We are Makers.
Yes, we are makers and lifelong learners. Our commitment to D38 robotics and work-based learning programs since 2019 in the Tri-Lakes community has taken much of our “free” time as retired professionals. With the handoff of Bearbotics FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) Team 4068 to D38, we feel we can now get some time to get back for our own projects. As part of our New Years Resolutions for 2025 we are committing to ourselves to get back to our own making. We can’t promise a regular, consistent blog, but we do plan to share on this website our journey in some of our projects.
We no longer provide professional services under contract. Since 2020 and the founding of Monumental Impact in the northern El Paso County community in Colorado, we have been volunteering our time to career-readiness, work-based learning experiences for high school students and coaching FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) teams under Monumental Impact. We are committed to enabling students with informal project experiences that help with their career decisions and foster lifelong learning through Monumental Impact with community members.
Our Blog
- The 1st Gobble Squabble killed it!
Well, not literally, even the turkey onsite was not hurt. All of those in attendance had fun and enjoyed the battles. Some pictures [below] and videos of the event are available. Big Shout to Doc Pounds from ConcealFab for offering prizes to first second and third place student participants. To Chris Haataja with the Colorado … - Gobble Squabble: Details Of Electrical Controls
This post documents details of the electrical control circuitry for your Antweight combat robot, including connections and assembly. Specifics of connecting all the recommended types of motor controllers/ESCs are included. Please refer to the pictures for information and details. Click here for information on where to obtain any of these parts. VEX Motor Controller 29 … - Gobble Squabble: Mechanical and Electrical Components
To complete your robot, you’ll need some additional components. This post describes these parts and provides information on sources for purchase. One thing to consider when you’re buying these parts is whether or not this will be the only Antweight robot you’ll ever make; if not, buy small parts in bulk when you can so … - Gobble Squabble: Tips For Designing Your Robot For 3D Printing
Creating your own unique combat robot design for 3D printing will be one of the most rewarding parts of your project. This post contains guidance, tips and recommendations to help you succeed — but you’re welcome to use a wide variety of other methods, as long as your robot complies with the rules. You’ll need … - Gobble Squabble: Motor Controllers
You’ll need motor controllers, also known as “ESCs”, to enable you to drive and operate your robot. Together with the RC transmitter and receiver, the controllers vary the actual voltages sent to the robot motors so you can change the robot speed and direction, as well as operate the weapon(s). Key design and selection considerations … - Gobble Squabble: Selecting Wheels
Wheels are a critical part of your robot design, and can make it real difference in how your robot performs. There are many options, with a wide range of performance impacts and costs. Here are some good workable options for your consideration, but feel free to innovate and experiment! Pololu 42x19mm wheels: inexpensive, tractive and … - Gobble Squabble: Selecting A Transmitter
You will need a matched transmitter and receiver to control your robot and drive it around the combat arena. The only rule here is that your transmitter cannot interfere with anyone else’s robot. But you will want a system that is reliable, has the flexibility to control all the features of your robot, and is … - Gobble Squabble: Selecting Batteries
Key factors to consider when selecting the battery and vendor for your Antweight combat robot: We recommend using LIPO batteries in Antweight combat robots, due to their ability to deliver maximum power at low battery weight. We recommend 3S LIPO batteries with a capacity of around 480 mAH if you use a spinning weapon; you … - Gobble Squabble: Selecting Motors
Motors are a key ingredient in your own customized design for a combat robot. Therefore, it’s recommended that you select your motors very early in your design process. Motors provide the drive for the wheels to move your robot around, and for the weapon (if your robot has one) to control and/or attack the opponent’s … - Gobble Squabble: Getting Started
Welcome to the Gobble Squabble squad! This information is to help you get started. We will progressively publish more information to help you with planning and building your 1 lb (aka “Antweight” in the USA) combat robot for participation in this year’s Gobble Squabble event.With good cost and parts selection, you should be able to … - Gobble Squabble: An Opportunity for STEM Learning
What did you say? Gobble Squabble! What is that? Gobble Squabble is a robotics event presented by the Colorado Combat Robotics Club in November in Colorado Springs, Colorado. This is an inaugural event instigated by Techno Chaos in collaboration with the Pikes Peak Business & Education Alliance, Bermuda eSports and the Colorado Combat Robotics Club. … - The Journey to our Winning AVC Bot…
When Cameron and I stepped up to enter in SparkFun Electronics’ AVC (Autonomous Vehicle Competition) Logistics Class, we knew it would be tough. When we started our design brainstorming at the end of May 2018, we were still awaiting whether SparkFun Electronics would still host the Logistics Class category AND there were hints of rule … - Prototyping with LEGO®s to collaborate on a AVC robot
Cameron, our 14 year old son, and I are teaming up to create an autonomous robot for Sparkfun’s AVC competition. Right now the plan is to compete in the Logistics Class category. We are awaiting the announcement that they will do this category of competition this year. Last year they only had one competitor in … - Getting started with The Sorter
Things are starting to get under control at the Colorado Maker Hub with a Board, our mission and initiatives for the year, so I should have some time now to dig into investigating some areas of The Sorter, right? Wahoo! Let’s investigate! There’s been much talk about 3D Printing and prosthetics so I figure a … - Can a robot sort my LEGOs?
As an organizer by habit and nature, I picked up the nickname Chaos Buster as friends and family would find me in roles of organizing projects, solving problems or sorting items to bust the chaos. During and after we closed our makerspace in Texas, we had collected 500K+ LEGOs and other items. In our move …