Re: Minibot Standardization (FRC 2011: Logomotion)
 

When researching the limitations as to how many motors we can use, I was not sure if the minibot's motor's were included in the four motor limit for which they list under the smaller motors (RS-775, RS-550, RS-540, RS-395).

Furthermore, the #739083 motors are not on the kit list and we are unsure where to find them (in case we need to order more). Where can we purchase these motors?

Are these motors included in the Robot motor limitations or simply limitation for the minibot?

Re: Minibot Standardization (FRC 2011: Logomotion)
 

The four-motor limit only applies to the BaneBots motors. FTC motors are not BaneBots. <R45-D>.

The FTC motors are available through Pitsco...or, if you have not used your FIRST Choice option, use that to get an FTC Mini Kit, which has both motors and the FTC battery pack. You pay shipping, but not the cost of the item. See the Kit of Parts page. You only have the weekend, though, so you might want to hurry if you haven't gone for that yet.

The FTC motors are only for the Minibot. Use of FTC motors on the Hostbot is grounds for the inspectors not passing you until they are removed. <R46-A>.

The Minibot and Hostbot go through separate inspections. Minibots have one allowed parts list; Hostbots have another. Game 4.3.15 Blue Box.

Re: Minibot Standardization (FRC 2011: Logomotion)
 

I don't think its feasible for the MINIBOT designer to provide any part except for the MINIBOT itself. Any thing that doesn't go up the pole is considered part of the HOSTBOT, and is subject to the HOSTBOT inspection rules -- so any new MINIBOT you accept that comes with its own deployment hardware is a HOSTBOT re-inspection -- and affects BOM list and all that.

The configurable pegs and such are just optional attachments for your HOSTBOT. As long as you weigh all optional parts and stay under 120, there is no re-inspection.

Re: Minibot Standardization (FRC 2011: Logomotion)
 

Can anyone actually post a minibot. That way we can get going on the standard minibot design, instead of talking about it. Not just the minibot, but also the deployment method. If we actually post designs, we can start actually making progress on the idea.

Re: Minibot Standardization (FRC 2011: Logomotion)
 

Hey Steven. Some of us from your old team have been working on a standardization design for the Minibot deployment system. We hope people going to the San Diego and Las Vegas Regionals, and anywhere else, will strongly consider using this design. Check it out here: http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/sh...ad.php?t=89219.

Re: Minibot Standardization (FRC 2011: Logomotion)
 

Hey guys, we've been working on this standardization system, so... Here it is: http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/sh...ad.php?t=89219. We hope people use it so it will be easy to trade, loan, and do anything else with the Minibots.

Re: Minibot Standardization (FRC 2011: Logomotion)
 

Hey Steven! The team back home worked on this for quite a bit and we think we've got a good thing going. Check it out and let us know of any improvement ideas anyone may have. We hope to have as many teams as possible use this standardized deployment system so trading, loaning, and anything else to do with the Minibots will be as easy as pi. -Team 585

Minibot Deplyoment Standardization: http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/sh...ad.php?t=89219

Re: Minibot Standardization (FRC 2011: Logomotion)
 

Well, if you want a design, our minibot is pretty simple to describe, so I'll post it. Imagine a U bend of metal, with a motor attached to the largest FTC wheel on either side of the U. The motor is only attached with 1 bolt, so it can swing. The wheels are being pulled towards the center by surgical tubing. To keep the wheels from blocking the pole, we looped string around the back of the motors and pulled the motors towards the back the center of the U. The other end of the loop of string is wrapped around a pin in the center of the U, that when the U makes contact with the pole, is pushed back, letting the wheels swing in and engage with the pole. Oh and everything I haven't mentioned (motor controller, NXT, or light switches and wiring) is mounted in the back.

We haven't quite figured out how to deploy it yet, cause we've been really concentrating on the minibot itself. However, since the minibot just needs to be pointed and shot forward at the pole, it shouldn't be too much effort to figure it out (a pneumatic or a gas spring attached to a servo could do it). So far, our best climb time is about 4.5 seconds for the 7 1/2 feet you have to climb.

Re: Minibot Standardization (FRC 2011: Logomotion)
 

Check out the link I posted above for our deployment system. It's pretty easy to work into any robot and use.

Re: Minibot Standardization (FRC 2011: Logomotion)
 

what kind of sansor did you use?