Starter/Beginner Robot

[Anttazz]

Looking for some advise/direction at getting into the world of fighting robotics.

Since first seeing robot wars as a kid I have wanted to get in to it all myself and now finally have the ability/time to take something on. I have a fairly decent theoretical understanding of how it all works from school/university but as i'm sure you'll agree theory and in practise and 2 completely different things.

Was wondering if you knew of/had any robots out there for sale that I could have a practise with and eventually begin to enter into some competitions. Nothing too expensive as I don't want to ruin anything or throw money away needlessly if I make a mess of it, but something that preferably works that I would be able to experiment on.

That may sound a bit vague, but hopefully you know what i'm on about.

[jonny]

Re: Starter/Beginner Robot

what weight class are you looking for?

[Anttazz]

Re: Starter/Beginner Robot

No specific weight class really, just something to start off with and preferably not something too complicated for me, at the moment, to get my head round. Any suggestions would of course be welcome.

I have never been to any of the events before, only ever watched robot wars on the tv so heavy's are the only real battles ive ever seen and therefore originally inspired me. Camera-phone videos from youtube of other weight classes don't give quite the same effect as the full tv experience although I am very open to suggestion/persuasion.

[typhoon_driver]

Re: Starter/Beginner Robot

viewtopic.php?f=166&t=3578

That's about the cheapest you will find a decent running featherweight for

[Anttazz]

Re: Starter/Beginner Robot

I assumed that one had been sold? Also, having some sort of weaponry on the robot would be advantageous, just so I can see it working, as seeing it in practice I think would help me, although it is a definite option if it is still going.

[jonny]

Re: Starter/Beginner Robot

a good place to start is antweights, my first antweight cost me about £40!

[typhoon_driver]

Re: Starter/Beginner Robot

get yourself along to an event and see machines there. Stand beside the pit and ask questions. People may be busy if they have a battle coming up etc but if they are free anyone will be happy to show the full workings of their bot and explain all the different bits and pieces that go together to make one.

I can understand where you are coming from as I like to see things in person to work out how they work (that's why i hate uni as everything is paper based) but instead of just buying a machine get to an event. Chances are there will be one nearby.

[Anttazz]

Re: Starter/Beginner Robot

Sounds like a good idea, Gary. Hopefully there are events in Glasgow at some point? Though I think I would like to have something to go home to after talking to guys at the shows and try it for myself. Otherwise I think I would go mad from wanting to giving it a go myself. Really, I'm definitely going to get into it, but just want to get a wee starter bot to begin with.

Jonny, Antweights are definitely an option, though I haven't seen much of them. For £40 you cant really lose a lot on it. How did you go about making one so cheap?

Possibly it would be easier to see how it everything works in a larger bot though? Was hoping there would be some retired bots out there I would be able to get hold of for not a massive amount of money. Do you reckon that would do or would it be out dated?

Thanks for the input guys, its much appreciated, as is your continued advice.

[typhoon_driver]

Re: Starter/Beginner Robot

O jeez, you're up in Glasgow? Fantastic! Where abouts? You at university?

Sadly there aren't many events ever held up in Scotland due to the main roboteering community being down in England. It does usually mean a good few hundred miles to a comp and back (last one took me 1001 miles ) however if you are up this way then I can show you my own machines and speak through things in person.

[Leonardomayo]

Re: Starter/Beginner Robot

(last one took me 1001 miles )

Now i've got the proclaimers in my head. Thanks.

[Anttazz]

Re: Starter/Beginner Robot

That would be awesome. Ideal really, as fun as a 1000 mile (or 500 then 500 more) trip sounds I could do without it at the moment if possible. I just graduated this year, you at the university yeah? Im out just past the west end in west dunbartonshire, though working away from home til monday evening.

[typhoon_driver]

Re: Starter/Beginner Robot

Lol that one was a bit extreme but you'd be amazed at how quickly the miles go by. I'm at strathclyde uni in my final year. I live out in the east end, got a flat in dennistoun. My workshop is through in Edinburgh though. I'll be back through there in around 2 weeks time so I'll be able to bring back a featherweight. We can sort out a meeting up closer to the time if that's cool? Get a few beers in and get you building some bots

[RogueTwoRobots]

Re: Starter/Beginner Robot

Hey Tony,

Were you Glasgow Uni? Or Strathclyde/Caley? Studying what?
I just finished at Glasgow Uni in June (although not graduating till December) and I'm in Peru for five weeks at the moment but I'd also be happy to meet up and show you my machines (Gary now owns one of my old robots) at some point. Featherweights are the biggest size of machine I've got but Gary's got some bits of bigger machines that will give you an idea of things.

Anyway, nice to see some more local interest

[Anttazz]

Re: Starter/Beginner Robot

Hello guys,

Gary, Jamie, Legends. Would be great to catch up with you all at some point. Sounds like it'd be an ideal way to get in to the sport.

Gary, sounds good to me mate. Send us a message closer to the time whenever suits you and that would be magic.

I was at UWS (formally Paisley) doing Music Tech, then moved of University of Toronto to finish my degree. I've had an interest for a long while, but I never saw much activity which has stopped me from going after anything really. Been watching these forums for a month or so now and didnt see anything so nearly gave up, but thought I may as well try a wee post or 2 to see what was happening. The post was actually partially encouraged by reading your post about Drumroll actually, originally hoping someone would have something similar. Though you guys help is better, yet originally unexpected lol.

[typhoon_driver]

Re: Starter/Beginner Robot

yet originally unexpected

Well you just learned your first lesson in the spobby (sport/hobby), everyone is willing to help you out. You can head into the arena, trash each others machines and 5 minutes later be lending each other parts worth hundreds to get the machines back together for your next fights