HardWired - Upgrades and general build diary

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I can't comment on the level of bite there, but I can definitely agree that it looked from useless in the videos from the champs that I've seen! I'm guessing more 'bite' is better to a certain point? I haven't a clue about all the technicalities, my roboteering knowledge spans pretty much as far as what they used to mention on Robot Wars, back in't day.

Anyhow, I've been trying to get my head round what parts to buy for the build - I'm looking to keep things cheap, but have a high torque (preferably high speed) setup, a bit like 540's was, or Storm 2 - something along those lines. Obviously, not to that degree, but I want to be able to push things about with Hardwired, namely because I'd like it to be a more controlled lifter type bot, kind of like how Panic Attack used to be, if you catch my drift.

So, if anyone sees this and has any suggestions as to what I should look out for, that'd be much appreciated! The cheaper the better, really, and I'd like to avoid LiPo cells where I can because I haven't the foggiest about them, and knowing my tendency to accidentally set things on fire, I'm not sure it's in my, nor anyone's best interests if I'm running around with LiPos!

[Eventorizon]

Doesn't that mean it only gets 0.1mm of "bite" - surely that would be pretty useless? I must be missing something as the champs showed it was far from useless!

It is helped by its driving speed when it attacks, Giving it probably closer to 2mm at top speed, and with the energy involved even poor strikes were good. And we all know what happened when it really engaged! [Inertia & Satanix!]

So, if anyone sees this and has any suggestions as to what I should look out for, that'd be much appreciated! The cheaper the better, really, and I'd like to avoid LiPo cells where I can because I haven't the foggiest about them, and knowing my tendency to accidentally set things on fire, I'm not sure it's in my, nor anyone's best interests if I'm running around with LiPos!

Lipo's are perfectly safe when used correctly, just like any tech really. The expense comes in protecting them inside the machine and with the types of charger you need to recharge them; not just anything will do. The were used in Conker 1 along with a Turnigy Accucel 6 Charger which we now have 2 of, one for each machine. If you don't feel comfortable using them, that's fine.

Alternatives are, as you probably know, NiMH's, NiCAD's, A123 and LiFeSO4. But I think A123's have gone bust, and I think I might be wrong with the last one as its a chemical formula but its close enough.

[Flag Captured]

Lipo's are perfectly safe when used correctly, just like any tech really. The expense comes in protecting them inside the machine and with the types of charger you need to recharge them; not just anything will do. The were used in Conker 1 along with a Turnigy Accucel 6 Charger which we now have 2 of, one for each machine. If you don't feel comfortable using them, that's fine.

Alternatives are, as you probably know, NiMH's, NiCAD's, A123 and LiFeSO4. But I think A123's have gone bust, and I think I might be wrong with the last one as its a chemical formula but its close enough.

I shall have a look at those, thank you! I'll probably stick with some NiMH's just until I 'find my feet' so to speak - after I've figured out exactly how to electronics, I might go for a couple of LiPos... My 'workshop' is merely my bedroom floor and the kitchen side at the minute, so if something did go wrong I don't think things would end well! I have got a worktable type thing now for outside though. Thanks for the tips!

I'm already thinking of some kind of full body spinner for after I've upgraded HardWired so I'll definitely have to get clued up on my battery safety before I get that started!

2wd can push things around quite easily you just need a good scoop/wedge and some grippy ish wheels and if your intending to go 4wd then i would recommend going for lipos because there isn't much difference in price and the nimh packs just cant put out enough amps to run 4 drill motors properly
t made a huge difference when i swapped over to lipos in night fury but i kept scruffy on nimh as it was 2wd and if it got under other bots it had no problem shoving them around

Ah, thanks for the advice! I do need some better wheels... I think the traction on HardWired needs a major overhaul, so I think the screw on wooden wheels will be out ASAP. Yep, they are indeed screw on and screw off - nope, not a safety feature...
That's really helpful that though, having seen robots like Tornado I assumed that the only way to have a robot that can effectively push was to have it 4wd! Thanks for that though, I shall definitely build that scoop into the design - I don't suppose you have any advice for what sort of wheels to use either? I've seen the RoboChallenge blue wheels, heard that they're good but I'm not sure how grippy they are...