Kamikaze Weapon Testing

Ladies and gentlemen, today we embark on an electrifying journey into the realm of combat robots. Picture this: a three-pound mechanical marvel known as Kamikaze. In the last competition, this formidable creation almost obliterated itself due to a range of issues. But one problem stood out like a sore thumb - the weapon couldn't rev up to its full potential. Was it the motor, the speed controller, or the battery? We're about to find out.

Let's dive into the nitty-gritty, testing a host of components to unlock the ultimate power combo.

The Heart of Kamikaze: The Weapon

Before we delve into the electrifying experiments, allow me to introduce you to the star of our show - Kamikaze's weapon. This magnificent two-pound beast is forged from 4140 steel, destined to whirl around the robot's perimeter at a blistering 200 miles per hour. Impressive, right?

Our quest? To build a test rig that will allow us to connect various motors, speed controllers, and batteries to the weapon blade. The goal is to measure current draw, RPM, and how swiftly we can rev up this high-speed weapon. And so, our journey begins with the construction of our trusty test rig.

The test rig is no ordinary creation. Crafted with precision, it boasts an acrylic platform mounted on a 3/4-inch MDF base. These elements are carefully assembled to provide a solid foundation for our experiments. With holes to route wires and secure electronics, it's engineered for efficiency. Our weapon, the focal point of this endeavor, stands ready to be put to the test.

The Test Rig Unveiled

Behold, the test platform in all its glory! We've securely fastened the motor and weapon to the acrylic platform, ensuring stability and safety. The internals of the rig are a web of wires, with the ESC tucked away. Yes, it might be a bit of a hassle to swap components, but it's a small price to pay for protection and reliability.

Our setup also includes a radio receiver, a power analyzer, and a digital tachometer for precise measurements. With everything in place, we're primed for some exhilarating tests.

But wait, what's the verdict? Does our contraption deliver as expected? You bet it does! A quick test run shows that our rig can handle the intense power of Kamikaze's weapon. It's a terrifying spectacle, but one that promises the power we seek.

The Components Under Scrutiny

Now that we have our testing ground set up, let's turn our attention to the components that will make or break Kamikaze's performance. We've gathered three batteries, three motors, and three ESCs, and they're all vying for a spot in our battle-ready robot.

Our battery lineup includes the original 500mAh power source, an 850mAh contender, and a 1Ah rival. But it's not just about capacity; it's about discharge rate. Which one will reign supreme - higher capacity or higher discharge rate? Our experiments will reveal the answer.

As for speed controllers, we've got a 20-amp ESC and another with an intriguing SimonK firmware. And to keep things interesting, we've also got a robust 40-amp Turnigy Plush ESC that comes with a nifty programming card.

Last but certainly not least, the motors - the powerhouse of Kamikaze. We have the original motor that had its fair share of struggles, and two smaller but mightier alternatives. These newcomers promise more power in a smaller package, but is it too much for our robot to handle?

The Battery Battle

To kick off our testing, we started with the batteries. It's the lifeblood of Kamikaze, and if it can't supply power to the ESC, the rest is irrelevant. We conducted a series of tests using the 40-amp ESC and the original motor, keeping them constant while varying the batteries.

The verdict was clear. The original 500mAh battery struggled to deliver the necessary power, cutting out prematurely. It just couldn't keep up with the demands of our combat robot.

The contenders, with their higher capacity and discharge rates, held their own. However, the 850mAh battery edged ahead with its superior current delivery. It became evident that higher capacity isn't the only factor to consider; the discharge rate plays a pivotal role in Kamikaze's performance.

Electrifying Escapades

With the batteries sorted, we shifted our focus to the ESCs. We quickly realized that our original 20-amp ESC wasn't up to the task of handling the newfound power. Even though it had a 30-amp peak rating, it was incapable of driving the original motor effectively.

We wanted to ensure a level playing field for the remaining ESCs, so we opted for the 40-amp Turnigy Plush ESC, which proved to be a reliable choice. The experiments, still in progress, will determine whether the SimonK firmware in the 20-amp ESC was the cause of the issue.

The Battle of Motors

Now, the most thrilling part of our journey - the showdown of the motors. As we pushed these machines to their limits, one motor quickly revealed itself as a force to be reckoned with. Drawing a staggering 35 amps of current, it left us in awe, but also trembling with a mix of excitement and trepidation.

The other contender, although smaller, held its ground by providing around 25 amps of current. It demonstrated stability and consistency, qualities that might be more valuable in our quest for the perfect power combo.

Our conclusion? While the larger, more powerful motor may seem appealing, the extra power isn't always an advantage. If it draws excessive current, it can deplete our battery rapidly. We're leaning toward the smaller, but more manageable motor as the better choice for Kamikaze.

The Path Forward

Our mission to optimize Kamikaze's power combination continues. With the battery conundrum solved, we're honing in on the perfect motor-ESC partnership. Kamikaze's chassis will undergo a complete redesign to accommodate these changes.

Intrigued to see how this electrifying journey unfolds? Stay tuned for more updates on Kamikaze's journey to power perfection. And while we're at it, we're also giving new life to our one-pound robot, Sergeant Cuddles. Don't miss a beat, and thanks for joining us on this electrifying adventure!

[Video: Stay tuned for a glimpse of Kamikaze's power-packed experiments.]

And there you have it, an electrifying exploration into the world of combat robotics, where we've unraveled the mysteries behind powering Kamikaze, one of the most formidable three-pound robots. With a combination of battery wisdom, ESC finesse, and the ultimate motor selection, we're steering Kamikaze towards an awe-inspiring transformation. Stay tuned for more riveting updates on Kamikaze's evolution, and the resurrection of the one-pound dynamo, Sergeant Cuddles. The power is in our hands, and the future of combat robots has never looked brighter.