CAD render of our 2014 robot, Zaphod. He will be competing at the SC and NC regionals, and is almost complete in real form and ready for a pre-season competition we are hosting next Sunday. Even ran a demo for 6 hours on Friday morning! We’re pumped for the season to begin.
What exactly do you use to throw the ball (not mechanically, but electrically)?
We are using a set of 4 Mini CIMs through a toughbox Mini we got from the KOP this year. They are mounted in the back on the shooter’s vertical pieces, two Mini CIMs per gearbox, and one gearbox per side. The bumpers do a nice job of hiding/protecting the motors from any impact.
Can we get in on that…if we’re done, that is?
Yes! We’re open to any/all teams – an email went out to all NC FRC teams a few days ago with a link. It’s on Sunday from 10am-5pm (we’ll begin setting up at 9, and have to lock the gym door at 5pm) and have the carpet and ¼ of the field, but need the other ¾. Still finalizing the schedule, but I’m hoping we can begin running matches around Noon after doing some initial experimentation with robots passing beforehand. No official FMS or anything, just teams testing out robots and working on strategies. Here’s the link to get registered: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1gze7lLHP0Q6Jvr6BrhqsqMAwsxaNsXSyUE3tX-TSpUg/viewform
That’s one nice looking render. We’ll get around to posting a screenshot of our robot soon too. I’m looking forward to seeing the design in action come Palmetto. We originally were going to go with a similar style shooter, but decided to go with a more “low profile” approach.
What drive system is that? Mecanum?
Thank you! Can’t wait to see y’all in Palmetto too – should be a good competition.
We have an 8wd system this year – a 4" omni in each corner, and then 2 traction wheels between on each side. We have a lot of torque and power on carpet, but can still turn very quickly and smoothly. 6CIM drive as well.
That 6CIM drive is a popular choice this year. Were doing it as well.
How much do you weigh? I am just working on finishing the flaps like yours, are they inside at the start of your match? thanks for your postings, looks like you took Boom doom and other teams ideas. WHY THE 6 WHEELS AND NOT JUST 4
We haven’t done an official weighing, but expect to be right around 110 per CAD (it was within a pound accurate last year). The flaps are made from alumalite, which is basically corrugated plastic with aluminum faces – stiffer than lexan, yet lighter. Boom done was certainly an inspiration to our design, but we modified the way we get the arm shot and the gear ratio substantially. The flaps are inside the perimeter at the beginning, but fold out for the match. (Haven’t decided if we will make them able to fold back in during the match or not, likely not though.)
It’s 8wd, not 6 or 4; I detailed it in the above post. Incredibly stable and accurate with driving.