Rookie Team 3357 The COMETS Kicker Prototype
 

Check out our latest videos of our kicker prototype. We're using a pneumatic powered flap to launch the ball over the ramp. We're a rookie team, so I'm EXTREMELY impressed with what we've accomplished so far.

http://www.youtube.com/user/cometsrobotics

You can follow us on Twitter http://www.twitter.com/cometsrobotics

And check out our VERY temporary website at http://firstobjective.org/foresthills

Let us know what you think!

Re: Rookie Team 3357 The COMETS Kicker Prototype
 

I'm impressed too! Very nice.

Re: Rookie Team 3357 The COMETS Kicker Prototype
 

Looks really good, the ball gets just the right amount of air in order to go over the bumps. I have a few questions:

How many cylinders are you using for the flapper, what diameter/throw is your team using?

Does the flapper stay within the 2 inches/2 second rule?

What type of material is your flapper, what thickness?

Re: Rookie Team 3357 The COMETS Kicker Prototype
 

Very Cool.

I do have a question. I heard someone say "119, 120", and then the compressor was turned off.

Remember you can only operate the pneumatics at 60 psi, even though the storage tanks can be at 120.

Maybe you are set up that way, but i just wanted to be sure.

Re: Rookie Team 3357 The COMETS Kicker Prototype
 

great job guys, congrats on the kicker. Hopefully we see this on your final designed robot come march.

Good luck!

Re: Rookie Team 3357 The COMETS Kicker Prototype
 

Yes we had 120 in the two tanks we were using, but we did not release all of that at once. So to answer your question, I'd have to double check, but I think that we were operating the pneumatics at 60 psi.

We are using one cylinder, and yes the flapper does stay within the 2inches/2seconds rule. Currently the flapper is made out of (roughly) 1/8" plastic material.

Hopefully there will be more progress today, and I'll have new videos on our YouTube channel

Re: Rookie Team 3357 The COMETS Kicker Prototype
 

Nice job. I can't wait to see more on your guys.. ::safety::

Re: Rookie Team 3357 The COMETS Kicker Prototype
 

Simple and effective. Great way to start!

I anticipate a guard will be employed up front to prevent 'possessing' more than one ball as you cruise toward the goal.

Keep up the good work:cool:

Re: Rookie Team 3357 The COMETS Kicker Prototype
 

Very nice. I hope you guys make it to the State Championships so I can see the final version in competition.

Re: Rookie Team 3357 The COMETS Kicker Prototype
 

Great job!

How fast is the recycle time for another kick? How about a picture from above so we can see the setup.

Re: Rookie Team 3357 The COMETS Kicker Prototype
 

I don't see anything on the robot right now that can possess one ball, nevermind several. Remember, a possessed ball is defined as staying in the same position relative to your robot if your robot moves. A ball pushed by the front of this robot will not satisfy that criteria; when moving the robot backwards or turning a ball will simply roll away.

Re: Rookie Team 3357 The COMETS Kicker Prototype
 

I like it, why diameter is the cylinder you are using?

Also, just a side note (a difficulty we are coming across), whatever you are using to keep the ball at the proper position for the kicker, will almost always (unless you find a way around it), interfere with the projection of the ball when kicked.

And sorry for being a critic, but I'm worried about the bumpers and if they will interfere with the ball.

Overall, extremely good and simple device. Nice way to KISS.

Re: Rookie Team 3357 The COMETS Kicker Prototype
 

Its not a 2in 2 second rule. It is a rule that states you can extend beyond the frame perimeter, up to the bumper perimeter, under the bumper zone for up to 2 seconds. So if you do the math you can actually extend up to 3.25 inches beyond the frame perimeter. You have a 3/4" plywood backing and a 2.5" diameter foam water-noodle.

Re: Rookie Team 3357 The COMETS Kicker Prototype
 

Thanks for all the great encouragement and concerns! There are more pictures up on our Facebook group. I hope you enjoy! Thanks again!

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?v=...d=186836602739

Re: Rookie Team 3357 The COMETS Kicker Prototype
 

Here's the latest video guys!
youtube.com/user/cometsrobotics

As you can see, our kicker has been upgraded and we're able to make it over the bump easily.

Also, here is a bird's eye view of the robot (this is an older picture - a more up to date one would show motors mounted).

http://hphotos-snc3.fbcdn.net/hs125.snc3/17237_1280196039692_1073787706_30874240_6345538_n. jpg

Re: Rookie Team 3357 The COMETS Kicker Prototype
 

very nice kicker with good loft.

There is no 2" rule. You are allowed to extend any kicker or ball interaction device up to your bumper parimiter. A pool noodle 2.5" mounted on 3/4" plywood gives you a ~3.25" bumper parimiter past your frame parimiter. Let's not confuse teams with inacurate rules.

Re: Rookie Team 3357 The COMETS Kicker Prototype
 

Where are your safety glasses? ::ouch:: ::safety::

You are going to remove those outlier parts of the frame, right?

Re: Rookie Team 3357 The COMETS Kicker Prototype
 

We have been working with the pneumatic system but for some reason we can't see to get enough power/pressure from the pneumatics system. We are using the max of 60 psi. Is there any advice on how to improve the pneumatics.

Re: Rookie Team 3357 The COMETS Kicker Prototype
 

I am very novice with pneumatics but I have read alot because I wanted to use them this year.
Try-
1. using some surgical tubing as a spring
2. moving the pivot points of the cylinder
3. this is a little complex, but some teams have a restraining pin. They fire there pneumatics, but they can't move anywhere until the pin is pulled. Pull the pin and it goes. This helps because the 1/8" tubing can be very restrictive to air flow.

Re: Rookie Team 3357 The COMETS Kicker Prototype
 

Yeah, there's no real way to increase the flow legally. The best way is to preload the cylinder so it doesn't have to vent 60 psi from the other side. Although I've been trying to find a piston with two ports for each stroke, so you could use two solenoids and double the flow.

PS- Your team has my favorite number of all time, I'm into vintage paintball markers and that number just so happens to be the name of the only true paintball revolver ever to make it into production.

Re: Rookie Team 3357 The COMETS Kicker Prototype
 

Hey a team in our own backyard, Forest Hills right? Looks like you guys are doing great, One thing i would suggest, that being a rookie team is getting that kitbot up and running, if that is going to be your drive platform, so that way the programing team and Drive team can get a crack at it and work out the bugs.

If you guys ever need anything Team Enigma 2075 is always ready to help a neighbor, good luck and see you at one of the competitions, i hope.

Re: Rookie Team 3357 The COMETS Kicker Prototype
 

Just a note: You are saying that your ball gets over the bump, but in fact, the only foolproof way to test if it can is to place the robot 15.5 feet away, and then fire your device. It is successful if you can do it from the furthest possible point!

Anyways, it looks like a great device!