1346 mecanum

We’ve been working hard on the chassis and mecanum drive for the last few weeks. This is just a quick little video and some pics of the progress we have made.

This is just a video of some open loop control…We’re still working on the closed loop but I think we’re pretty close.

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h121/b_mallerd/1346saturdayjan272007.jpg

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h121/b_mallerd/1346mecanumoutside.jpg

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h121/b_mallerd/1346mecanuminside.jpg

Our video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xgTJcm9EVnE

That looks great – we can’t wait to see it in Portland.

It looks like you’re using a rubber offset coupling or something similar as suspension. Is that correct?

Wow. Those are some nice rubber coupling wheels. Sorry didnt notice vid…

I’m not absolutely sure but I think what you are referring to as suspension is actually our optical encoders. We need them for the feedback to control our would be PID controlled drive train.

Actually we’re just going to keep the frame nice and flexible this year rather than building a suspension system.

It seems to be working so far, although the real test will come once we “close the loop” either through the encoders or a gyro.

(The programmers always like it when I say stuff like that.)

We’re at about 55 pounds as seen in video/photos and will be adding a lift/arm combo, pneumatics and ramp to get up to 125 pounds.

Um… yeah… I know. We always have to shed a bit of weight just before we ship. I’m guessing it will be only five pounds or so this year.

We’re looking forward to Portland, too. It is always a good time… and we’re bringing some friends from north of the border down with us this time. It will be 2273’s first FIRST experience!

Jason