29-10-2006 12:26

Ben Piecuch

Re: pic: Simbotics FVC Practice Field

That's a nice looking, fully functional VEX field. However, I'm more interested in seeing what 'bot you've got hidden behind that 2x ball. This years' game is proving to be quite a challange. Any teasers for us yet? (Btw, are those bumpers on that VEX bot?)

We, FVC 228, may have some teasers to post next week. With the number of students on our team, we've been able to prototype a few different robots and game strategies. Stay tuned for more info.

BEN

29-10-2006 13:53

Lil' Lavery

Re: pic: Simbotics FVC Practice Field

I did learn one thing from this photo about your bot. It isn't going to follow the lines to get to the balls in autonomous (unless you don't think the different colored floor tiles will interfere with your line sensors).
Can't wait to see officially what you will be doing. FVC 116 is currently working on their prototype bot until they get some more parts.

29-10-2006 13:59

AdamHeard

Re: pic: Simbotics FVC Practice Field

I bet it's scary looking and deadly efficient in scoring...

I do like the colored tiles though... Makes it look more friendly...

29-10-2006 21:09

Holtzman

Re: pic: Simbotics FVC Practice Field

Robot? What Robot? I don't see a robot. Its clearly a downed weather balloon, or possible light from Venus reflecting off swamp gas.

29-10-2006 21:11

Alex Cormier

Re: pic: Simbotics FVC Practice Field

I have a question about the platform. If a robot/atlas ball is on one side, does the other side raise up a tad bit?

30-10-2006 18:26

Ben Piecuch

Re: pic: Simbotics FVC Practice Field

I'll make some general comments based on our experience with the rotating platform. I'll note that we used all the correct hardware, and built it to the best of our ability.

With that, I'll start by saying that the entire assembly weighs a considerable amount. My "bicep calibration" would put it around 30lbs. There is a LOT of plywood there. Even with the solid plywood and the correct 12" lazy susan, the rotation is not very smooth/consistent. The plywood STILL warped on us, and it rubs slightly every rotation. A good solid push gets it around 1 - 1.5 rotations.

With our initial robot prototypes, we were able to get a couple different robots up onto the platform. I would say that the platform does NOT move/tilt any considerable amount. The platform also stays put, and you need to consciously try to rotate the platform. It doesn't just move when you tap it. Rolling the 2x ball into a vertical post barely moves the platform 5 or 10 degrees. Overall, we were successful in creating a robot that could manipulate the platform pretty easily. However, I wouldn't jump and say that the design was anything close to "practical." YMMV.

Feel free to ask anymore questions. Best of luck!

BEN

31-10-2006 12:30

KathieK

Re: pic: Simbotics FVC Practice Field

A lesson learned: In our Affiliate Partner training we were focused on resetting the field in between matches and a couple of people tripped over the Atlas Blocker Bars located in the corners of the field. For some reason your eye doesn't really "see" them when you enter the field from that end and they become a tripping hazard. Be aware of them when using your practice fields!