pic: Spam 180 robot

[sdcantrell56]

Originally Posted by kick3nitx360

what is with all of these teams using fans, i find them to be too unreliable and lack the stearing cabilites, but sure go ahead and use them

If you notice, they are not using the fan as there primary mode of transportation. They are really using it more like a turbo or NOS system just to give them a boost when they need it. From our preliminary testing we have found that fans can come close to doubling our maximum pushing force and acceleration. This means no matter how great someone's traction control is, someone with a well designed prop system will be able to out-push and outrun any bots that don't have it. If you can push anyone and catch anyone suddenly your scoring opportunities just increased dramatically.

The only downfall that I have seen is the extra power consumption.

[Swampdude]

Lemme tell ya. This thing is not pinnable, catchable or pushable. It scores really well, and the driver is very good, already. If I wanted anyone to design a fan it would be James, and if I could have it done any way I wanted for any cost, it would be like this one, with a sterolithography cowling. If I could have powered it any way I wanted, it would be how they did it, 3 cims. If I could protect it in the best way possible it would be like this. So what I'm saying is this thing is optimized and I am really impressed. If you think the fan will hinder your alliance, I can say right now they'd be my top pick, just for the bully factor alone (not to mention all the others). I also am convinced that this thing will be in the finals in Florida. Usually SPAM has work to do in their pit on Thursday, but from what I can tell this thing is done. They also have a practice bot. So Kudos SPAM, I haven't been this impressed since 2002

[Warren Boudreau]

Thanks for all of the positive support. Especially, you, Dan.

We've still got some work to do. You are never really done until you pack up to go home from Atlanta.

While this is probably one of the best looking robots SPAM has built, there are a bunch of robots out there that will be better at scoring rocks.

But it sure is sweet watching this thing glide around the field.

[typharn91]

the name btw is PUFFY the (enter adjictive we havent chosen yet (thinking about pulverizeing robot))

[killerofkiller]

I'm impressed guys!

Im pretty sad i wasn't able to come down at all this year.. Senior year of college has finally caught up with me... lol

see you guys at Fl

[Brandon Holley]

so ........videos?? i am really excited to see this thing moving.

[Arefin Bari]

Originally Posted by typharn91

the name btw is PUFFY the (enter adjictive we havent chosen yet (thinking about pulverizeing robot))

Last time S.P.A.M.'s robot's name ended in "uffy," they were in the finals for the championship gold. Their 2002 robot's name was Fluffy and by far one of my favorite robots in the history of FIRST.

[typharn91]

well yes its name was fluffy actualy fluffy the flesh eating robot(to be exact)

[Daniel_LaFleur]

Originally Posted by kick3nitx360

what is with all of these teams using fans, i find them to be too unreliable and lack the stearing cabilites, but sure go ahead and use them

Before you critisize the use of fans you should look into their usefullness.

The fans that we will be using (in 1729) are two 16" 8 pitch props that will give us 4.8 LBs of thrust each ... thats a total of 9.6LBs of additional thrust. I believe S.P.A.M.s propeller gives them a bitmore than 10 LBs of additional thrust.

If you consider that your robot will typically have between 9 and 15 LBs of thrust from the wheels (depending on whos' numbers you believe) this is a significant increase and can be a great advantage if the drivers can utilize that extra thrust.

Let me know what you think of the propellers after the regionals. Personally, I believe that there will be a propeller assisted robot on Einstien this year.

[Doug Leppard]

I talked to George Wallace last night about your robot. It seems to be a killer design and you will be literally a "force" at your regionals.

Congratulations look forward to playing with you but not against you.

Oink Oink Spam!!

[Pat Arnold]

I predict some design awards for this one. Great job, & like everyone else I can't wait to see this in action at the Florida Regional.

Better hang on to your capes!