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Introduction Videos
Introduction Videos
This is a fantastic playlist that incorporates a lot of small things that you will wish you had known your first time in VEX.
Introduction to Building
Introduction to Building
There are basic rules in building in order to make a structurally sound and effective robot. If they are not followed, it is hard to keep the robot working properly.
When putting an axle through metal, use bearing flats
When putting an axle through metal, use bearing flats
The bearing flat keeps the axle stable and stops it from moving around. The bearing flats will have to be screwed onto the structure as well.
Always use collars when adding motors
Always use collars when adding motors
As seen in the photo to the left, when the motor is screwed onto the structures, using the collar will stop the axle from falling off the motor. The collar has to be screwed on really tight so that the axle does not come out. Having the collar easily accessible is also a good idea as it allows for easier maintenance.
Use exact spacers to fill in spaces in axles.
Use exact spacers to fill in spaces in axles.
These nylon spacers shown in the picture to the left should be used to fill in any spaces in the axles. Using them to fill the axles causes the wheels or gears to not move and keeps them steady. Before implementing them, calculate the distance of the space beforehand to make sure no space is left.
Use Nyloc nuts and Keps nuts in different places
Use Nyloc nuts and Keps nuts in different places
Nyloc nuts should be used for structures which are going to be permanent and has to be kept sturdy. It should be used in places that are easy to reach as Nyloc nuts takes more effort to undo than Keps nuts.
Keps nuts should be used in places that are hard to reach or is temporary. Keps nuts are much easier to do and undo but should always be done tight. They could get lose from constant movement or vibration and so should be checked before matches.
Put the Brain and Battery in an accessible place
Put the Brain and Battery in an accessible place
The Brain's touch screen interface is quite important for coding and so there should not be any mechanisms and structures in front of blocking the way. For the battery, they will need to be replaced quite often and so should be accessible. The brain and battery also has to be close to each other as the battery cable is quite short at around 15 cm. A good place to permanently put a brain is the back of robot as there usually is a flat bar for holding up a mechanism.
Always keep gears completely aligned
Always keep gears completely aligned
When gears are unaligned, they could get damaged quite easily as the teeth could get dull and would need replacement. Keeping the gears aligned can be done by using the aforementioned spacers to fill the axle spaces.
Always keep in mind the 18 inch limit
Always keep in mind the 18 inch limit
The 18 inc x 18 inch x 18 inch limit is quite easy to forget and so the robot should be routinely measured throughout the season when adding new components. It should also be kept in mind that the limit only applies to the start of the match and expansions are allowed.
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