FRC 2012 Ball Launcher by iR3 Creative

New! Check our trajectory tests here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l8U9u2iqMEs&sns=em
We designed this basket ball launcher to test shooting concepts on the fly! The Modulox modular design allows us to quickly and easily change wheel rpm's as well as spacing and clamping force. All components are off the shelf and easy to assemble. The only general hand tools required.

This ball shooter was primarily built from a Modulox Channel, Lunchbox Kit, and a few additional Not in a Box components and AndyMark parts. For 3d cad files and a complete BOM check out http://www.Modulox.com

Buy components now at AndyMark.com/Modulox

Note: While iR3 Creative offers Modulox in kits and as a product line, the Modulox Shooter is not intended to be a product and is simply a reference tool and community resource. Please make sure any and all design choices are entirely within competition rules and fit your teams design intent.

Update 1: We've added the step files for your viewing pleasure check out the site for info.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• FRC 2012
• Robot
• Technology
• Entertainment
• FIRST Robotics Competition
• Ball
• Math
• Ball Launcher
• FIRST
• Modulox
• Gear box
• Gearbox

[Th3Fr3m]

What are the dimensions for the frame?

[iR3Creative]

@Th3Fr3m The cad file is downloadable on our site if your looking for the details.

[chewnbubblegum]

Have you guys tried testing this by just using 2 wheels instead of 4? (is there a difference?) and also, are there any rules against "damaging"/marking up the balls from the tires? My team did something like this but the balls got a bunch of tire marks on them, so we were a little worried about getting penalties.

[iR3Creative]

@chewnbubblegum We've yet to try 2 wheels but it would be extremely easy to reconfigure with this set up, maybe we'll give that a shot this week. The wheels definitely mark the ball, but damage is minimal unless it catches something sharp like a bolt. The rules seem to assume there will be some damage to the balls overtime and unless your bot is shredding them a like a blender then I doubt you'll be penalized for it.

[iR3Creative]

@iR3Creative How the ball is fed*

[iR3Creative]

The battery drain was minimal, but it would probably be good not to run it for an entire match. This Video was shot a mildly dead battery with no issue. As for consistency the distance is very consistent the angle can depend on you the ball is fed.

[viper785477]

How much does this whole assembly weigh?

[epicpwner0]

We decided to use smaller motors and save the cims for drive train, but equip it with flywheels to make up for the smaller motors.

[binderadam10]

Aren't those gearboxes pricey?

[MSOLOMON786]

My team had also brainstormed this idea, but were thinking about using different types of tires. We were shooting for something like a baseball shooter like at a shooting cage. Nice work!