Build Logs

Nov. 27, 2006

# We have deviated a bit from our initial plan for the bot. For design simplicity, we decided to go with a Team Whyachi right-angle gearbox for our 3" MagMotor, rather than several small motors. The frame design was completed a few weeks ago, and Mike down at the machine shop did a slick, clean, and fast welding job for us. Thanks to his beautifully uniform welds, we probably won't have to worry about fasteners or weak joints, which doomed us last year. Also, we have finished the bearing blocks, and one of the two motor mounts. Each motor mount is machined from a 10lb block of aluminum, down to roughly 2lbs, to minimize use of extra fasterners and tolerancing issues encountered with larger numbers of parts. At this point, we need to order all of our third-party stuff (motors, gearboxes, electronics, batteries, etc). Once we have the shaft stock in we will be able to modify it to suit our needs, and begin assembling. We hope to have pics of the new bots up eventually!