cool idea, although i get the idea that it would slow down the bot beacuse you wouldnt be able to spin on the spot very easily and there would be more friction, omni wheels can only go forwards and sideways. that is a problem with a lot of omni bots (exept for the mechanum wheels) more friction is created with the different wheel positions. even though might be the case, straifing can be invaluable, i would sacrafice a little speed for straifing anyday.
does anybody have any idea to what i could use for the ball.
i would like them to be 6 to 10cm in size, be fairly light and must be able to take a bit of punishment. dont worry about grip although that would help, i will probably be attatching rubber onto it from a car tyre inner tube.
Wed Jun 08, 2005 9:07 pm
prong Experienced Roboteer
Joined: 19 Jun 2004
Posts: 839
hmmm, well not too sure. Would be nice to be able to machine one up!
failing that you can buy styrofoam balls from craft shops, you could then use that as a base to coat it with soemthing to make it strong. Possibly also you could track down a wooden ball at a craft type shop, or a garden centre....
the tennis ball might work as a temp fix though i dont think that its strong enough. i might give it ago if i cant find something else.
Thu Jun 09, 2005 3:10 pm
prong Experienced Roboteer
Joined: 19 Jun 2004
Posts: 839
you could try filling the tennis ball with that expanding builders foam stuff, that would make it pretty strong. Or if you wanted a bigger ball you could buy one of those little kiddy balls and fill it.
sounds better than using a strait tennis ball, any undercutter would destroy all control that you once ha, thy split to easily normally. sounds the cheapest option yet.
Thu Jun 09, 2005 9:44 pm
Giant Robo Experienced Roboteer
Joined: 17 Jun 2004
Posts: 583
Location: Marayong NSW
Billiard balls?
Fri Jun 10, 2005 2:22 am
dyrodium Experienced Roboteer
Joined: 24 Aug 2004
Posts: 6476
Location: Sydney
Arn't they glass? smash.... _________________ ( •_•)
Joined: 16 Jun 2004
Posts: 9481
Location: Where you least expect
you could cast them from solid epoxy. that wouldnt work too bad. although no idea how you would get the mould of a solid ball.
your best bet would more than likely be to just get a big ball castor and rip the steel ball out of it. ive also seen big rubber castors that have large ball wheels on them. there maybe 50-60mm diameter. _________________ www.demon50s.com - Minimoto parts
http://www.youtube.com/user/HyzerGlen - Videoooozzz
the epoxy idea i have been toying with, but if i would make it i would get a hockey ball(grass) make a cast out of clay. when that sets make 2 hollow halves out of the mould like they make easter eggs by hand (if you dont know, they get the runny chocolate and coat the inside making thin layers until it is thick enough.) then i would glue the two halves together .
Fri Jun 10, 2005 9:02 pm
Glen Experienced Roboteer
Joined: 16 Jun 2004
Posts: 9481
Location: Where you least expect
ah the trusty hockey ball, would be a good item to use in itself if it wherent for the weight. (i should know ive been smacked in the head with one lol). _________________ www.demon50s.com - Minimoto parts
http://www.youtube.com/user/HyzerGlen - Videoooozzz
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