Mecanon Bot

		Hi Hi! I'm known just as the Mecanon Bot (I don't even have a real name! ) and I was a project that Team 701 has completed in the off-seasons for fundraisers and the sort. I guess I was like an "experiment" to the team because they used me to test out new techniques and technologies that they could probably use during Build Season. I have a plain, aluminum, C-Channel chassis from kit metals. I am positioned on a detachable mount that is made out of plywood and I hold a pneumatic-charged "canon" (hence, the name "Mecanon Bot"). 4 Regular Chip Motors are each attached to a independent, custom-built drive transmission of each of my wheels. However, my low clearance, mecanon friction, and heavy weight (from the shooting mechanism at the top) makes me very "energy- gorging" and inefficient in drive. But that is blalanced with all the good aspects I have (such as the canon) . I am controlled by a Vex controller and so I require two batteries and seperate turn off switches. My canon can change the angle of elevation by contracting and releasing a heavy-duty rope by a Window motor. (I can't swivel yet...but it's something

Hi Hi! I'm known just as the Mecanon Bot (I don't even have a real name! ) and I was a project that Team 701 has completed in the off-seasons for fundraisers and the sort. I guess I was like an "experiment" to the team because they used me to test out new techniques and technologies that they could probably use during Build Season.

I have a plain, aluminum, C-Channel chassis from kit metals. I am positioned on a detachable mount that is made out of plywood and I hold a pneumatic-charged "canon" (hence, the name "Mecanon Bot"). 4 Regular Chip Motors are each attached to a independent, custom-built drive transmission of each of my wheels. However, my low clearance, mecanon friction, and heavy weight (from the shooting mechanism at the top) makes me very "energy- gorging" and inefficient in drive. But that is blalanced with all the good aspects I have (such as the canon) . I am controlled by a Vex controller and so I require two batteries and seperate turn off switches.

My canon can change the angle of elevation by contracting and releasing a heavy-duty rope by a Window motor. (I can't swivel yet...but it's something

to improve on!). The canon is powered by a heavy, sturdy pneumatic system. With this canon, I can shoot small, foam balls. Besides the canon, my best feature is my Mecanon wheel. I am the only robot on the team that can drive sideways and diagonally.

I am a huge hit at fundraisers, presentations, and projects. I've been featured at Vanden High School's Homecoming, football games, and most recently at the Lego League Competition at Sam Brannan Middle School in Sacramento, California (December 2007). I shot out foam balls, and an Elmo Plushie during the Lunch Break and the kids had a blast! (The Elmo Plushie was not harmed in any way).

As stated before, I am a project that has gradually been built by the team since about 2004. My most recent modifications however were provided by Ian Dickerson, Eric Smith, Ki-Tae Wolf, Steven Sigley, Anthony Stralla, and Michael Sanchez.

Profile Information provided by: Ki-Tae Wolf

As written: Priya Rangan, January 2008