Review the presentation below for an overview of the different parts and tools you will use in constructing robots and mechanisms for this course. Keep in mind that the TrikeBot will be PERMANENT.
vex_parts.pptx | |
File Size: | 742 kb |
File Type: | pptx |
Below is a video overview of the TrikeBot we will be building.
The first parts to build out are the c-channels that will hold the motors, drive shafts/axles, bearings and wheels.
- Attach the motors. The place where the drive shaft inserts into the motor should line up with the LAST hole on the c-channel. The motors must be attached with golden bolts: the longer ones will work.
- Attach the black delrin bearing with two bolts. The bolts should come from the inside of the c-channel so that the nuts are up against metal. Leave the last hole on the bearing empty to line up with and support the drive shaft.
- Run the short drive shaft through the bearing, and slide on the shaft collar before inserting into the motor.
- Push the shaft collar up against the c-channel side in order to hold the shaft into the motor. Tighten the black nut in the shaft collar lightly.
- Slide the large wheel onto the shaft. Place a shaft collar on the outside and lightly tighten to hold it on.
Now, attach the crossplate and Vex Cortex computer across the top to join the two sides.
- Bolt the crossplate across the two c-channels using Nylock Nuts. Choose bolts just long enough to pass through the holes in the metal, but not long enough to stick out further than the nut. I recommend that you put the bolts in from the bottom of the C-channels, since it makes it easier to attach the nylock nuts if they are on TOP on the robot's frame.
- Attach the Vex Cortex to the top of the crossplate with Nylock nuts and bolts. Be sure to leave enough room at the front for the wheel.
The VEX Cortex can be attached with two bolts and nylocks in the slots.
For the front wheel, attach a black plastic (3-hole delrin) bearing to the very front of the c-channels. Insert bolts and buts to hold it on, but the leave the last hole open to run the axle through. Insert the axle and a small wheel with shaft collars to hold the wheel in the center. Then place shaft collars on the outsides of the shaft/axle to hold it in place.