View Single Post
  #11   Spotlight this post!  
Unread 11-03-2014, 08:23
810 Builder's Avatar
810 Builder 810 Builder is offline
Registered User
FRC #0810
Team Role: Leadership
 
Join Date: Mar 2014
Rookie Year: 2011
Location: Smithtown
Posts: 2
810 Builder is an unknown quantity at this point
Re: Reloading Launcher

Quote:
Originally Posted by nickansh1 View Post
So I know most people are using catapults or some other type of spring loaded launcher, and I was wondering how teams chose to reload their launcher and release the stored up energy quickly. Oddly enough, this seemed to be the toughest challenge for our team this year.

On a related note, many teams are using winch systems or a cam actuated radial release mechanism (the choo-choo) but how do you get the launcher to stay down until you want to launch (other than precariously stopping the motor at the exact moment the launcher is fully retracted)?
We used a ratchet strap and a custom dog gear powered by two CIM motors. Has great power and really gets the catapult down fast.