Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike Betts
If you go the "shot" route, please be sure that the "removable cap" you use is very secure. In the event that your robot tips over, pounds of "shot" spilling onto the floor will cause a very dangerous situation for referees, field reset, et cetera and will almost certainly get you disqualified...
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We had this happen a few years ago at Peachtree. I think it was 2005. A team used a large container of BBs to add ballast. It ruptured. We spent the rest of the weekend picking them up
Spilling a bunch of shot on the floor at the inspection station while adding it to your robot will not make you real popular, either.
Make absolutely sure that any container of shot is durable, secure, and sealed. I can promise you that any robot at 10,000 Lakes using shot for ballast will invite extra attention at inspection.
The best method I have seen so far this year for adjusting weight at the scale is to add some pieces of threaded rod to the robot, and bring a bucket of washers that fit over them. Add washers to the desired weight, and then put the nut on the rod. Use big rod, like 1", and the washers will also be big and substantial weight. If you are way under weight, bolt on some of the heavy stuff mentioned earlier in this thread to get you close. I've always been partial to barbell plates.
And the best thing I have heard of so far this year for ballast is an arbor press, borrowed from another team in the pits...