Why didn't your team use the Kitbot frame in 2006?

[David Brinza]

Originally Posted by Raving Rabbi

our team didn't use the kitbot this year because we knew like 696 that we could make a better one for ourselves. we used 2x1 aluminum 1/8 thick tubing and welded a frame (like 254, 60 etc) it is much easier to work with but requires the ability to machine. it worked out well for us and is extremely strong. also the most important feature is that when you finish you can powdercoat it and make it look really sharp because it doesnt matter if it runs well it just has to look good right?
-guy

Actually, we did use a kitbot frame in competition this year. When our powder-coated robot decided to hang out in SoCal until Thurs night of the Greater Toronto Regional, we obtained a kitbot frame from the TechnoKats to build the "One-day Wonder". It was very easy to assemble, quite strong, and though not the most mass efficient chassis, it was quite acceptable. The predrilled holes for the axles (with the center wheel axle slightly lower than front and back) and transmissions makes assembling the drive components very straight forward. Next year, we'll have our "newbies" build a drive base from the KoP frame and transmissions so they can have a driveable 'bot early in the build season.

P.S. Guy says a good looking robot is better than one that is running well just to "jerk my chain". I guess I'm just not one of those "form-over-function" people.