2002 Team 217 ThunderChickens Robot
 

Since other teams have been showing previews of their 2002 robots, it only seems appropriate that the ThunderChickens (Team 217 Utica FIRST) show a photo of our robot latching two goals.

More to follow this week end.

Regards,

Ed Debler

Looks like you guys did it...
 

Looks like you guys got a CVT drive train, with globe motors to turn the wheels....

I can't really tell from just this one picture, but looks like an amazing combination of the Chiaphua, drill, and fisher price to make the CVT setup happen. Chiaphua to spin the ring gear, and the other two spin the sun gear?

I CANNOT believe you guys managed to fit everything on while inside 130 lbs limit. Are you sure those wheels are filled with He gas?

Is that a crab-type base? It looks like you've got a way to turn your wheels independantly of your chassis. Cool.


One note, though: some of the other engineers on our team wanted to mount the Robot Controller vertically, as you have done - but i was able to convince them that was a bad idea, due to the large number of spear-type goal grabbers that will be right around that height this year. And it wouldn't even have to be hit by something sharp to hurt it.It might be best to put a polycarb sheet over it, just to save yourself some heartache.

Just a suggestion. Good luck!

Polycarb not shown
 

The picture was taken during debug, so we did not place our covers on yet. The weight issue was a big factor and we had to eliminate the goal lifting capability in order to keep it under 130 lbs.


-Paul

Yeah, I think that it's time for FIRST to go metric. 130 kg, anyone?

Another Photo of the 2002 Team 217 ThunderChickens Robot
 

Bottom view of the prototype robot drive system. It has (crab) steering and (front-rear wheel) steering. It really handles!!

More updated robot photos to follow on Monday, 2/18/02.

Very nice looking drive train. I'd really like to see how the shaft drive was set up in the gear box.

Is it just me or is this the trend of this year for many teams to experiment with unconventional drive trains? Last year, the designs were over all stale and conservative so to say, where as this year, I'm seeing lots of very unique bots. I think this year, I'd have as much fun looking at different robot in the competition compared to just participating:)