pic: The 2008 Team 703 Phoenix Robot

[cbale2000]

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[cbale2000]

Some random facts about the robot this year:
* 10 wheel drive
* 2 speed transmission
* Use of composites in several places
* Relatively Low CoG
* Very hard to tip
* Faster than last years
* Looks a bit like one of our other robots (you guess which one)
* The lift is DEAD silent (Not really a useful quality, but cool nonetheless)
* The drive system handles like a dream (very smooth)

I'd also like to note that the wood part is temporary, the part will be replaced with a carbon fiber version.

[XaulZan11]

Only 10 wheels...I'm a little diapointed

Looks good and good luck!

[cbale2000]

Originally Posted by XaulZan11

Only 10 wheels...I'm a little diapointed

Looks good and good luck!

Yeah, we figured the 14 wheels last year was a bit... overkill for this game. The nice thing about this drive is that it is a lot lighter and more efficient with chains instead of gears.

Last year the entire drive was powered from the back of the bot, this year we centered everything and connected the center wheel directly to the gearbox using a hex shaft. The nice thing about the hex shaft is even if we should break every chain on the robot, we will still have 2 wheels working.

[Vince lau]

nice robot, can't wait to see it in action at GTR

[GaryVoshol]

Originally Posted by XaulZan11

Only 10 wheels...I'm a little diapointed

My first reaction too. But I was consoled by the fact that you're using carbon fiber.

As far as picking up the ball, I have this guess. Those two side-board mounted cylinders will pull your entire tower forward on an angle. This will allow the yet-to-be-replaced wood cradle to "kneel" in front of the bumper, and the wheel at the top will scoop the Trackball in. Am I close?

Looking forward to seeing this in competition.

[Mike Harrison]

are the two wheels in the back not directly driven? i see no chain.

[TD78]

Originally Posted by Mike Harrison

are the two wheels in the back not directly driven? i see no chain.

My guess is that the chain is on the inside of the wheels. Same with the two-wheeled section in the middle.

[diesel]

I count 11 wheels

[cbale2000]

Originally Posted by GaryVoshol

My first reaction too. But I was consoled by the fact that you're using carbon fiber.

As far as picking up the ball, I have this guess. Those two side-board mounted cylinders will pull your entire tower forward on an angle. This will allow the yet-to-be-replaced wood cradle to "kneel" in front of the bumper, and the wheel at the top will scoop the Trackball in. Am I close?

Looking forward to seeing this in competition.

Very, very close, the only thing different is that the cradle actually doesn't go in front of the bumpers, it will rest either slightly on top or behind them. But you basically got it right.

Originally Posted by RollinTDollin

My guess is that the chain is on the inside of the wheels. Same with the two-wheeled section in the middle.

Yes, that is correct, the wheel chains alternate sides.

Originally Posted by diesel

I count 11 wheels

Well, if you want to get technical...

[zander_108]

i have a guess how it grabs the ball

those two pneumatic pistons lean the entire manipulator assembly down, so the wheel can roll the ball up into its cradle.

[PDF32100]

i doubt its finished but if it isss

DONT FORGET THE BUMPERS

[cbale2000]

Yeah we know. We figured "Lexan side plates + No bumpers = Bad", anyways so we'll have them on one way or another.

[703Trombley703]

OMG!!! I can not wait to see this baby in action at Detroit!!!


Oh yeah can't forget about that good ol carbon fiber. haha

[Gene Williams]

OK, that's a SWEET looking 'bot!

When you have video of it in action please post for all to see!

Good luck this season and HAVE FUN!