Re: LIFT VS. LAUNCH
 

We started out lifting the ball up to the over pass ( our robot will just go under) and shooting it over with a 1.5 pneumatic. Using the garage compressor at 60 psi we were able to throw it 3 ft horizontal and vertical just enough to clear the rack. When we tried it with the robot compressor it would only lift the ball and not throw it. So we are just pushing it up onto the over pass. Most people don’t know this but if you push it over at the spots between the ball locations the pipes are only about 12 inches apart and the ball just rolls off with little effort. So we can push it up and over with out hardly slowing down. Some drawings are at http://www.team1322.org/team_news.htm

Re: LIFT VS. LAUNCH
 

Why, as a matter of fact we had a team meeting on Monday to discuss the problems with the arm (80" limit, mostly), the crossing the plane when you take it off from the back, and to revisit some of our earlier ideas.

Tonight we had a prototype pneumatic launcher in the works and are looking at how to launch (and catch) the ball effectively.

If even two robots can do this working together they are going to do well. They should be able to lap almost as fast as the "racers", at least as fast as the herders, and will be pulling in hurdles all over the place.

I'll keep my eyes open for a match like that.

Jason

Re: LIFT VS. LAUNCH
 

I would love to see 3 launchers on a team, but i don't think that it will happen, i think the most you will see is 2 on a team. (Especially with the serpentine draft)
And i want to see how well and fast these robots can launch the ball over effectively and still be as fast as a lapper. With my calculations a GOOD lapper can do a lap in 10s or less. A launcher with a GOOD launch/catcher will be 17s+ and a hurdler will be 24s+ (Just my rough estimates.) So i would like to see all of the strategies teams will come up with during the season.

Re: LIFT VS. LAUNCH
 

How would you plan on loading your catapult?