August 22-29, 2020
(This series was written live while building, but being posted now as we approach the airing of our first fight.)
Hard to believe it’s only been seven days since we started work on the bot we now know as JackPot!
We have experience in smaller weight classes, but this is our largest project by far. Our first big undertaking was our 6’x6’ insectweight combat arena. It has a seamless steel floor and 4’ tall lexan walls, and holds 150g, 1lb and 3lb competitions. Our events have been popular with local and nationwide builders.
Jeff competed in 12 combat robot events all over the US in 12 months up to 2020 Motorama Robot Conflict in February. He brought VCR’s heaviest builds to fight there. 30lb Whale Sloth and 12lb french maid robot uWumba have been our heaviest bots until now. He joined Team Malice when Season 5 was announced, and helped build Malice. Then inspiration struck, the rest of the team jumped onboard, and JackPot was on its way!
It’s a huge jump from insect to heavyweight, but we have benefited from mentoring. Experienced builders have been supportive and helpful through the development process, pointing us in the direction of new materials and electronics and sharing their insight.
JackPot has been designed with a fresh perspective, backed by educated advice. But now it’s time to build!
Since it’s a breakneck build schedule, we’re recording our progress and posting weekly blog updates through the BattleBots process.
Saturday
Jeff, Robert, Shea and Chris joke–then half-joke–then earnestly talk about what a potential heavyweight design could be, based on VCR members’ insectweight bots.
Jeff modeled a 250lb version of his 3lb beetleweight OffTrack, but the tracks he would need to make that design were backordered to well after filming. Tracks were revised to wheels, Robert worked on a weapon design, and it began.
Sunday-Monday
Design is examined and refined; electronics and motors chosen and included in the CAD.
Jeff does not sleep much during this time, but confers frequently with seasoned competitors from BattleBots including Deep Six and Huge to look for/solve potential problems.
The weapon takes shape and we see the personality of the bot really emerge; branding begins.
Tuesday
Robert and Jeff order motors, VESCs and ESCs.
Shea designs the preliminary logo and supplemental branding.
Wednesday
With help from Malice, Team VCR applies and is accepted to Season 5 of BattleBots.
First draft of bot design is publicized.
Chris starts designing a new telemetry and thermal management system.
Thursday
Design is reworked and finalized; JackPot is fully envisioned!
Robert and Jeff design two weapon options, the roulette and the Heartbreaker discs.
Final electronics and switch placement is determined. This means exterior and interior CAD design is finished.
JackPot social media officially launches.
Friday
Drive motors arrive, VESCs programmed and motor is tested.
Saturday
Motors are battle hardened & epoxied.
Sponsorship package and merch designs/brand graphics are made.
That was our first week of building! When did you first learn about Team VCR?