2363 Triple Helix week one prototypes

[asid61]

Looking good. I liked the use of a larger wheel for a flywheel on the shooter.
How much compression did you stick on the shooter?

[bEdhEd]

Have you tested that drive base on the moat? Our initial pre-built concept chassis had a similar wheel spacing and we just got caught up. We thought the rock wall would give use the biggest problem, but the spacing of the moat can cause the chassis to sit on the moat ends and have the wheels free spinning. The rock wall was no problem. The moat was deceptively challenging for us. Our new prototype robot will have the wheels closer. Hopefully, our new spacing will be perfect and we can use that spacing for building the next two robots (practice and competition).

Here's our video of this.

[dodar]

Originally Posted by bEdhEd

Have you tested that drive base on the moat? Our initial pre-built concept chassis had a similar wheel spacing and we just got caught up. We thought the rock wall would give use the biggest problem, but the spacing of the moat can cause the chassis to sit on the moat ends and have the wheels free spinning. The rock wall was no problem. The moat was deceptively challenging for us. Our new prototype robot will have the wheels closer. Hopefully, our new spacing will be perfect and we can use that spacing for building the next two robots (practice and competition).

Here's our video of this.

That is probably the best reaction ever. "That sucks."

[Kevin Sevcik]

Originally Posted by bEdhEd

Have you tested that drive base on the moat? Our initial pre-built concept chassis had a similar wheel spacing and we just got caught up. We thought the rock wall would give use the biggest problem, but the spacing of the moat can cause the chassis to sit on the moat ends and have the wheels free spinning. The rock wall was no problem. The moat was deceptively challenging for us. Our new prototype robot will have the wheels closer. Hopefully, our new spacing will be perfect and we can use that spacing for building the next two robots (practice and competition).

Here's our video of this.

That is hilariously and horrifyingly terrible. Can't wait to see how our prototype is handling the moat when I get back to houston. Also, I'm told using steel for the 1.5x2.5 bars makes things even harder. So you might want to try that.

[sanddrag]

This looks great! May I ask what amount of center drop you have on the drivetrain, , what diameter the Colson shooter wheel is, and how much you are gearing up the CIM?

[ToddF]

Originally Posted by sanddrag

May I ask what amount of center drop you have on the drivetrain, , what diameter the Colson shooter wheel is, and how much you are gearing up the CIM?

I wouldn't want to deprive your students of the feeling of accomplishment they will have when they build their own prototypes.

<edit> Oops. Looks like Nate has no such compunctions... I will say that the prototype drivetrain is from our 2014 robot, and we plan for the 2016 drive rails to be of the same design as the 2015 drive rails. The CAD for these bots can be downloaded from FRCdesigns.com

[billbo911]

Originally Posted by bEdhEd

Have you tested that drive base on the moat? Our initial pre-built concept chassis had a similar wheel spacing and we just got caught up. We thought the rock wall would give use the biggest problem, but the spacing of the moat can cause the chassis to sit on the moat ends and have the wheels free spinning. The rock wall was no problem. The moat was deceptively challenging for us. Our new prototype robot will have the wheels closer. Hopefully, our new spacing will be perfect and we can use that spacing for building the next two robots (practice and competition).

Here's our video of this.

I believe one key to some of the defenses this year is to drive you bot like you stole it.
For instance, hit the mote with a bit more authority and you may just own it.

[dodar]

Originally Posted by billbo911

I believe one key to some of the defenses this year is to drive you bot like you stole it.
For instance, hit the mote with a bit more authority and you may just own it.

I tend to agree. This year, different from years past(specifically 2010), you need to launch yourself at a few of the defenses just to get over them.

[bEdhEd]

Originally Posted by billbo911

For instance, hit the mote with a bit more authority and you may just own it.

We believe true authority is being able to traverse any defense at any speed, even at a crawl haha.

[Lij2015]

That's one consistent (at from the video) shooter!

[JesseK]

Originally Posted by bEdhEd

We believe true authority is being able to traverse any defense at any speed, even at a crawl haha.

We're thinking about drown-down pads (or similar) to assist in stability and angle adjustment for high goal shots. Strategic placement could also mean they assist with getting stuck in the moat. Our prototyping drive base didn't get stuck unless it skewed far left/right, but that base was also 3" too long w.r.t. the current actual CAD design.

[Lil' Lavery]

Originally Posted by JesseK

We're thinking about drown-down pads (or similar) to assist in stability and angle adjustment for high goal shots. Strategic placement could also mean they assist with getting stuck in the moat. Our prototyping drive base didn't get stuck unless it skewed far left/right, but that base was also 3" too long w.r.t. the current actual CAD design.

For those of us playing at home, what are "drown-down pads?" I have a guess as to what you mean, but I'm not really sure.

[JesseK]

Originally Posted by Lil' Lavery

For those of us playing at home, what are "drown-down pads?" I have a guess as to what you mean, but I'm not really sure.

Whoops... drop-down pads. I was multi-tasking, sorry

[T3_1565]

Originally Posted by JesseK

Whoops... drop-down pads. I was multi-tasking, sorry

Awww. Here I was hoping "drown-drop pads" was something tackling the moat that was appropriately named

I suggest using this name from now on

[ToddF]

Originally Posted by bEdhEd

Have you tested that drive base on the moat?

We tested it right at the end of last night's meeting, with no added weight on the robot. I didn't take video, as I don't consider tests with just the drivetrain weight to be conclusive. That said, driving slowly we did get stuck, though not badly, and the driver was able to free the robot. With a little practice, and the right technique, the robot could traverse the moat every time. We'll see if these results are repeatable with full robot weight.