Minibot Deployment Standardization (MDS)
 

Minibot Deployment Standardization (MDS) promotes coopertition and overall ease of use between teams in the FRC challenge of Logomotion. Our design presents a standardized platform for Minibot Deployment so that all teams have an equal footing for sharing Minibots. The benefits of using such a system are immeasurable, as it will save time in design, deployment, trading, loaning, and anything else Minibot. Team 585 has pioneered a standard design to be used by all teams wishing to do so, allowing them to use and loan extra Minibots they may have. Team 585 is attending the San Diego Regional as well as the Las Vegas Regional, and we are hoping that teams attending these events, as well as others, will utilize this strategy in the hopes of wonderful alliances. Best of wishes, Team 585.

http://team585.org/resources/minibotdeployer.PDF

Re: Minibot Deployment Standardization (MDS)
 

Unacceptable! complexity too high.

Re: Minibot Deployment Standardization (MDS)
 

I agree. This design looks like it would (a) require significant time for an inexperienced team to build, and (b) not adapt to many Minibots. I much prefer the designs in the Minibot Standardization thread that have only a few points of contact with the Hostbot. Most of them allow the Minibot to be of any allowable size or shape. (I don’t believe it’s biased that I include my own idea in this, as this was something I considered.)

Re: Minibot Deployment Standardization (MDS)
 

Last I saw, the rules say the minibot cannot cross the base perimeter before the last 10 seconds. The host bot or the deployment mechanism, or a guide or pilot structure for it, maybe could then?

Edit:

Already answered (yes, hostbot can break the plane) here:

http://forums.usfirst.org/showthread...5494#post45494

(Sorry, should have checked Q&A first.) This means it *should be* easy to hit the pole with the minibot.

Re: Minibot Deployment Standardization (MDS)
 

If there is going to be a standard deployer it has to be so simple and cheap that anyone can build it the day of competition.

this thing looks like a big aluminum box that has to be fabricated beforehand. it looks heavy too.

pvc pipe and plywood and drywall screws would be more prefrable. with a little spray paint it can look awesome.

Re: Minibot Deployment Standardization (MDS)
 

The point of the deployment system is to have an effective design that can be implemented now, not necessarily on the day of competition. We did not specify the materials either, it could be fabricated metal, wood, titanium, styrofoam, etc. Our hope is that as many teams as possible will use this design so that exchange will be possible during competition, and we hope that by posting this early enough teams will take notice and begin building now. And also: this is just an early design and any feedback is greatly appreciated.

Re: Minibot Deployment Standardization (MDS)
 

Can I get a link to the exact post with the design there?

Re: Minibot Deployment Standardization (MDS)
 

There are several, mostly on the last couple pages.

BTW, the link doesn't seem to work; it should be http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/sh...ad.php?t=88367

Start at post #48; that's when designs start cropping up.

Re: Minibot Deployment Standardization (MDS)
 

Bravo.
Anyone who thinks this is too complicated or is planning to build their deploment at the contest hasn't gotten the point yet, and sadly there are several threads on this same topic now.
I like the back plane to act as a pusher and the posts.
We've been dwelling on the posts a while. (Estes rockets are a topic)
I'd suggest that the posts must extend above the center of gravity of the MB in order to keep the MB from falling off in the inevitable high speed collisions.
Please continue and suggest some standards for the placement (or optional locations for the 'launch posts')
At 423 and 1712 we are planning to use the Tetrix tubes for the posts, but still looking for the ideal way to attach them to our shelf.

Re: Minibot Deployment Standardization (MDS)
 

still looks heavy

Re: Minibot Deployment Standardization (MDS)
 

Depends on what material you use. If you use cast iron, of course it will be heavy. Our aluminum one weighs about 4 pounds.

Re: Minibot Deployment Standardization (MDS)
 

cast iron on a robot?!?!?!?!?!?!?! you must be NUTS! cast iron shouldn't be considered as it is sooo freaking heavy!