Castor Bot

[novicesmml]

I want to build my own castor bot of what i understood a castor bot is a car/vehicle that has a ball in the back instead of 2 wheels and turns really well
(http://www.nxtprograms.com/NXT2/castor_bot/index.html here he uses a wheel that can turn around) .
Is there anything else I have to know before i start to build (to make it good)?
I plan on using a big marble instead of a ball.
Tell me if i have the wrong name or description.
Thanks

[hassenplug]

The caster is the non-powered wheel that can allow the robot to turn in any direction. Many robot have casters, but may be called something other than "caster bot".

I have a big suggestion for you. Keep an open mind. Do NOT assume your first robot will be your best. Generally, the more times you build, and rebuild it, the better it gets.

Try the marble, but try other things, and see what works best for what you want to do. You may find something that works better. Or you may find a better way to use the marble.

Steve

[novicesmml]

Thanks.


Here I go!!

[novicesmml]

One more q. the "non powered wheel" is in the front or back?

[mattallen37]

That is totally up to the designer. When i build Legos, I don't try to be standard, I just try to make it work. Do whatever works best for you. Typically the caster trails behind, but it really depends on the application.

[novicesmml]

okay its done im gonna post a vid on youtube soon.

EDIT: on second thought pictures will be easier.

[novicesmml]

here it is:

IMG_0022[1].JPG

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IMG_0025[1].JPG

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IMG_0027[1].JPG

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Is it good?
Anything i can improve?
Hope you like it.

[mattallen37]

Thanks for sharing the photos.

It looks pretty good.

Of course you could make improvements, but so could nearly every robot builder. There is always something that could be better. More sensors, more abilities, stronger build, fancier design... It really depends on what you want it to do, and if it meets your expectations. The general rule of thumb, is that after rebuild 2 or 3 (or umpteen as 222doc can testify with his biped), it is much better designed.

The last three summers (I have no idea why it is always in the summer), I have built large Lego technic T-Cranes. The first year, it was a good crane, but by the next year, when I built the second one, I thought, "WOW, last year's was so plain, and had so many bugs". Now I look at the second one and think the same thing. Next year, I will probably do the same for the one I built this last summer. The more times I do it, the more I find bugs with design, possible improvements, and I have more parts to build with.

[novicesmml]

upteen is a number?

[mattallen37]

upteen is a number?

Umpteen (you missed the "m"). I have spell check and it didn't turn red, and it is listed on dictionary.com, so yes, I believe so.