pic: Its almost done

[samboydh]

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[Andy L]

Will you use PVC in the final??

[samboydh]

Originally Posted by Andy L

Will you use PVC in the final??

ya. we are worryed about weight

[alex1699]

can you get the ball out with out turning it on

[doukjin]

Originally Posted by samboydh

ya. we are worryed about weight

i see you're using screws... by the looks of it
you might want to use PVC Cement to give the structure rigidity at the connecting joints without screws [might also alleviate weight]

[s_forbes]

Originally Posted by doukjin

i see you're using screws... by the looks of it
you might want to use PVC Cement to give the structure rigidity at the connecting joints without screws [might also alleviate weight]

While this would make it stronger, repairing the robot would be very hard. Attaching everything together with screws allows for easy switching of parts if a length of PVC breaks (which may be a recurring problem).

[Ben Piecuch]

Wait, are you guys saying that we shouldn't build our robot with PVC? It's too fragile, it's too weak, it'll break? Maybe we should redesign our robot then. Oh, I'll let Bill Beatty from Team 71 know too. I think they have a couple national championship robots that used a whole lot of PVC...

When used properly, PVC is an extremely light, strong, compliant (and cheap!) material for use on a FIRST robot. I have seen a lot of PVC parts bend at some extreme angles, and return to their original shape. Aluminum parts don't seem to like such usage.

I would recommend the glueing method of attachment over the bolts.

Bengineer

[EricH]

Actually...

There is another champion who used PVC for a key part. Don't let the yellow paint on the arm of 330's 2005 robot fool you; it's PVC. And there is nothing wrong with screws; the same robot's gripper was held on with screws. See this picture. Lower right has the connections in question.

[Joe G.]

In my experience, thicker PVC (like that on the robots previously mentioned) is fine, but what they are using (flag-holder-esque thickness) will sometimes have issues when hit. I would reccomend the screws, if for no other reason, replacability. Also, I would have plenty of extra PVC on hand if you stick with it.

Good luck, the design looks great. How fast/controllable is it with those wheels?

[doukjin]

Originally Posted by Ben Piecuch

Wait, are you guys saying that we shouldn't build our robot with PVC? It's too fragile, it's too weak, it'll break? Maybe we should redesign our robot then. Oh, I'll let Bill Beatty from Team 71 know too. I think they have a couple national championship robots that used a whole lot of PVC...

When used properly, PVC is an extremely light, strong, compliant (and cheap!) material for use on a FIRST robot. I have seen a lot of PVC parts bend at some extreme angles, and return to their original shape. Aluminum parts don't seem to like such usage.

I would recommend the glueing method of attachment over the bolts.

Bengineer

heh,
yes it is agreed that it is light, very strong for its weight, and cheap [and very good for prototyping], high-speed impact situations such as ones that might possibly occur in this game would not bode well for any arm made of PVC

[Qbranch]

How much does your robot weigh? Do you have any bumper ideas?

How long does it take for your manipulator to capture the ball? Release the ball?

Interesting drivetrain.. do all six wheels drive?

-q

[1086wulf]

i'm guessing from the picture that the claw does not actually grab the ball but contains it? are you planning on running around quick, rolling the ball over the line, grabbing it again, and then repeating? it looks like a good design though i would have doubts about maneuverability in some situations and it looks like your bot would have little torque

[samboydh]

Originally Posted by Qbranch

How much does your robot weigh? Do you have any bumper ideas?

How long does it take for your manipulator to capture the ball? Release the ball?

Interesting drivetrain.. do all six wheels drive?

-q

Our robot weighs about seventy five pounds. we have bumpers made up, they just havent been mounted. we didnt get so lucky with the moters ad they laked sufficent tourqe, but we are currently testing some new globe moters. only two wheels drive

[Laaba 80]

This is basicly what we hope to do. we are going to dive fast and have the claw to hold the ball while we drive

You do know you cant be touching the ball as the robot crosses your finish line right? If the ball if in contact with your robot while crossing you dont get the 2 points for the ball, just the 2 points for the robot. It needs to have some way to let it go easily.
Joey

[DanDon]

Originally Posted by Laaba 80

You do know you cant be touching the ball as the robot crosses your finish line right? If the ball if in contact with your robot while crossing you dont get the 2 points for the ball, just the 2 points for the robot. It needs to have some way to let it go easily.
Joey

Looks to me like the whole mechanism rotates back under the power of perhaps one or two Window motors (Or Keyang, or Van Door).