Re: Andymark.biz
 

That's what's so sweet about the AM Planetary gearbox...modular design so that the gearbox can be used with any combination of the CIM/Fisher-Price/Drill motors. They should be good...unless FIRST changes all the motors :ahh:

Good luck guys!

Re: Andymark.biz
 

Andy and Mark,

I agree with Bill. I want to be the second on the block to get some pre-built trannys. The question I have is - if we buy them now can we use them on the robot in 2005? Do we know the official ruling on this?

Also, some advise on the Urethane wheel options for the Omni wheels: Softer material gets more traction, but make sure to use a high enough durometer, otherwise the weight of the robot will cause too much deflection of the rollers and they will not work very efficiently. I had experience with this last year.

Raul

Re: Andymark.biz
 

Now this is just a hypothetical question, and please don't be insulted by it. If Andy Baker learned through his volunteering with FIRST that all of the motors would be changed, would it be illegal for him to stop making and selling these and begin making compatible products? I was just thinking along the lines of illegal stock tips.

Re: Andymark.biz
 

We have not sought out an official ruling, and I don't have a plan to do so. Tomorrow, I could buy standard gearboxes from Bayside, HD Systems, Boston Gear, Mectrol, or others. These standard, purchased gearboxes would be legal on FIRST robot for 2005, if FIRST keeps the rules the same as they did last year. Why should our standard gearboxes be treated any different from the ones that are currently available in the industrial market?

(For the record, FIRST has not told us what motors are in the kit for 2005. We have some educated guesses, but no "for sure" information.)

Good question, and no offense taken. I could see that IF FIRST told us which motors are in the kit, they could require us to not be on a team. I am not saying that they would do that, nor am I saying that we would agree to do that, but I could see them asking.

On the other hand, I cannot see them coming out with a rule stating "teams can buy any mechanical part they wish, from any vendor, as long as it is not from AndyMark, Inc." This seems unreasonable to me. Call me crazy, but I am assuming that FIRST may like that certain companies are marketing directly to support FIRST teams. They should see this as a good thing, I hope.

Speaking of supporting FIRST teams, Mark and I have decided to post complete CAD files of our 3 current products on our site, in "STEP" format (.stp). This way, teams can plop our CAD models into their designs and see if they fit. Teams can then choose to purchase our assemblies or make (and/or alter) these designs themselves. We think that our prices are low enough and our delivery will be good enough that teams will want to buy from us. If teams are pinching pennies, they can buy certain parts from us which are difficult to fabricate and then make the rest of the design themselves. Stand by for an update on our site about this.

I will post an update here when the STEP files are available on the site.

Andy B.

Re: Andymark.biz
 

Here , at the bottom of the page, there is a link to our 8" trick wheel step (.stp) file.

Similar CAD files for the gearboxes will come soon.

Andy B.

Re: Andymark.biz
 

The AndyMark.biz logo is suspiciously similar to my Avatar...;)

Eh, I made that for my Dad's practice, and since we have the same initials....(I'm a Jr.) I kind of use it for personal use all the time. So...I guess I stole it in the first place...Hm.

About the Website:
Looks good---nice and professional! Sweet looking products, too.

Side Note:
Fix the spelling of guaranteed on the Warranty page. Otherwise...no complaints!

Re: Andymark.biz
 

cool stuff andy....i might get one of those planetarys just to mess around with it...

Re: Andymark.biz
 

Update:

We have our first batch of standard parts fabricated and currently being tested. Mark and I will be at the Ford Sweet Repeat this coming weekend (Oct. 9). I will be volunteering at the event while Mark will be milling around the competition. We will have products with us for teams to see and purchase.

Here are the weights of the 3 current assemblies:

AM Shifter: 3.5 lbs
AM Planetary: 0.75 lbs
8" Trick Wheels: 1.52 lbs

Our website will have an update this weekend, and it will be able to accept credit card purchases.

Sincerely,
Andy Baker

Re: Andymark.biz
 

LOVE IT!
You guys are great......

Re: Andymark.biz
 

Simbotics has put our order in.

We're very excited to see these products...I'm sure they will be amazing!!

Thanks Andy

Re: Andymark.biz
 

for your am shifter do you have to use two motors? or can you just use one CIM?

what is the purpose of two motors?

Thanx

Re: Andymark.biz
 

two motors gives you more torque, as well as spreading the load more evenly across two motors instead of one.

Re: Andymark.biz
 

Looks like the website has gone online and can now accept orders. Congratulations Andy & Mark. :]



>David

Re: Andymark.biz
 

Since I don't know where else to post this, there's an error on the trick wheel page.

I believe the word you're looking for is "propulsion". Or "motive force." Or just "movement." Though I think Mr. Lavery would be interested if you could actually provide directional propellant.....

Re: Andymark.biz
 

Nice website and great products. The gearbox seems like it would be great for rookie teams who do not have enough skill or experience to design and build their own (although many great engineers have requested them in this thread). I wish you two luck with this endeavor.