Tuesday, March 19, 2013

We have a busy week ahead of us. With competition a little more than a week ahead we're going full force into our robot. This week we are mainly focused on creating a prototype that mimics our original bag and tagged robot. Our goal is to create a full functioning robot so that we may be able to transfer our equipment onto the original model come competition day. All that can be heard from us this week is the sounds of sawing and metal falling against the floor. On the other hand, we are excited to say that all our progress is being done with new equipment. Once again, we are heading full force into this weeks progress and we hope to be read by next Thursday.

This week we have completed building the base for the frisbee launcher and holder. we used a wheel from a previous robot we had and added it to a motor. when we tested it out, the wheel went at very fast speeds. for the base of the frisbee launcher we used ply wood and we cut a sort of incline shape to one peice of wood to help in leading the frisbee to launch forward.

Progress

We have been working hard to create the base of the robot. However we had to change the design in the robot due to the limited supplies we have. So far we have Completed creating the Wheels and the Motors. The wheels took a while to build and attach, especially when trying to screw them in with brakes, spacers, and belt. Once, the wheels were crooked and uneven. Another problem that occurred was one of the wheels would not move at all. As for the motors they were fairly easy to attach. right now we are attempting to attach the launcher. 

We are a Team

Teamwork shows as we solve a design flaw.

Working Day...

Currently we are about 3 weeks until BAG & TAG on the 15th of February. We must get a design working and have a lot of work ahead of us in order to meet this deadline, I can sense the stress beginning.
This year's challenge: Ultimate Ascend. Click here to go to the 2013 FRC Game Page
-We must build a robot that can get Frisbee into goals of different heights, climb a pyramid, try to get the goal on top of the period, and a human is able to throw Frisbee for 30 seconds.

Having such a tough challenge this year (compared to last year's where it shot basketballs) we have decided to be an offensive team and get some points by getting the Frisbee into the goal. The how is still being debated, but this is what we will get done, as well as possibly climb the period to the first level.

There are a lot of ideas being thrown out there, the challenge is to use these ideas together to have a working robot. Having a shooting system is no good without a loading system, is it? In order to get over this predicament we must think harder and come up with something different if these current ideas are not compatible with each other.

What will we go with? A scissor lift and just drop in the Frisbee? An arm that will basically catapult them into the goals?

Come on guys (and girls) we can do this! We have taken this challenge and will accomplish it. Go T-Birds!

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