NST

[sam_smith]

Re: NST

The original unit was made in a hurry for the first NST only a few weeks before the 2010 champs. It was made with things I had lying around. This time better choice of parts have been used.

Slightly downsized the bearings from 12mm to 10mm.

New grade 5 titanium shaft replaces the old 12mm silver steel one.

lightening pockets added and lightened bevel gearwheel.

Also forgot how long it takes to make one of these....

[Eventorizon]

Re: NST

So you are swapping out the chain drive for the direct drive system? And all this weight you keep saving here and there, where is it going to go?

[grant_ploughbot]

Re: NST

This version has got back to the chain drive for now as it was at the open day as it proved to be reliable. Extra weight can go in many areas like bigger batteries for higher voltage to the disc, bigger magnets, or heavier teeth

[sam_smith]

Re: NST

The plan is also to stick with the chain drive set up as I know it works well enough.

It does seem a shame to abandon all the shaft drive components, but to use them with the Dewalt, i'd have to build a whole new gearbox.

That is a very good question. I'm not 100% sure yet how the weight will pan out. But for certain I need to add some decent chain tensioners to the weapon chain also need to support the back of each drive motor to improve reliability as they loosen from their gearboxes over a competition.

Depending on what's left, I've thought of 4 options:
- Bigger weapon battery (higher capacity)
- Go up to 8 cell on the weapon (& alter chain drive ratio => faster spinup & higher top speed)
- Improve some of the weaker armour
- Bigger teeth

[sam_smith]

Re: NST

Thanks Grant, I almost forgot about adding extra magnets

[shakesc]

Re: NST

From my perspective
- smaller battery
- lots on armour to make it slower
- false teeth


otherwise it looks too damn good

[james...venom]

Re: NST

Looked awesome again at our open day! what on earth will stop it in battle. Certainly wouldnt want to draw predator with it lol. Best get my thinking cap on!

[PJ-27]

Re: NST

It's always concerning when last years WINNER makes improvements!

[calumco]

Re: NST

usually when a good machine gets improvements it means the new bits will break down :P

[RogueTwoRobots]

Re: NST

what on earth will stop it in battle.

I'm gonna guess TS2 :P

[Eventorizon]

Re: NST

what on earth will stop it in battle.

I'm gonna guess TS2 :P

You can count me in on giving it a dam good try! I can't wait for a rematch It should be a different story with better armour and a working weapon

[PJ-27]

Re: NST

I'm intrigue by the home made relay, what have you done there?

Is that bank of MOSFETs?

[sam_smith]

Re: NST

Thanks James, Predator looks pretty formidable with the disc ring.... I remember Ian talking about needing a connection with the machine and that making you much more inclined to step up a gear with some killer driving!

Fair play Alex, look forward to seeing the build diary of your new machine taking shape.

Its good to hear of lots of new machines being built and pushing the boundaries. NST will be entering effectively the same machine so it could be outclassed next year. I've had a new machine on the drawing board since last xmas which I had originally planned to build for competing with next year but after NST won, I decided to give it a chance to fight for the title again

Yes PJ, it is.

[PJ-27]

Re: NST

What's the PCB you've made up? Surely you'd just want them On or Off and you could do that via an RC switch.

[razerdave]

Re: NST

The RC switch contacts get stuck on due to it arcing shut. I'm guessing this is a more resilient method of doing it.