Alright, so: we have 4 days until state competition (never a good way to start a sentence), and we are considering swapping out our tilter (large, unwieldy, inefficient) with a basic motorized clamp (compact, efficient, spacious). It would only take us about 20 minutes to make the swap, but I thought I’d ask the ever-wise forum if there’s anything to think about.
Clamps are way easier to code (aka hold code) I’ve never seen much tilters in my tournaments.
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I was having doubts about the code, so I appreciate the input.
Using coast (when using buttons you are using for clamp) and hold, (when your not using the buttons used for clamp) is really reliable.
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A tilter is much better for a mobile goal that you intend to put rings on, while a clamp is much better for a mobile goal that you intend to hold onto or platform. It just matters what you want it to do, as they have different purposes.
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we do have a conveyor belt, but the placement of the tilter and the belt are completely incompatible. With the clamp, we can get the goal within our drive and (a little) in line with the belt. I wish I had photos but as of now I do not.
Clamps are way easier in most aspects and they are more consistent, but I wouldn’t make any too significant changes right before a comp (states especially).
Good luck at states BTW!
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Same thought, if you have experience with the, tilter stick with it. If all goes well at state, you can consider changing out after state for worlds
clamps and tilters are not mutually exclusive mechanisms. The purpose of a clamp is to latch on to the goals. The purpose of a tilter is to angle them. You can have a tilter or a clamp without the other, or you could have both at once.
I would recommend using some form of clamp on all your goals, even on ones that you are also tilting, so that the goal is secure in the robot.
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My automatic answer is no. Spend these 4 days practicing instead. After all, this design was good enough to get you to states in the first place.
But, if you believe you have a 20 minute job, maybe you should go for it. Make sure everything is completely reversible. If it is actually better, practice hard with it. Master it. If you can do that, things should turn out okay.
So it’s your choice. Gauge how much time you have, and choose wisely.
I’d probably try it, as long as it’s easily reversible.
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gonna be honest, we got to state off of the notebook/design award
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This is a good point, but it is basically one or the other for us considering the motor limit and we have no pneumatics to use; it’s basically a matter of repurposing a motor at this point.
I appreciate your confidence that we’ll go to worlds
well if you’re not tilting for any reason other than to hold the goals, then a clamp is much better. but only make the change if you think you have enough time to do it properly.
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That is basically the only reason we are tilting, so this is a very nice conclusion to hear. Thank you!
We’re all cheering for you!
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I love this forum so much, Thank you!!
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I have a question relating to this topic.
My sister team is deciding between 2 mogo tilters (1m per tilter, cannot put goals on platform) or a 1m lift 1m clamp that can put goals on the platform. No pneumatics available, sadly. Which choice is the better option? Only two motors are available, and they want to use the design that has the best strategy.
They are running a 6m drive. Basically the design choice determines whether their strategy is to be in possession of two mogos and to balance the bot on the platform, or to only be in possession of one at a time but be able to put goals on the platform.
Best of luck @Saffron !
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Neither of these options are great. If you don’t have pneumatics I would just make a 4m drive robot, as it allows for many more subsystems. A 4m drive can still be very competitive if built correctly.
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yeah single goal capacity is bad, and an inability to lift onto the platform is also bad. I would go 4m drive before picking between those options.
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