The following is an update as of yesterday. Today's progress will be recorded in tomorrow's post, because I was planning to send this out yesterday and forgot my QA notes at the build space.
Drive Train: transmission and chain editing, box mounting (looking at pneumatics), testing
Manipulator: box-arm hinge prototype, turret brackets, turret arrived from MechOne, bracket and axle mounting, filing of various parts
Programming: PID drive testing, manipulator code editing
Wiring: creating quick-disconnect cables for turret
As of now we have two problems with the design:
1. The turret mounting mechanisms fit too snugly in the bot frame, thereby not allowing the designed angle to fit between the frame and the mountings as designed. This is a relatively simple fix; manipulator is planning to use the angle as a "guide" between which the turret mountings will fit, as opposed to mounting them directly to the mountings. This simplifies the design overall and should work well.
2. Our second problem requires a slightly more complicated redesign. Essentially, the box-arms are too wide-set to fit in the bot frame. The box will be redesigned and manufactured in order to make up for this. There's also a minor issue getting the balls to fall out of the box once it is in upright position. This may be addressed in a slightly different angle for the box or could be fixed by increasing the hinge angle.
The next post will be published tomorrow, Thursday. If you have questions or suggestions, let me know.
