PNW CHAMPS

[InFlight]

Make sure to bring your sunglasses, 3574 will be arriving with the bright lights of Hollywood.

[zinthorne]

3663 is excited to be there! It is going to be exciting!

[Munchskull]

Team 997 Spartain Robotics is excited to be attending so we can try out our new mechanism.

[The other Gabe]

Originally Posted by Munchskull

Team 997 Spartain Robotics is excited to be attending so we can try out our new mechanism.

what new mechanism? can't leave me hanging man

[Dunngeon]

Originally Posted by The other Gabe

what new mechanism? can't leave me hanging man

They are going to attempt adding another claw to the robot to stabilize the bin when they have a stack. Should be interesting to see how it works.

[Munchskull]

Originally Posted by Dunngeon

They are going to attempt adding another claw to the robot to stabilize the bin when they have a stack. Should be interesting to see how it works.

Yep, he is absolutely right. Already have about 50% of it done.

[Spoam]

Originally Posted by Munchskull

Yep, he is absolutely right. Already have about 50% of it done.

Sounds sweet. Can't wait to see it in action!

[Jean Tenca]

We've loved watching and cheering for everyone these last few weeks. We look forward to playing with our PNW friends! We'll even be bringing a new toy

[Wired_Mike]

Originally Posted by ScourgeDragon

We've loved watching and cheering for everyone these last few weeks. We look forward to playing with our PNW friends! We'll even be bringing a new toy

Looks great, can't wait to see it in action at PNWCHAMPS

How fast is it from initiation to contact with the can?

And how accurate do you need to be with lining up?

[Metonym]

Originally Posted by Wired_Mike

How fast is it from initiation to contact with the can?

Based on frame analysis, 26 frames (.867 seconds) from the sound of the piston to the first hit on the can. 7 (.233 seconds) more frames till it stabilizes. 1 more frame till the robot moves back. All at 30fps.

[Jean Tenca]

Originally Posted by Wired_Mike

Looks great, can't wait to see it in action at PNWCHAMPS

How fast is it from initiation to contact with the can?

And how accurate do you need to be with lining up?

Nikki is about right with his calculation on timing. There's still some optimizing going on so we're looking to drop that time further.

Accuracy hasn't been an issue in our testing. We guarantee alignment during robot placement and the system is rigid enough that it hits the same spot every time.

[bobcroucher]

Team Mean Machine is super excited to play with all of our Northwest friends again.

Of course, we have some changes in store as well. We changed to rollers on our lifter, which is lighter (1 lb) and more robust than the plastic slides. We designed a new claw for can manipulation. It's heavier (4 lbs), but much quicker, and can handle noodles. We changed the swerves to mini-cims for a 2.5 pounds of weight savings, and the robot seems just about the same in terms of performance. We created can burglars for robbing two cans from the step. We also created cheese cake versions for our partners, if that plays out. They weigh less than 2.5 pounds for a pair, and can grab the cans in about 0.5 seconds. Bryce took some nice 240 fps video of it. Hopefully he'll post some here.

It's encouraging to see all the improvement over the season as well as the big jump from last year. The district system is really helping all the teams in the PNW, from the top to the bottom, to get more play and iterate on their designs for stronger competition.

[Jean Tenca]

Originally Posted by bobcroucher

Of course, we have some changes in store as well. We changed to rollers on our lifter, which is lighter (1 lb) and more robust than the plastic slides. We designed a new claw for can manipulation. It's heavier (4 lbs), but much quicker, and can handle noodles. We changed the swerves to mini-cims for a 2.5 pounds of weight savings, and the robot seems just about the same in terms of performance. We created can burglars for robbing two cans from the step. We also created cheese cake versions for our partners, if that plays out. They weigh less than 2.5 pounds for a pair, and can grab the cans in about 0.5 seconds. Bryce took some nice 240 fps video of it. Hopefully he'll post some here.

Wow! You guys have been busy! I can't wait to see it.

[bobcroucher]

Originally Posted by bobcroucher

Bryce took some nice 240 fps video of it. Hopefully he'll post some here.

Here's a video of the new burglars in action.

[Metonym]

Good luck to all teams, I sadly can't attend this event.

The A/V crew will be at their best, so expect some stellar match videos.

The Highlight Reel will be interesting. It has been my sweat and blood since Glacier Peak last year, but since I'm a senior I am passing the torch to another great member of our A/V Crew, Griffin Coxen, who has been my main editor this season. I can't wait to see what he puts out for everyone at the event. He does have the Steadicam, but I think he is still going to #needmoresteadicam

Good luck and I hope to see all of you at Nationals. If you are a volunteer at Nationals, expect me to hunt you down for a photo.