This isn't fun anymore

[majinb]

so, we do what we always do, take 1 minute of our time to look up what batteries we need in Aarons chart, and everything proceeds as normal?

... I can live with that...

[majinb]

btw, remember the days of NSBFL when Frank actually asked for kJ output of all spinning weapons and provided us a teamcosmos link for us to calculate this for those who cant do so themselves...

providing a link to a battery chart each tournament wont be THAT much different than that...

[knightrous]

Okay folks, Im putting my money where my mouth is, Ive knocked up a rough calculator for batteries.

http://vapourbots.crystalnode.net/files/battery_calc.xlshttp://vapourbots.crystalnode.net/fi...ttery_calc.xls

its an excel file, but Im going to look at making a web page version. The figures for the batteries might not be 100% in regards to weight and amperage rating (just running it off the top of my head at midnight, errors expected, will update with correct figures soon)

If you dont have Office or the brilliant replacement Open Office, here is a print screen of what your missing out on ;-)

http://vapourbots.crystalnode.net/images/technical/battery_calc.png Battery Calc

Simple enough? Thoughts and comments appreciated!

[knightrous]

bug 1 fix... weight of several packs not calculating.. now fixed and uploaded.

[alex_holt]

That looks useful, but right now it needs some kind of reference against motors to mean something, unless you mean for that part of it to come from the other site Leo linked to?

[leorcc]

Cheers Aaron. It is a start.

To be honest, I would just only do the A123s because:

1: They have the best power to weight ratio.
2: In vapourbots we dont have to pay for them.

[knightrous]

@Alex: This is just the first part, Im looking at doing a similar one for motors in the sheet.. The Tentacle calc will work with it, but provides some good information that I cannot calculate (amperage to wheel spin etc etc).

This is just a rough way of getting people past the excuse of its too hard to put batteries into stats and onto a providing more accurate stats to benefit all involved

@Leo: I put NiCD because people are still a little confused on the new technology. People are use to voltages in stages of 12v, while the A123s are not. Also, most people who play with the lithium batteries speak in terms of cells per pack instead of voltage, as yourself would know, but a vapourboteer (new or old) might not. The idea is to accommodate all, and move this community forward, minimising arguements and providing results :wink:

[leorcc]

Good point, never mind me then.

[mark_m]

http://www.hyperdynamic.co.uk/Mark%27s%20Robot%20Calculator2.htmhttp://www.hyperdynamic.co.uk/Marks%...alculator2.htm

Just select the type of cell and type the number of cells and it will give you the maximum total power output, the weight and the volume occupied.
You can even type in custom figures for other cells. Ive not added A123 cells yet nor the latest LiPos.
You can also select combinations of motors and it will show you the maximum amount of power they can consume before blowing up.
I think this table makes it easy to check if a robot is overweight or got insufficient batteries, even for poeple who know nothing about either.
Any suggestions for improvements, let me know.