Turrets

[buss]

Picture a tank turret, i just want something I can rotate with a simple motor and gear.

[Lisa Perez]

We used chain and sprockets with a motor (attached to one sprocket) to power the turret system that we had. The sprockets were mounted horizontally inside of a rectangular box, with one sprocket mounted to something like a platform so that the box as a whole would rotate.

[sanddrag]

I know team 294 Beach Cities had a very nice turret design last year but I didn't get a chance to see it in action. Also if I recall correctly, 980 Thunderbots had a turret as well but I may be mistaken.

[Wayne C.]

you can mount a central spindle and then make a disk of aluminum in the diameter you want to mount the tower on. To make the disk get a sheet of 1/4 " thick aluminum and lay out the circle. Install a bearing in the center to thread on the spindle. Carefully drill out the perimeter to make sprocket teeth . We have used a sheet of teflon under the disk to allow it to slide. A motor mounted nearby and a sprocket drive the chaiin that turns the whole thing. We did this in our champion 2000 bot and in last year's 2004 big arm machine.

Good luck.


WC

[Al Skierkiewicz]

There are several sources for a "lazy susan" bearing. You can get them in various diameters up to 12 or 15 inches and they are only about 1/4" high. I bought several at work (I think from McMaster) sandwiched between two pieces of plywood with a pipe flange on one. This makes an excellent cable reel holder when pulling cables. I know they are made to hold up to several hundred pounds. Check the specs when you order one.