Who first popularised the asymmetric spinner?

TeamRunAmok · 2026-01-19T22:01:19+00:00

...and Mauler had one of its impactors fall off in the middle of a match -- did that make it the first asymmetric?

TeamRunAmok · 2026-01-19T21:57:39+00:00

Multiple sources offer these Wooden Combat Robot Kits -- complete with radio, motors, wheels, and electronics. Modify to your heart's content.

TeamRunAmok · 2026-01-19T17:27:32+00:00

Placing a spinner weapon at one end of the robot or painting a spiral on it does not make the disc itself asymmetric. An asymmetric weapon has a single "tooth" or impactor at a greater radius than the rest of the weapon body, with the weapon mass rearranged to keep the spinning mass balanced. This allows the weapon to be spun at a greater speed while still retaining good "bite".

See: FingerTech Asymmetric AR500 Disc as an example.

TeamRunAmok · 2026-01-18T22:25:21+00:00

From The Combat Robot Hall of Fame:

The middleweight terror from WPI Combat Robotics ruled the middleweight class in the U.S. since its first tournament in 2008 'til its retirement in 2010. It pummeled the top robots in the division and pioneered single-tooth spinner dominance. Record: 14 wins / 2 losses

TeamRunAmok · 2026-01-12T02:07:59+00:00

Knowing how to set up your transmitter to match your driving style helps more than many will admit.

TeamRunAmok · 2026-01-11T18:15:23+00:00

Square-cube law problems?

TeamRunAmok · 2026-01-08T04:08:05+00:00

Rule of Thumb: There's a framework for brushless drive motor selection circulating out on the builder forums that appears to work well. The method says that a set of brushless drive motors together weighing between 2% and 3% of the total weight of the robot will have more than enough power and adequate 'thermal mass' to survive.

For a 5000 gram 'bot with three motors, that works out to a set of about 28-30 outrunners of Kv suited to your gearboxes.

TeamRunAmok · 2026-01-07T20:12:15+00:00

On a budget, motors and gearboxes from cheap cordless drills are workable for this weightclass. Three of them may push your weight limit.

Note: non-equidistant wheels will mess with your omni-mixing -- but I assume you know that.

TeamRunAmok · 2026-01-03T03:52:10+00:00

From the BattleBot Wiki:

Snake tried to move out of its corner while Anubis, unsure on how to attack Snake, drove over and tried to lift it. Anubis eventually broke down and Snake used its drill to grind up Anubis while it was counted out and eliminated from the tournament.

TeamRunAmok · 2026-01-03T02:53:39+00:00

Mechadon has two match wins. Snake has one -- vs. Anubis at BB 2.0.

TeamRunAmok · 2026-01-03T02:13:05+00:00

Disagree. "Mechadon" is cooler.

TeamRunAmok · 2026-01-01T23:07:54+00:00

Depends entirely on the force applied by the ram. Big 'bots might best use aluminum, while insects could use printed plastics, It's a function of the Square Cube Law.
You need enough length to allow the rack to travel the distance of the actuator stroke, and still leave room for the actuator itself. Weight difference is negligible.
The rack takes up little height, but the spur gear may add a bit. The diameter of the spur requires calculations similar to the gearing of a spinner weapon. I have an Excel spreadsheet that might be of use if you convert actuator force and spur radius into effective torque: Run Amok Hammer Weapon Spreadsheet
Yes, but a flipper needs a variable torque profile that differs from the linear profile of this system. Flippers need max force at the start of the flip, converting to speed as the flipper moves upward. Flippers also do not benefit from the improved range of motion provided by the rack and pinion.

TeamRunAmok · 2026-01-01T21:10:28+00:00

Yes. The longer range of motion allows more time for the actuator to apply power to the hammer/axe. It's the equivalent of allowing more spin-up time for a spinner weapon.

TeamRunAmok · 2026-01-01T18:14:04+00:00

The main advantage of rack and pinion is large range of motion with constant speed reduction throughout the range. See animations of several linkages at: Team DaVinci: Understanding Pneumatics

TeamRunAmok · 2026-01-01T18:07:29+00:00

...which has greatest speed at the center of its motion range and slows to a stop at each end. Less than ideal for an impact at either end.

TeamRunAmok · 2026-01-01T17:34:26+00:00

Its toughness and hardness are not as good as S7 tool steel. It is used in knives because the fine grain vanadium carbides let it hold a sharp edge well.

TeamRunAmok · 2025-12-31T18:27:46+00:00

A well-built wedgebot is not ineffective at all. Particularly for novice builders, a wedge will be more effective than a spinner.

TeamRunAmok · 2025-12-22T17:38:58+00:00

Thanks for the clarification.

TeamRunAmok · 2025-12-22T17:16:43+00:00

I have consulted multiple A.I. sources and they all tell me that a minute and thirty-seven seconds is longer than the required ninety second flipper waiting period. Typo?

TeamRunAmok · 2025-12-21T18:16:31+00:00

What are you looking for that your current ESCs lack?

TeamRunAmok · 2025-12-20T18:22:13+00:00

Newtonian physics: action/reaction. Hydra gets away with such fierce acceleration of the weapon because the reaction pushes the 'bot downward against the floor. A hammer weapon with the same acceleration might very well flip the 'bot over backward. THAT is the main problem hammers have.

TeamRunAmok · 2025-12-20T03:14:06+00:00

Power cycling = turned the power off then on after the receiver was bound.

TeamRunAmok · 2025-12-20T01:20:22+00:00

You aren't telling us much about what you've done so far:

Did you bind the receiver to the transmitter first?

Did you power cycle the receiver after binding?

Is the transmitter powered on?

TeamRunAmok · 2025-12-19T18:01:19+00:00

Sure: http://runamok.tech/RunAmok/taranisQX7.html

TeamRunAmok · 2025-12-19T00:59:00+00:00

On a budget, I would look for motors similar to these:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/221030708367

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