 |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The new kids on the block didn't know anything either!!!
Weight did not sound like a
"big issue" in the beginning, but in the end it meant everything. All of a sudden your "lightweight" turns into a "heavyweight".
Be Realistic!
Sure, everyone would love to have 8 different weapons.....But if you're trying to build a BattleBot at 115lbs., you can't have weapons that weigh 85lbs. That is why there are WEIGHT CLASSES.
The first step in building your Battlebot is weighing all the parts, in the beginning. Remember one bracket can do many things. You have to weigh ALL the pieces in the BattleBot!
Take your important parts, such as, motors, wheels, gears, speed controllers, batteries and that can of nuts and bolts and put them on a dependable scale (We used 4 computerized Racecar Scales for accuracy - Someone else used his Veterinarians scale!). You can also go as far as to weigh Side-to-Side and Front to Rear for the proper weight distribution. This will allow you to see if your Battlebot is top heavy and will be simple to flip over! You need all these parts anyway so start with them. You'll find that all that weight equals 1/2 or more of what your total weight should be and then realize that only leaves the rest for your frame, armor & weapon.
If you look at any of the top BattleBots in competition you will see that drilling holes is an easy way to eliminate weight. Remember, if you are overweight, you don't get to fight! Don't beat yourself. You cannot remove a motor to make weight! Yes, you have just built yourself a Middleweight but its 15lbs. overweight.
|
|
|
|
Don't think you can run it as a Heavyweight you will get pushed and shoved and destroyed first round. You won't have enough power to be a Heavyweight. Give yourself a buffer-zone....Also, Don't show up for competition exactly 210lbs. with your Heavyweight. Scales do vary....Give yourself leeway on weight. Another good place to take your Battlebot to have it weighed is your local UPS or FEDEX Depot.
My motto: It is a lot easier to add weight than take it out!!
Keep in mind, in competition, when you win that first battle but need another bracket somewhere, make sure you do not go over your weight...
COMMENT: Winston Cup Racecars have to weigh NO LESS than 3400lbs. The only way some of the teams get through inspection is to leave a helmet in the car as it goes over the scales! That is how serious it gets!
Keep in mind:
Lexan - Light, strong and resistant to impact.
Aluminum - Strong durable and easy to use. (It is stronger than Lexan).
Wood - What were you thinking???Remember, you are going into an arena with SAWS!
Ted Walters
|
|
|
|
|
DO NOT CONSTRUCT OR OPERATE A ROBOT OR BATTLEBOT UNLESS SUPERVISED BY A QUALIFIED ADULT.
CONTESTANTS ARE SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR ROBOT OR BATTLEBOT WHETHER OR NOT IT COMPLIES WITH THE RULES OF BATTLEBOTS, INC. (COMPANY) OR HAS BEEN INSPECTED FOR SAFETY OR OTHERWISE BY THE COMPANY.
THE CONTESTANTS' RESPONSIBILITY INCLUDES ALL MATTERS OF SAFETY, CONDITION, DESIGN, CONFORMITY TO LAW, OPERATION, MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR USE AND FOR ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
BY ACCESSING THE COMPANY RULES OR PARTICIPATING IN ANY EVENT EACH CONTESTANT WAIVES ALL AGREEMENTS, WARRANTIES, GUARANTEES, RIGHTS AND REMEDIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED (IF ANY), INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ANY OBLIGATION OR LIABILITY OF THE COMPANY WITH RESPECT TO ANY MATTER DESCRIBED ABOVE AND ANY DIRECT, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OF ANY KIND OR NATURE, WHETHER OR NOT ARISING FROM THE NEGLIGENCE OF THE COMPANY OR ANY OTHER PERSON, AND ANY RISKS WITH RESPECT THERETO ARE HEREBY ASSUMED BY CONTESTANTS. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
This is Ted Walters' contribution to our "Tips from the Pros" Section. The builder of BattleRat offers his suggestions on how to maintain your optimum fighting weight for BattleBots competitions! Read on!
