[mtaman02]

Another good material to use is Metal (Diamond Plate) - although it has weight diamond plate looks good up against anything.

You want the Control Deck as I call it user friendly and easily maintainable as well as user accessible. Attach what you need (joysticks etc) to on any surface material make sure you leave enough slack in the wiring, the radio modem must be free at all times (can't be tied down but velcroed to an area is ok) and it must be made rugged, Ups and Downs.


Lexan - I don't happen to like Lexan only b/c it can get scratched and or cracked depending on its thickness. But hey where just building something to hold joysticks and wire right. I belive its lighter then wood.

Wood - Its Simple you just drill holes in a piece of plywood and use zip ties to tied down everything =) since velcro don't particulary stick to wood that well, or you can use duck tape. =p

Metal - A thin sheet of metal ( as said b4 diamond plate) is good, you don't have to worry about the surface scratching as much ( just a thought) and it can't break. just about anything can be applied to metal surfaces ( tape , velcro)




An old school I worked with had 2 different types of control decks -
1) Plywood, Mahagne - >>> spelling) This is used to make a simple control deck for previous years robots, All robots get re-programmed for a 2 joystick control deck. Everything for the Control Deck is Ziptied to the wood above. Total weight est 5lbs

2) Alumnium , Diamond Plate and lexan - This is used for the current years robot everything gets velcroed / bolted down and is made for driver comfort. a piece of lexan covers the OI on top but allows access from all sides and wires are ziptied to some tubing welded onto the frame Total Weight est 10lbs