Compressor-based flipper

Im just wondering if anyone could give me a quick run-through of how the flipper shown in the link below works. I understand the basic principles etc but im just wondering what kind of compressor would do the job in terms of PSI required and where i would get one from. also, would i need buffer tanks etc? obviously wouldn't be looking for FP power but i like the idea of how light and compact this type of system would be.

http://askt47.dsl.pipex.com/Robot_WarsS ... ojects.htm

As far as i know, little hitter uses something similar to this?

Cheers

Dan

You won't get FP from that type of compressor. It's basically the compressor from a car tyre compressor used to pump tyres up so is good for a low pressure system. A buffer tank would be a good idea. Little hitter uses a conventional pneumatic system

thanks. always thought little hitter used something different! may have to get hold of a 300psi car tyre pump and see how far i can push it then! cheers

Think the original LH, Blue used a compressor. Maybe thats where you're talking about?

You'll be lucky to get anything more than 50psi out of one, no matter what it says on the box. Compressors have been tried, and they don't work, best stick with CO2.

I've been messing around with the idea of using a compressor and the 1 i have hooked up to an old extinguisher can reach 150 psi cos ive used it for testing valves and rams

the difficulty i've found is getting a 12v pressure switch

How long did it take to fill the buffertank?

unfortunately i cant remember but i can time it tomorrow i have been over vaulting the 12v motor to 14.4v generally and the buffer tank is a 1 kg extinguisher

Stick with co2, I would imagine compressed air will not be allowed anyway as it would fuel a fire, co2 is non flammable.

the rules say air is allowed

Quote:

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9.1 Allowed Gases
Pneumatic systems must use Carbon Dioxide [CO2] or Air.
9.2 Maximum Pressure
The maximum pressure at any point within a pneumatics system must not exceed 1000psi (68bar).

---

Compressed air is allowed, but up to the 1000 psi mark.

Also, non of the Event organisers have a compressor available for 1000psi compressed air.

done the test it took 45 seconds to get to 150 psi

So, after the first 2 flips it will take 45 seconds to selfright.

I do see a problem.

it drops about 20psi on the gauge each time i used a 40 bore 70 stroke ram and it also depends if you need full pressure to self right

and the ram can flip a 15kg Tyre over at 100psi

ive purchased a pump so ill experiment with changing the motor so that i can use 22.2v and see how it goes from there.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/290555767209? ... _500wt_924

the best way ive found so fat to connect to the buffer tank

Gents by all means experiment but when Mario and Alan (both of whom have built several pneumatic machines) are telling it won't work and no other machine in the arena has used such a system in years you have to start to wonder if you are flogging a dead horse.

Basically it is only a matter of time. If you get the time to bring your tank up to pressure it makes no difference if the pressure came from a bottle or a compressor. The only problem is that time is a luxury most of us do not have while in the arena. Getting your gas from a pre-filled bottle makes life a lot easier.

I know of only 1 robot that still uses a compressor, and it is at best to be called a lifter. It is one of the German machines. It works, but selfrighting is a nightmare and takes way to long if it works at all.

What is the advantage of having a compressor?

Seems a bit like going into the arena with flat batteries and charging them while there, only you also have to carry the additional weight to charging equipment......