Motor driven catapult gear ratio

[themick07]

For those with motor driven catapults, what are your setups?

[Madison]

Originally Posted by themick07

For those with motor driven catapults, what are your setups?

2 BAG motors at 466:1.

Edit: That's pulling the catapult down -- we are not using the motors to throw the ball. It's unclear what you're after here.

[geomapguy]

Originally Posted by Madison

2 BAG motors at 466:1.

Edit: That's pulling the catapult down -- we are not using the motors to throw the ball. It's unclear what you're after here.

I think he's referring to Boom Done type shooters...like Spectrum's and our robot.


To OP, 15.33:1 for our shooter

[themick07]

Yes we are looking to change our catapult firing mechanism from springs to motor driven.

[TheKeeg]

Originally Posted by themick07

Yes we are looking to change our catapult firing mechanism from springs to motor driven.

Why?

[themick07]

Originally Posted by TheKeeg

Why?

Our springs were inconsistent and wore down after like 50 shots. Also we couldn't move the catapult arm without releasing it completely. Motors would be more consistent and reliable.

[Ether]

Originally Posted by themick07

Our springs were inconsistent and wore down after like 50 shots... Motors would be more consistent and reliable.

What factors do you think might make the motor performance change during the course of a match.

Also we couldn't move the catapult arm without releasing it completely.

What does the above sentence mean?

[EricWilliams]

He means that the catapult arm can only be stopped halfway through its motion path with a great deal of effort in a fairly unsafe manner. We had the same problem in 2008 with a spring driven catapult. Also, dry firing was extremely risky, for us.

[bbradf44]

Originally Posted by themick07

For those with motor driven catapults, what are your setups?

We have a 2 cim toughbox mini (i dont remember the ratio) with a belt driven 3:1 if i remember correctly from there. We have power and speed to spare.

[matthewdenny]

We use a motor driven catapult with a toughbox+2CIMs+35 chain and sprockets.

Total reduction with gearbox and chains is about 25:1.

We also use a pneumatic cylinder on the back with ~8" lever arm that applies 40 lbs of pressure or so.

It can score with just the motors but the range is limited to a small window around 8' out, withe the pneumatics it is significantly stronger.

[who716]

Originally Posted by themick07

Our springs were inconsistent and wore down after like 50 shots. Also we couldn't move the catapult arm without releasing it completely. Motors would be more consistent and reliable.

we have been having trouble with consistency with our motor shooter specifically when the battery gets low

[Max Boord]

6 cims, 12.75:1 gear reduction (3 cim toughboxes) and a 2:1 chain reduction totaling 25.5. We can pour the ball off the front, shoot from 18ft, full court or anywhere between.

Here is our reveal video wich showcases our close end adjustability: http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=qPc_Vi_9Pww

[themick07]

Originally Posted by matthewdenny

We use a motor driven catapult with a toughbox+2CIMs+35 chain and sprockets.

Total reduction with gearbox and chains is about 25:1.

We also use a pneumatic cylinder on the back with ~8" lever arm that applies 40 lbs of pressure or so.

It can score with just the motors but the range is limited to a small window around 8' out, withe the pneumatics it is significantly stronger.

What is your catapult arm made of?

[matthewdenny]

Our arm is basically 1/8 x 2" aluminum riveted to 3/4" angle aluminum for support. It is a flattened "J" curve in shape. The center of the ball is ~17" from the fulcrum.

[themick07]

Originally Posted by matthewdenny

Our arm is basically 1/8 x 2" aluminum riveted to 3/4" angle aluminum for support. It is a flattened "J" curve in shape. The center of the ball is ~17" from the fulcrum.

Do you have any pictures of your entire setup?