Does anyone know what the differences are between the old AM14U3 and the new AM14U4 are?
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One of the instruction videos that andymark released mentioned a video of nick explaining the differences but they haven’t posted it on YouTube yet
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Having assembled three of these today (at quick build), I’ll tell you first that they direct you to put the outside-side panels on ‘backward’, that is, the flanges are toward the outside of the robot. this makes a recess that would be bad to mount bumpers on, so you get spacer blocks to go into these openings to mount bumpers on.
This reverse mounting and more spacers results in less usable robot space and more weight that isn’t doing anything in exchange for easier assembly. And still if you want to put enough socket-head-caps in the corners, you’ll need a 5/32 long ball driver–either tee handle or on a drill to put in the ones on the inside of the wheels anyway.
I believe if we end up using the AM, we’ll put the outside panels on the old-fashioned way to save space and weight. Even though we have five more pounds this year (125), I’d rather build as light a possible.
The also provide a new design above-the-frame bumper mounts.
AM has supplied a battery mounting system. It is a little strange parts-wise, and looks heavier than what I’d build. Again, I can’t see us using it, but I’m sure many teams will. We normally want the battery in the middle of the robot for stability, depending on the mechanisms.
The 6-inch wheels have larger webs between the ‘spokes’. apparently to strengthen them.
Looking at the photo on line (I have a U3 frame here at the house, and currently resting on my lap), I see that the outer plate has access holes which apparently allow you to remove the motors from the gearboxes without removing the outer plates. If you mount the outer plates as in past years (flanges in, 3-1/2 inches outboard of the inner sheet), you will need a rather long allen key to reach in far enough. (This one https://www.acehardware.com/departments/tools/hand-tools/hex-wrenches-and-keys/27863 was just long enough for the U3.) A number of churro holes have also been moved on both the inside and outside sheets. I don’t see any difference in the end sheet.