Week 4

This week, we were trying to wrap up the final design of the robot so we could have 2 whole weeks to tweak and perfect. We came close.

Building the Robot - January 26, 28, 30, and 31, 2009

The build team built another shooter the same way they built the first one. Except, the CIM was mounted on the opposite side than the CIM on the first shooter was mounted. This was because if we had put the CIM on the same side, it would have been blocking the orbit balls from coming into the first shooter. After they had finished building the second shooter, they mounted it. They had to make sure that the shooter, as well as a ramp, was perfectly straight. It took some time, but they did it.

At the same time, we put a weighted flap over the opening in the collector to the orbit ball bin. This was to make sure that orbit balls didn't go down the collector if they were thrown in by a payload specialist or another robot. Also, 1/8th inch lexan was placed around the bin on the top of the robot, and around the collector to encourage the balls to stay in the robot. They were kept on the robot with the use of masking tape, a temporary solution. Also, the camera was assembled by a couple of people on the team. It took a lot of time finding little pieces, and fun looking at a document on the internet, but the team got it together and mounted the camera on a piece of aluminum angle connected to both sides of the robot for stability. This piece of angle plays double duty by keeping the camera up, and the balls in the bin.

At the same time, we worked on the driver station for the robot. First we had a priority meeting to see what we needed to be on the drivers' station, and what kind of material we wanted it to be made out of. We decided on three joysticks, the driver station, router, power strip, LEDs, and switches, and made of wood. Then, we set one student loose to design the drivers' station. She made the design using wood for the bottom and the sides, but because the driver station was on the bottom level, but still was needed to be seen from the top, the top would be made out of 1/4th inch lexan. Seeing how she had used the architecture room's scales, the mentors approved the design. The wood was found around the room, and the pieces were cut to size and mitered where necessary. Then, the bottom was painted the same powdered blue, and the sides were painted black to match the color scheme. The sides of the drivers' station were put together using a piece of aluminum angle, and wood screws. The bottom and top were screwed on with the same screws. Holes were made for the joysticks' wires, LEDs, and switches. And, everything was Velcroed down to the drivers' station. It was ready to go.

Go to week 3 - Return to the 2009 build page - Go to week 5