Rigid Robotics Build Diary - Flat Damon

[lowndsy]

Been a bit quiet while I settled into my new job and got parts ordered.

I went for HDPE after I saw the price of UHMWPE, so that arrives today. All the interior bracing is done and the frame is super rigid. I read that the bot has to survive been thrown across the room but I didn't want to scratch the paint on my walls so I slung the chassis across Tescos carpark instead. It went > 50 yards and bounced all over the tarmac with no damage so I think it'll be fine. I tried to record it but I accidentally threw my phone 50 yards too. It also survived, but I didn't want to try that again. The chassis and drill motors weigh in at 3.5 kg so it'll be pretty solid with all the HDPE bolted to it. From a thread last week it sounds like Flat Damon will be MASSIVE compared to other bots, but I quite like that!

The connection from my motor to the wheel was looking lovely but despite being a little bit over engineered with pillow bearings and long axles I wasn't sure how it would stand up to serious action. It really just needs a big metal plate and lots of bolts. I'm not really equipped for metalworking so I picked up Matts S900 drivetrain from the for sale forum. I might transplant it over, or try to copy it and save the bits for bot number 2. The only way to make space for the larger motors will be the angle grinder again. They should arrive today as well so it'll be a busy weekend of screwing and bolting. The motors put me over budget on this build, but not massively so.

I ordered a cheapo esc for testing. It is a dual unit which I really like the idea of - not sure why. I imagine I'll swap it out for a more standard solutions like the Botbitz ones before Flat Damon gets in a scrap, but the community seems to be a bit busy getting ready for the next RW series atm so I can wait.

All that is left is batteries, wiring and maybe new wheels to suit the new motors.