Build Diary and some questions that may appear - BW/MW

[Merkabah_PT]

Note to self: Never build a spinning weapon unless its made with precision and proper parts, especially one powered by a 550 motor @ 18v

So, i spent the last days/week building a weapon for primogenito, every thing was going fine until today.
I had already tested it, but today i wanted to test it at full power (18v) against a 2kg 1mm steel power supply. The PSU had no chance, it just flew ~1.5,meters, but the belt snaped in two and pulleys broke.
But that's what you get when you used the wrong materials. One more lesson to me at least.






Now i have to think about how i will make the new weapon, a properlly made one this time.
It will be an electric lifter or clamper powered by a drill or a screwdriver.

[Merkabah_PT]

Some advances on the lifter:




I use a screwdriver to power it, but it's a 3 stage reduction instead of 2 stage one, full metal gearing.
Overvolted from 6v to 7.2v.

Only tested it at 4.8v and it could lift 3kg no problem, at 7.2v it surely will lift much more. Can i use a scale to see the max it will lift?

[Merkabah_PT]

My mom showed my topic and the FRA forum and some youtube links to some of her students (14/15 years old) and they just loved robot combats. Some of them wanted the school to start a club to build and fight.
My mom wants me to get my robot fully working and make a small demo at the school and explain them the basics (small presentation with a powerpoint).

I am really excited because i will have the change to get the interest of students and maybe some teachers.

Armor and cosmetics are not important, but i have to build the control system for the lifter to make the demo. So, to do list: order a servo, UBEC and two relays; build control system; new wiring to handle a third motor.

[Ellis]

That's brilliant news! We live down here in M¡laga, we currently have one active featherweight, if there is ever a suggestion of them wanting some demos I am sure we could make a trip to where you are and help out. Getting interest in the peninsula would be a huge huge thing!

Also, I really like the things you're building. You have a way with chopping board my friend! Keep it up, and post some vids of that lifter when it's alive, it looks great.

[Merkabah_PT]

Thanks Ellis!

For now i will just go to my moms school when i get Primogenitos lifter operational and make a little demo and a simple presentation talking about the components of a robot, some basic rules and fights.

The school as a small robotic club, they build small autonomous robot for the national competition of search and rescue and robotic dance (founded by my mom and other college of hers) and they have a budget for that, arduinos, lego nxt, etc.

If i could get the interest of the school to put the kids building and fighting antweights that would be accomplishment of my life, but if i can get 1 or 2 persons building combat robots that would be a great start.

The biggest problem of this hobby, even more here in Portugal, is the costs. I bought the cheapest TX/RX and it costed me 50‚.

About the chopping board, its the only way i can get raw plastic to use, i cant find hdpe or any other type of usable plastic anywhere. And every thing is done by hand, the only electric tools i can use are a drill, angle grinder and a dremel. But you know, i have to work with what i can get.

[Merkabah_PT]

Some work done this weekend.

[maddox10]

Looks seriously dieselpunk cool.

[Merkabah_PT]

Thanks.
You got me to search what dieselpunk was, i've only heard about steampunk. xD

[maddox10]

Skycaptain and the world of tomorrow is the prime example of Dieselpunk.

[Merkabah_PT]

Just got my order, an UBEC, micro servo to make the lifter controller and some connectors.
Also started to take Primogenito apart to make the upgrades.
Will update the thread later or during the weekend.