2011:2/5/2011

Drivetrain

Fixed chains and spacers. Painted brackets. Still need to do bumpers. Also need to modify the cart to fit the drive base.

Arm/Manipulator

Working on deploying arm from "park" to fully extended. The "elbow" joint will have a notch that hooks onto a small horizontal peg on the robot frame when the arm's in park; when the arm is moved, the notch will rotate off the peg and the arm can then lock. Wires will need to run on the inside of the elbow joint. Testing needs to be done to see whether the manipulator will whack into the ground when the arm extends, and if so, how hard (will it knock the ubertube loose?). Parts for the arm and tower are in, except for the new notch-and-peg. Assembly will start today!

Minibot/Deployer

There will be two square frames with sliders inside them. Three gas shocks inside each frame will extend to push the sliders out; the longest shock will extend in two seconds, so that is the time for deployment. Minibot frame is assembled. Total weight will be under 5 pounds (hasn't had lightening done yet). Minibot should be assembled and ready to test this weekend!

Electrical Main

Need to start looking at where the wiring for the arm goes, and what protection it needs.

Electrical Controls

Design

Programming

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