03-02-2006 17:47

billbo911

Re: pic: Team 1712 Robot!

First let me say, welcome!!! I also want to point out that you have a completed robot, mechanically at least, in less than four weeks. That is quite an accomplishment for a rookie team!!!! Don't let the difficulties associated with this time discourage you in the least. That is quite normal and is probably the best experience for learning you could possibly get.
Second, a couple comments on your design. I have to make a couple assumptions because I am just going off the pictures. It looks like you have a ball pickup system that is simple, and most likely, very effective. I'm guessing you will scoop up as many balls as possible and then blow them out into the bottom goal as fast as possible. Again, simple and quite effective. Good decision making all around.
We were going to make our ball pickup and hopper in a very similar style. The only thing I can't tell from the pictures is if your bottom plate in the hopper will tip to move the balls away from the rollers and then tip back when you want to feed the goals. If it just stays put and allow the balls to stack up, you will get a interesting bubbling or boiling effect as the balls continue to stack up in the hopper. Maybe you can name your 'bot something like "The Ball Boiler" or "The Steamer".

No matter what, continue to improve, learn and most of all, have fun. Good Luck.

03-02-2006 18:24

Chuck Glick

Re: pic: Team 1712 Robot!

04-02-2006 13:31

IraJason

Re: pic: Team 1712 Robot!

Yeah, the balls most definitely bounce around alot when the rollers are going, but it is quite useful. All we got to do is get our electronics all mounted and we should be able to do full working tests soon. We also have a few other pictures from different angles so you can see whats going on with the robot.