-01-2008, 19:18

Has anyone else inventoried ours? our first pass through by our students shows that we are missing 21 lines of stuff off of the checklist!! Im about to go check...

tecumsehman

05-01-2008, 19:26

does any one have the wiring diagram for the IR receiver

ChuckDickerson

05-01-2008, 19:56

Andrewpbhs

05-01-2008, 20:21

well seeing as IFI lists them as FIRST Legal and the Rules dont restrict use of it, id have to say its an all systems go as long as u order it.

Ricky Q.

05-01-2008, 20:23

well seeing as IFI lists them as FIRST Legal and the Rules dont restrict use of it, id have to say its an all systems go as long as u order it.

Not so fast on this one:

<R59> Additional motors specifically permitted on 2008 FRC ROBOTS include:
• All motors, actuators, and servos provided in the 2008 Kit Of Parts,
• HITEC HS-322HD servos,
• FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) servos (Innovation First part number 276-2162),
• FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) motors (Innovation First part number 276-2163),
• One or two additional 2-1/2” CIM motors (part #FR801-001 and/or M4-R0062-12 in addition
to those provided in the Kit Of Parts. This means that up to four, and no more, 2-1/2” CIM
motors can be used on the ROBOT.

Richard Wallace

05-01-2008, 20:27

well seeing as IFI lists them as FIRST Legal and the Rules dont restrict use of it, id have to say its an all systems go as long as u order it.The 2008 FRC Manual does restrict the use of non-kit motors. See <R60>.
Items specifically PROHIBITED from use on the ROBOT include:
• Electric motors and/or servos different from, or in addition to, those in the Kit Of Parts, with the exception of those specifically permitted by Rule <R59>.
• Electric solenoid actuators (note: electric solenoid actuators are NOT the same as pneumatic solenoid valves – the latter are permitted, the former are not).

MasterChief1732

05-01-2008, 20:33

Does anyone have a clue as to what the strange looking metal angle parts in the kitbot chassi are? (the ones that look like a face). I have not really looked into this yet, but I was curious.

Richard Wallace

05-01-2008, 20:35

Does anyone have a clue as to what the strange looking metal angle parts in the kitbot chassi are? (the ones that look like a face). I have not really looked into this yet, but I was curious.Since they are called Transmissions Mounts (see p. 25 of the Kop Checklist) I guess they are for mounting the Toughbox transmissions.

Vikesrock

05-01-2008, 20:36

I believe the piece you are referring to is the "Transmission Mount Top"

Does anyone have a clue as to what the strange looking metal angle parts in the kitbot chassi are? (the ones that look like a face). I have not really looked into this yet, but I was curious.

MasterChief1732

05-01-2008, 20:40

Thanks for the input. We normally use other transmissions, so I did not recognize it. Also, did any team actually get a list of parts with the kit? We looked for one for almost a half an hour, we finnaly just got it off the FIRST website.

ergodezign

05-01-2008, 20:52

Did any one else get only 2 pieces of AWI-16 shafts??? The sheet says 4, but the picture shows 2. Since the quantity and the picture are usually corresponding, is it a typo or are we missing two shafts?

we are missing the 2 shafts also...I'm betting that we will get an update telling us that we should only have 2 becasue the pic only shows two.

ergodezign

05-01-2008, 20:56

Oddly, the mini-bike motor is still listed on the IFI-FIRST store (http://www.ifirobotics.com/first-store.shtml) for purchase and says it is FIRST legal. Is this true or a left over from last year? Is the mini-bike motor included in the KoP or not?

Take a look at this clip from the 2008 FIRST 2008 GUIDELINES,TIPS, & GOOD PRACTICES. Looks like a big typo because we do not have the Big CIM or the BaneBots Planatary in our KOPs

Special Notes on Motors
CIM motors - The 2008 Kit of Parts provides two FR801-001 CIM Motors. The kit also includes
1 - FP801-005 Mini-bike motor. The Parts kit also includes a pair of NEW 12:1 56mm planetary
gearboxes supplied by BaneBots. These assemblies readily accept mounting of FR801-001
CIM motors supplied in the kit. Section G.5.4.1 describes a procedure to fit the motor onto the
gearbox.
Denso Window Motors- These motor/gearbox assemblies have an automotive quick-connect
electrical connection, which is a Packard type (P/N 12129487). The Packard mating connector
part number is 12129486. This item is not provided in the kit. While having a genuine mating
electrical connector is ideal, an alternate connection method for this motor would be to use a
pair of 14-16 gauge female insulated Slip-on (Quick Disconnect) terminals such as Terminal
Supply part BB-8135 or Stakon’s RB14-110F terminals. These terminals fit posts 110 x .032 in.
and will make a firm and reliable connection for the motor.
You will also find a 9-toothed plastic coupler supplied by Pelham Plastics which mates the
Denso motor output gear to either a 5/8” keyed shaft or, by the flange coupling, to a drive plate.
Keyang window motors - There are two Keyang window motors in the 2008 KoP, PNs
16627960 or 61 and 16631023. The 16627960 (or 61) has an automotive quick-connect 2-
piece electrical connector supplied in the KoP.
The kit includes couplers that mate the output gears of the Keyang window motors to drive
various mechanisms.

sam

05-01-2008, 21:18

The toughbox is a fair bit lighter than the banebot gearbox from last year, thats too bad.. the banebot gear boxes have sweet optical encoders available.

Martino

05-01-2008, 21:22

Did any one else get only 2 pieces of AWI-16 shafts??? The sheet says 4, but the picture shows 2. Since the quantity and the picture are usually corresponding, is it a typo or are we missing two shafts?

we just got 2 of them... so i think you are right about it being a typo

Martino

05-01-2008, 21:24

The toughbox is a fair bit lighter than the banebot gearbox from last year, thats too bad.. the banebot gear boxes have sweet optical encoders available.
you can still use the banebot gearboxs from last year... think you can... from the bit that i got to read...

Chuck Glick

05-01-2008, 21:30

you can still use the banebot gearboxs from last year... think you can... from the bit that i got to read...

If banebots still sells them and they are available to all teams, then yes it is legal and would be considered a COTS item (if it fulfills all rules that apply).

chris31

05-01-2008, 21:34

Anyone know why the Igus parts are all 1in shafts and 1in pillowblocks. They are huge!

Martino

05-01-2008, 21:34

If banebots still sells them and they are available to all teams, then yes it is legal and would be considered a COTS item (if it fulfills all rules that apply).
yeah... i haven't gotting to read all of the rules yet...

DB_UPS

05-01-2008, 21:50

Yes, you can still use banebot gearboxes, But it look like BaneBot (http://banebots.com/) has completely redesign them for FIRST. :D

XXShadowXX

05-01-2008, 22:15

lukevanoort

05-01-2008, 22:27

do the wheels look like crap to only me

also i enjoyed when doing part inventory that nearly a whole page of parts were all put together in one little baggy (not indivdually bagged, without out indivdual codes..)
I haven't seen them in person yet, but it seems that AM has done a good job of fixing the problems discovered last year. In most games, I would want more traction, but that doesn't seem very important here; this game seems to be all about raw speed and maneuverability, and not pushing power (much to my disappointment).

Kit Gerhart

05-01-2008, 23:38

the KOP has two small CIM motors no big ones this year
We are allowed to use two additional small CIM's, but it disappointing not be able to use two big CIM's as well. I suspect the game/KOP designers wanted to force us to make compromises between a powerful 4 motor drive, or a less powerful 2 motor drive but availabilty of two powerful, reliable motors for other mechanisms. Last year we didn't have to make those compromises when we could use 6 CIM motors.

Andy L

06-01-2008, 00:09

Was I the only person to notice the lack of Pneumatic Actuators?

or was this expected

or were we missing something and didn't catch it

Kyle Love

06-01-2008, 00:47

I am very happy banebots is no longer in the KOP. Last year many teams would break a piece in the gearbox, and there were no replacement parts readily available. It's not uncommon to break things, so when that happens it's good to know that you can order replacements parts and receive them in a timely manor.

The weight issue can easily be solved by doing some gear lightening by lathing or milling the gears, just don't over do it. Also, the outer plate could possibly be replaced with aluminum spacers. The guts of the gearbox could also be placed into the frame to take away the mounting plates and casing totally.

artdutra04

06-01-2008, 01:46

I'm greatly relieved that we got the ToughBoxes in the KoP. Over the past week, I was on-and-off designing a single-speed transmission in the case that the Banebot 56mm trannies would return, which ended up being nearly identical to the ToughBox.

I am interested to see how the "van door" motors perform

-vivekThe specs on the Van Door motors make them the perfect arm motor for many applications; I'm greatly relieved that they've returned to the KoP. Now if only we can get the IFI breaker panels to return in lei of the DIM rails...

Arefin Bari

06-01-2008, 03:58

do the wheels look like crap to only me

You would be surprised what you could do with those KOP wheels. Compared to the KOP wheels that we used to get until 2006, the past two years the KOP wheels provided by AndyMark has been a lot better. Keep in mind that significant amount of material and structural support has been added to this wheel. If you don't like the rubber, cut it off and put treads around it. After all that my team's robot went through last year, I can say that we were very satisfied with the AM KOP wheels and we didn't break any of them.

keen101

06-01-2008, 04:35

does any one have the wiring diagram for the IR receiver

http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=60803

As far as i can tell one has not been provided, but i really don't see why ones needed. I guess for rookies :D That said I'm sure they will provide one soon.

Also, I heard at our kickoff (Colorado) that they will be sending us some parts that were unintentionally left out. Mini bike motor?

colin340

06-01-2008, 11:00

thank you first the van door is the greats motor ever next to the small cim
i hate the dumb little motors with press fit gears the and high rpms

galewind

06-01-2008, 11:33

I'm pretty bummed that the mini-bike motor didn't return. after taking into account that we're going to use the 4 cim motors to drive, that leaves us the van door motor with the most "power". I think a lot of teams are going to underestimate how much power its going to- take to pick up the ball (if they plan on it).

If only we were able to have one mini-bike motor :P.

Ah well, back to designing; Good luck everyone!

Kyle Love

06-01-2008, 11:42

do the wheels look like crap to only me

The only differences really from the ones last year appear to be that there are now structural ribs to help support the spokes of the wheel, and the traction from the wheel is a bit less, but in this years game I do not foresee a real reason to have massive traction.

The minibike motors could have had extenuating circumstances with them. I believe there was a limited amount of the remaining in existence and the company wanted to get rid of them, FIRST was a good cause, so we got them.

Sunshine

06-01-2008, 13:05

we are missing the 2 shafts also...I'm betting that we will get an update telling us that we should only have 2 becasue the pic only shows two.

we also only received two......

sam

06-01-2008, 13:12

I had no doubt that the banebot gearboxes can be used, but they're a little expensive to go out and buy.. but, it might be possible to put the banebot encoder on the toughbox gearbox. They have the same size output shaft if i remeber correctly, it would probably just require a bit of careful drilling and tapping.

Although there were issues with a part breaking inside them last year, after they sent out a replacment that was properly hardened, we didn't have any problems.

Another advantage of them that I can see is the 4:1 gear ratio that is available.. which is 3 times as fast as the normal BB gearbox, or the toughbox.. which might be an advantage in this kind of game- but maybe too fast?

Kevin Sevcik

06-01-2008, 13:18

We are allowed to use two additional small CIM's, but it disappointing not be able to use two big CIM's as well. I suspect the game/KOP designers wanted to force us to make compromises between a powerful 4 motor drive, or a less powerful 2 motor drive but availabilty of two powerful, reliable motors for other mechanisms. Last year we didn't have to make those compromises when we could use 6 CIM motors.
Kit, with the abundance of Powergrip 5mm belting that would have been perfect for the mini-bikes, I'm assuming it was a supply issue, not a strategic decision.
I'm pretty bummed that the mini-bike motor didn't return. after taking into account that we're going to use the 4 cim motors to drive, that leaves us the van door motor with the most "power". I think a lot of teams are going to underestimate how much power its going to- take to pick up the ball (if they plan on it).
I'd actually pick the FPs as the second most powerful motors, provided you properly gear them.
http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=60803
Also, I heard at our kickoff (Colorado) that they will be sending us some parts that were unintentionally left out. Mini bike motor?
I dunno about your kickoff, but ours hadn't received the Banebots motors.

IndySam

06-01-2008, 13:18

Was I the only person to notice the lack of Pneumatic Actuators?

or was this expected

or were we missing something and didn't catch it

We have never received actuators in the KOP. If you look at the pneumatics manual you will see the instructions for ordering up to three free cylinders from Bimba.

vhcook

06-01-2008, 15:19

does anyone know what the cooling fans model number or w.e is?
I've never seen one of these things...what are they for if one uses a victor to cool a motor? thanks appreciate it

The fan on the Victor cools only the Victor since they're processing a lot of power and can get kind of hot. Functionally, they're similar to the CPU fan on your computer's motherboard.

The cooling fans, which are referred to as muffin fans in my industry, are for additional cooling needs, like if you've got hot components in an enclosed space and need more air flow to keep them cool. They're functionally similar to the case fan on a computer. Of course, if you get creative in design, you might find another use for them.

You should have two large fans (P/N: 4112N/12GL-175) in the grey tote, and six mini fans (PN: 412 (?)) in the SMC box in the black tote. I've never used any of them on a FIRST robot, but your design needs may vary.

Nate Laverdure

06-01-2008, 15:22

...and two mini fans (PN: 412 (?)) in the SMC box in the black tote.
KOP includes 6 mini fans. Sorry to be nitpicky.

Joe G.

06-01-2008, 15:42

Does anyone know if the 9 and 12 tooth keyang motors are identical other than the output pinion?

Thanks.

jgannon

06-01-2008, 15:55

i hate the dumb little motors with press fit gears the and high rpms
Then you might be interested in this gearbox:
http://banebots.com/pc/MP-42nnn-550/MP-42256-550
75RPM, 127N-m... not bad at all.

Sunshine

06-01-2008, 16:18

I'm sure it's just another misprint but want to check.

The KOP checkoff says the Radio Modem for Robot Controller is supposed to have a rubber antenna. Picture shows otherwise and we did not receive the rubber antenna.......................... how about the rest of you????????

:confused: :confused: :confused: :confused: :confused:

jgannon

06-01-2008, 16:22

EricH

06-01-2008, 16:22

The only differences really from the ones last year appear to be that there are now structural ribs to help support the spokes of the wheel, and the traction from the wheel is a bit less, but in this years game I do not foresee a real reason to have massive traction.Yeah, the documentation said they were beefed up a bit. Some teams broke them a lot with a lot of use or sideways force.

Gary Dillard

06-01-2008, 21:25

We have never received actuators in the KOP.

Actually, it's only in the last few years that we haven't received actuators in the KOP. Initially you could only use the actuators that came in the kit. I believe at least one year there was one or two in the kit and you could order additional ones as well.

Justin M.

06-01-2008, 21:29

Eh, we're ditching the toughbox gearboxes this year and using the BaneBots CIM gearboxes again. We really liked how they performed in our bot, I especially like the low-profile design.

Mike Hendricks

07-01-2008, 03:05

Not so fast on this one:

<R59> Additional motors specifically permitted on 2008 FRC ROBOTS include:
• All motors, actuators, and servos provided in the 2008 Kit Of Parts,
• HITEC HS-322HD servos,
• FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) servos (Innovation First part number 276-2162),
• FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) motors (Innovation First part number 276-2163),
• One or two additional 2-1/2” CIM motors (part #FR801-001 and/or M4-R0062-12 in addition
to those provided in the Kit Of Parts. This means that up to four, and no more, 2-1/2” CIM
motors can be used on the ROBOT.

According to this rule, you can use as many motors from the kit as you want, except for the 4 CIMs (think van door, window, globe, FP) .. this is significantly different from the same rule last year which didn't contain the "All motors, actuators, and servos provided in the 2008 Kit Of Parts" line.

Common sense tells me that this is a mistake, but maybe not?

EricVicenti

07-01-2008, 07:42

Has anyone noticed that the link provided in the KoP for the Taigene motor is broken? I am interested in this motor, as it seems to be the replacement for the big cim..

www.usfirst.org/frc_taigene

gondorf

08-01-2008, 17:44

opened up the boxes today and omg... a little disappointed with the lack of parts this year. the packing crews seem to have been a bit lackadaisical with out boxes... 14 different pieces missing. does anyone know how the toughbox transmission is assembled? we followed the movie on andymark but the 7 year old just slipped a piece on and we sat there for two hours with a hammer trying to get that piece on to no avail.

also i notice that the kitbot chassis seems to have no inner structural support (bar in middle) like it had during the last four years. anyone have a clue where that went?

are the cim motors this year the same as the ones last year? because our team is lower on money this year so any parts that can be stripped off old robots are good.

EricH

08-01-2008, 17:58

opened up the boxes today and omg... a little disappointed with the lack of parts this year. the packing crews seem to have been a bit lackadaisical with out boxes... 14 different pieces missing. does anyone know how the toughbox transmission is assembled? we followed the movie on andymark but the 7 year old just slipped a piece on and we sat there for two hours with a hammer trying to get that piece on to no avail.Which part? Ours went together no problem.

also i notice that the kitbot chassis seems to have no inner structural support (bar in middle) like it had during the last four years. anyone have a clue where that went? It doesn't have one this year; the tranny braces form a triangle over the output.

are the cim motors this year the same as the ones last year? because our team is lower on money this year so any parts that can be stripped off old robots are good.Yes, AFAIK.

gondorf

08-01-2008, 18:40

the part... the bigger bearing thingy that goes into the metal plate... tried both trannies and neither worked... both had same problem

EricH

08-01-2008, 19:04

the part... the bigger bearing thingy that goes into the metal plate... tried both trannies and neither worked... both had same problem
OK, first off, there are two sizes. The smaller ones are the only ones that work in the lexan. Second, the bearings go on the shafts first. Note that they go on flanges down (if the lexan is on the bottom). Make sure the plate is put on with the large hole over the large bearing (which should be on the longer shaft).

lukevanoort

08-01-2008, 20:37

Yeah, it should be easy to assemble. We built one in maybe 30mins tonight for prototyping and it went together pretty easy. We had some trouble with the roll pin (the vast majority of the time was spent on that actually), but on a whole there were an easy assemble. And they look cool! Those polycarb plates are pimpin'! BTW, if anyone else is having trouble with the roll pin, here's some advice: use a vise, it is really easy to bend the roll pin with a hammer.

gondorf

08-01-2008, 21:01

the bottom ones went into the lexan fine, then the gears went in without a hitch. however when we went to put the big bearing (at least bigger than the ones that go in the lexan) on the shaft it got stuck about a quarter of an inch down the shaft. we hammered it and it still wouldnt go down. maybe the team just got themselves outsmarted by a 7 year old. the roll pin was easy once we stopped using kitbot metal as a hammer (as i said we are kinda poor) and borrowed a hammer from a guy in the neighborhood.

finger tightening kitbot bolts = doom to robot

well heading to bed maybe tommorow we will become "smarter than a fifth grader"