Need some help with a ball launcher

[sanddrag]

Try using the kit gearbox with only one stage of gearing. And then go sprocket and chain to the kit wheel(s). You can even use the kit frame. You can make a ball shooter fairly simply and fairly effectively using only the parts in the kit.

[dtengineering]

For a single wheel shooter, just mount the CIM directly to a 3/4" shaft with the 8" skyway wheels pressed onto the shaft. You can do this by grinding a flat spot on the CIM drive shaft, then drilling an appropriately sized hole in one end of the 3/4" shaft, and drilling and tapping for a couple of set screws to hold the motor's drive shaft firmly in place.

Add a couple pieces of plywood, with some bearings pressed into them, and you are halfway there.

Direct drive worked great on our prototype.... and we're using it for our final version. Albeit with a FP motor rather than the CIM... those are on our drive train.

Jason

[jimwick]

We've had some luck with direct drive. To connect the motor and wheel use a heavy rubber tube to connect the shafts. This provides isolation, corrects misalignment, usually can transmit enough torque for this application. Fuel line hose is a good option.