Quote:
Originally posted by ChewyMasterFlex
And yet we haven't gotten out of the design phase...are we screwed or what?
|
Hoo boy... Not yet, but you will be REAL soon if you don't start building SOMETHING.
Regardless of what your final "payload" is, my advice is to get your
MULE going
immediately.
Whenever in doubt, make the generic "skateboard" for a mule: Create a "box frame" 28" x 34" x 6-8" inches deep. This gives you an inch clearance all the way around for screw heads, etc., and plenty of volume inside for drivetrain motors, battery, and electronics. Use the provided materials, angle iron, box extrusion, or whatever. Stick a board in the bottom. Just get it MADE. (If you're planning on using the air pump, you may need an extra inch or two of height, or notch the board out.)
Put the provided drivetrain assemblies in the back, and casters in the front. Rules allow ANY wheels this year. If you don't like the provided wheels go to any hardware store or lawnmower supply, check out their wagon and lawnmower wheels, and while there pick up some sprockets, chain, and some master links for your desired final gear ratio. If necessary, a Dremel with a cutting disk works fine as a chain breaker. Just make sure you have enough ground clearance to crest the top of the ramp without hanging up on the upper lip, and you've got a mule that'll go ANYWHERE on this field.
With a board across the top (and access holes for battery, et al), you now have a basic drive chassis with a pristine flat surface to mount any old payload you wish, and billboards for sides. Note: If you don't want to use boards, you may need to add corner braces for frame stiffness. The gumball can be mounted somewhere on top later once you know where your payload will live.
This should take you two days at most to make, and will get you back on track.
Good luck!
- Keith