Launcher system test

[Jon Stratis]

Well, we captured a full system test of our launcher tonight. Some details:

- We used a 3-stage ball shifter (http://www.vexrobotics.com/vexpro/ge...l-shifter.html) with the 64:20 ratio for the third stage.
- 1 CIM motor
- Normal pancake cylinder to shift
- Shift form high speed to neutral, with a ratchet wrench to hold the launcher in place
- Custom made 3D printed spool and webbing guide to ensure it all pulls down correctly without getting tangled
- A secondary webbing strap at a fixed (manually adjustable between matches, but otherwise fixed) length to act as a hard stop for getting the release angle we want


Now for the test... we pressurized the system to 60 PSI using our shop compressor. We then trigger the shifting manually with the buttons on the solenoids. We've had it shift successfully all the way down to 20 PSI.

We hooked the CIM up to a battery through an old drill handle - the handle's seen some abuse (we really need to find a "new" old drill handle), so it doesn't really have variable speed control anymore. That's why the start is a little jerky... all due to operator (me) error, not the system!

http://vimeo.com/85989481

[cadandcookies]

Looks like a very solid system! Can't wait to see you guys in Duluth and at the Twin Cities regionals.

How well has that 3D-printed spool been holding put for you?

[Jon Stratis]

We've only fired a couple of test shots, but it's holding up well so far. We printed it with 100% infill to make sure the webbing wouldn't crush anything, and we have several wraps around it so the webbing holds itself in place with friction without putting too much stress on the bolt that goes through the whole thing.

[Ginger Power]

Looks awesome! Can't wait to see it in person at Northstar! Hopefully we can pass inspection right away so I have some time to check it out

[Gregor]

Thanks for the information.

Would you care to share a picture of your spool?

[Jon Stratis]

There is a picture attached to this post: http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/sh...0&postcount=64

We did a "before and after" view - our winch last year before we had 3D printing, and our winch this year!

[Jon Stratis]

Just came across this thread again, and thought people might appreciate a post-year update on the 3D printed spool. We made it through 2 week-0 events, 2 regionals, champs, an ofd season, and countless demos without any visible wear on the winch. It never got tangled or failed the entire season, and never needed to be replaced or modified. 3D printed parts rock!