Re: "Helix" robots in 2006/2009
 

My team did a helix design in Lunacy, and an open hopper system for Aim High.
The helix design gave us much better control over the balls, but keep in mind that was when we were expecting 10+ balls, this game there's a max of 3.

Here's a video of us testing the helix with a VERY simple construction that we got from another team. It was constructed with straight lines, much easier than bending material into an actual spiral.
This is what it looked like final construction!

Re: "Helix" robots in 2006/2009
 

177 also used a downward spiral in 2009.

http://www.chiefdelphi.com/media/photos/33112

http://www.chiefdelphi.com/media/photos/32626

Re: "Helix" robots in 2006/2009
 

Other teams to have a helix design in 2006 were 33 and 233. I am sure there are many others out there.

The aforementioned Deign Book for Aim High is also a great resource, I own it and recommend everyone buying one

Re: "Helix" robots in 2006/2009
 

Team 16 also had a helix design back in 2009

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ATN5G...eature=related

Re: "Helix" robots in 2006/2009
 

With being able to only handle 3 balls at most, I can't see how these designs would even be necessary for the game this year. A little overkill?

Re: "Helix" robots in 2006/2009
 

We (694) had a spiral hopper in 06. I'd suggest against it, it got us in the FIRST Robot Design Book for 06, but it had some issues, as well as being quite annoying to keep up.

You might have some luck with it. GL! :D

Re: "Helix" robots in 2006/2009
 

There's a lot of space and it's a great way to fit three balls compactly in terms of footprint (rather than height)