FTC 7314 build December 2013

5-December

We eliminated the 4-bar arm, simplifying the arm structure. The primary incentive was to allow the robot to dump blocks into the pendulum baskets on the opposite side from pick-up, thereby eliminating the need to turn the robot arount twice during each scoring cycle.

Using a modified shovel with a "roof", we domonstrated the ability in principle to score to the robot's rear.

Also demonstarted the ability to hang using the revised arm.

Hanging Test

Over-the-head Scoring Test

19-December

This meeting's work focused on collecting and scoring blocks. In considering how to load blocks into the shovel, a new concept was advanced being a thin, bottom-hinged ramp/door which, when down, would slip under blocks and, when closed, would load blocks on it into the shovel and keep them from falling out.

---