25-05-2007 21:56

Rich Ross

Re: pic: Ira's Senior Project - Runt

i notice many spare sliders in the extruded aluimum. Are there plans to add anything more to Runt??

25-05-2007 23:03

Qbranch

Re: pic: Ira's Senior Project - Runt

Is this a testbed for autonomous navigation?

-q

26-05-2007 01:46

IraJason

Re: pic: Ira's Senior Project - Runt

To Rich, I wound up running out of time to do an arm as part of my senior project, but I am still hoping to put something there even after my presentation. But presentation wise, my partner and I are running with what is shown.

And yes, Runt is going to become a testbed for a multitude of things. We never had the time to implement any sensors or the CMU cam to our first two robots, and Runt allows for those sensors to be tested on something before they head onto a big robot.

Once my project is finished and I graduate, Runt will be used for demonstrations, testing of prototype systems, and as a trainer for new members. Since Runt is not the most complicated machine around, members who have had no experience in robotics will be able to take apart and rebuild Runt to understand how the drive system works and how everything is put together. Even though I've been a part of this since the part of my team, I learned a lot by putting together pretty much all of the components and knowing each of their purpose. I already know of one member of our larger tech club who will be having hands on experience with Runt to become familiar with the systems before the student starts working on the competition bot.

26-05-2007 10:58

thefro526

Re: pic: Ira's Senior Project - Runt

That seems like it will be an excellent learning tool for your future members. I wanted build a platform similar to that for my own personal usage. If you don't mind me asking what was the approximate cost of "Runt"?

100th post!!

26-05-2007 14:08

IraJason

Re: pic: Ira's Senior Project - Runt

I'm going to be coming up with a Bill of Materials as part of my presentation, so once I get it finished I'll post the cost here. A lot of the cost is in the control system though. I ordered a brand new OI and RC from IFI to use on Runt, and those things don't come cheap.

For the chassis, I used extruded aluminum, and the cost for the amount that I used comes out to be cheaper than ordering the kitbot chassis. I used about 170 inches of extruded in the entire chassis which is 14 ft and 2 in. I used two 8 foot sections of extruded for this, which costs a little over 50 dollars from McMaster. Extruded aluminum is awesome to work with because of its price and ease of use when adding components to your chassis. Our team has never had a problem with it, and our chassis have taken quite a beating during competition. It's a bit on the heavy side compared to other stuff, but if it's a personal project, you don't really need to worry about the weight. Runt only weighs 51 pounds with the battery on, so it isn't that heavy at all.

26-05-2007 15:14

Rich Ross

Re: pic: Ira's Senior Project - Runt

so, how big is runt? full FRC size? im assuming that it's named runt because its a bit smaller, but im not sure....

26-05-2007 16:35

IraJason

Re: pic: Ira's Senior Project - Runt

Runt is smaller than most FRC robots. The frame is 2 feet by 2 feet, and the top peice of lexan is about a 10 inches off the ground I'm guessing

27-05-2007 08:04

Rich Kressly

Re: pic: Ira's Senior Project - Runt

Why guess when you can count From the floor moving upward...
2" wheel radius
.75" offset for bearing
1" extrusion
5" gearbox height
1" extrusion
.25" polycarbonate
3" Vex standoff
.25" polycarbonate
----------------------------
13.25" at it's tallest point

27-05-2007 12:59

IraJason

Re: pic: Ira's Senior Project - Runt

yeah... I realized later when doing my Bill of Materials that those are 3 inch Vex risers...

and I can't do math too well.

27-05-2007 13:46

Arefin Bari

Re: pic: Ira's Senior Project - Runt

This is what happens when you have Mr. Kressly as your mentor. Never guess. =)

Great job on that chassis.

27-05-2007 23:45

IraJason

Re: pic: Ira's Senior Project - Runt

You don't want to know how many times I was called a Bo-Bo during this project...

and Thank You for the compliment!