Liftoff (FW) build diary

[Liftoff]

Thanks Jonny, doing my best :wink:

''btw, you don't need large tubing on the buffer tank feed.'' come to think of it its not really necessary, you're right - time for ordering parts and start modifying!

I've found this off ebay, looks good for a dump valve - its nice and compact, according to the description in the off position its exhausting. What do you think, is it any good?

Ops forgot the link -here it goes
http://www.ebay.com/itm/PT-3-8-16mm-Mal ... 372wt_1163

[Mouldy]

Looks like you'd have to hold your hand on it while it vents as I think there spring return (closed)... Meaning you'd be getting co2 vented into your hand... Most people here just use a ball valve... Like on a paintball filling station for example.... Put another T fitting before your PRV and stick it in there maybe?

[blazerbotics]

i use http://www.ebay.com/itm/2pcs-6mm-to-6mm ... 337a4fb02f ones like that

[Liftoff]

Right I got it, thanks for the hint. Will replace the elbow with a Tee downstream of the regulator and place a small ball valve - shouldn't be a problem to make it accessible from outside.

Think its not a bad idea to build it to FRA regs just in case I come over one day

Apart from weight are there any restrictions regarding dimensions?

[kane]

No restrictions on dimensions of the bot (excepting ant weights). You'll normally be limited by weight.

[Liftoff]

Good good, I'll keep an eye on the weight - thinking of it, the 5/2 way valve is too big, could have got one with smaller ports and retained the same effect.

[Liftoff]

More progress done today - most of the hdpe work done when you get used to it, its a good material to work with - only thing I hate about it is that it sticks to everything!

Here's a couple of pics with the progress so far:



I've put the pneumatics in and after some trimming to the aft alu tube, got it a nice good fit.



Weighed the thing and its already at 7kg - so it will be really difficult to keep with the 13.5kg limit, but for the competition it doesn't really matter as 17kg is my limit

[Ellis]

If you can build it inside 13.6kg it would be fantastic, that thing is beautiful so far!

Really nice work. Can't wait to see more progress!

Edit: could having the option to run it with wheels get it inside 13.6?

[psycho_fling]

dont forget that extra 100g very useful :P

[Liftoff]

Thanks Ellis, trying to keep it as neat as possible, hope it will perform well also!

''Edit: could having the option to run it with wheels get it inside 13.6?'' I think we could put it on a diet to get it within the 13.5kg limit, the pneumatic system is heavy, I could do without most of the 1/2'' fittings and downsize, the valve as well, would still work with one half the size (that's weighing 450g alone!)
Wheels instead of tracks can be done as well, and that would loose quite a lot of weight as well considering the track system contains four wheels and two tensioners apart from the track itself.

But for this competition its better to keep to the 17kg limit, still need to add some removable steel armour at some areas, and the flipper arm will not come lightweight! Still not decided how to build the arm, steel or alu tube? Its the part which will receive the largest amount of abuse - so I think it will be steel...

''dont forget that extra 100g very useful '' didn't get it, remind me about that pls