Difference between revisions of "FTC Hardware Tips and Techniques"
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JohnDelacy (Talk | contribs) |
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* Tips and tricks | * Tips and tricks | ||
** Hardware advantages (strong, rugged, robust, screws stay tight, etc.) | ** Hardware advantages (strong, rugged, robust, screws stay tight, etc.) | ||
− | ** Tools to use (T-handle allen wrenches (ball end?), electric screwdriver...) | + | ** Tools to use (T-handle allen wrenches (ball end?), electric screwdriver, small phillips...) |
+ | ** gripping screw heads w/ pliers | ||
** Hole pattern allows connecting at various angles (OK, 45, 90, 135, 180 deg.) | ** Hole pattern allows connecting at various angles (OK, 45, 90, 135, 180 deg.) | ||
** Counterweights are hard to make | ** Counterweights are hard to make |
Revision as of 16:32, 11 September 2008
Owner
John DeLacy Assisted by Ian McBride
Goals
- Get coaches started with the FTC mechanical and electrical components.
- Highlight potential problems and pitfalls.
Schedule
- 6:00 pm Wednesday September 17, 2008 at OMSI
Prerequisites
These are suggested but not necessary... FTC Getting Started with C or FTC Getting Started with NXT G
Outline
- Tips and tricks
- Hardware advantages (strong, rugged, robust, screws stay tight, etc.)
- Tools to use (T-handle allen wrenches (ball end?), electric screwdriver, small phillips...)
- gripping screw heads w/ pliers
- Hole pattern allows connecting at various angles (OK, 45, 90, 135, 180 deg.)
- Counterweights are hard to make
- Parallelagram arms look good
- Connecting Lego and Tetrix together
- We needed more screws/nuts than what were provided - one size is hard to find
- Use holes in pieces to reach screws (long wrenches)
- Motors vs. Servos
- when do you use Lego motors?
- Mounting motors
- What can go wrong
- Supporting servos and motors
- Need low center of gravity
- Battery management and electrical issues
- Recharging batteries - get a quick charger
- Watch for shorts
- Use heat-shrink tubing if allowed (check this)
- Careful cable routing - cables are rather stiff
- Are more flexible wires available?
- Differences from last year
- any kind of connector (still true?)
- tape, velcro, zip ties, rubber bands...
- Hands On workshop - build an arm