[cptopher]

Unfortunately we are on the bubble to get into the state championship. We probably won't get in. We performed poorly at Kettering but had a great weekend at Livonia. Our first time in eliminations and going to semi finals far surpassed our goal this season.

We are disappointed because we really wanted to pull off a 3 long bot balance in competition at Livonia. When we fell off the bridge once, it broke a belt pulley side which eventually broke our lower chain.

The bot will balance without the side guides. It rests on the belt vertically only. Its all very simple weight and balance calculations. The side guides just help to keep us on the center of the belt and lined up. They are fixed and do not move. They don't grab the sides of the rail to stabilize.

The inspiration came from a rail grind sliding move in skateboarding, or riding the pipe in snowboarding. Just needed the belt for more traction. I'll post some photos soon.

Thanks to everyone for the positive comments.