Week 4 of Build Season

After testing many different types of shooter wheels, the team decided to custom build their own wheel. Here is a picture of the mold used to pour the the mold this week. Utilizing a 6″ Vexpro wheel, the team plans to pour it’s own rubber wheel. Stay tuned for pictures and testing of the wheel. The team wants to maximize contact with the frisbee while launching it. By molding the shooter with a curved edge to handle the frisbee, the team hopes to get the results we are looking for.

Truck Town thunder student team members got the opportunity to try their hand at public speaking this week. Team members were to stand up and give a two minute talk on what they have been working on this build season to determine the Chairman’s Presenters this year. Team members were then assessed using this rubric by mentors on the team. Presenters must represent the team as a whole and be able to speak of the accomplishments of the team. They also must be able to speak effectively and understand what it means to be on a FIRST Robotics Team.    Public Speaking Rubric

Chassis drawings were finalized this week and the team has began fabricating parts for the 2013 Thunderbox Transmission. The team has prided itself on making custom transmissions and it has been instrumental in the saying “Noone Pushes Truck!” The transmission utilizes a pneumatic cylinder for shifting gears. It also is custom fit for this year’s chassis design. The drive will be a combination chain and belt driven system. Due to past experience with chain tension, we feel this will help with failures on the field and allow for a more robust system.