Middle School Robotics Spring of 2018 - Chapter Four

Robot with more Bling Lights.  Stringing up LED strips proved to be one of the more popular tasks.

Milk carton delivery sub system.  The red part is a servo holder left over from a prior FIRST robot.  It secures a large "quarter scale" servo.  This opens and closes a gate made of polycarb.  The mechanism above it is two car door locks.  These are actually little solenoids that push plastic holders in and out when the speed controller switches polarity.  This keeps the weight of the cartons next in line from pushing down on the gate, and also makes sure we don't deliver all six at once.  All parts have been tested and work, although we still have a minor alignment issue with one of the solenoids.

In these last pictures the robot is mechanically complete, although still having software issues.

Notice that the yellow flasher has been changed out for blue.  I had an extra dome and it fits the color scheme better.  Nice view of the mounted dispensing mechanism.

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Here's where the two solenoid plungers hold the second and third cartons in the tier in place so we only drop one at a time when the servo gate opens.

Those familiar with FIRST robotics know that all team members hate working on bumpers.  Just....hate 'em. Here I just had them stick on some of these padded strips.  We got a big box full of them from one of our sponsors when we did our benefit auction.












Although the dispensing mechanism won't come on line yet we do have drive capability.  Here "Big Blue" goes for a little cruise to visit other classes.  It was driving a bit sluggish.....only after we got back to the barn did I notice that one drive motor was disconnected.  Time for some more cable ties.