FTC 7314 build December 2013
5-December
We completed the reassembly of the new simplified arm structure. As described earlie, 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. In addition, by reducing the number of bushings involved in arm rotation by a factor of four, we significantly reduce frictional losses in the arm drive.
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.
But we have no way of getting blocks into the shovel! That is a matter for our next meeting (one problem at a time).
| 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.
