Project LiftOff

Project Liftoff is a 3lbs MeltyBrain (a robot that moves using translations drift as its entire body spins at 1000 to 3000 RPM.

Checkout some drifting videos: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLU5LoDPIq_JcuVjNkIasXdblbYT3sTSFN

For 2021, Project Liftoff is beginning its third major revision.

Project Liftoff - March 2019 (rev 1.0)

• Rev-1.0 : March 2019
  • Processor: Arduino Nano
  • Accelerometer: common MPU 6050 (+/- 16g 12 bits)
  • Receiver Interface: standard RC-PWM into UART
  • Motor Control: OneShot125 via PWM manipulation @ ~800Hz
  • External Sensors: none
• Rev-1.1 May 2019
  • switched from 8" Aluminum rings to 9" AR-500 ring with tooth (and hand cut HDPE)
    • this AR-500 tooth proved to be too pointed and became embedded in arena wall several times

Project Liftoff - May 2019 (rev 1.1)

Project Liftoff - August 2019 (rev 1.2)

Sir Pops A Lot (derivative) - August 2019 (rev 1.15)

• Rev-2.0 : 2020
  • Processor: Teensy 4.0
  • Accelerometer: none… used motor eRPM telemetry from ESCs via bidirectional dShot
  • Receiver Interface: RC-SBUS into UART
  • Motor Control: dShot600 via SPI manipulation @ 8000Hz
  • External Sensors: active IR
  • CNC'd HDPE body
  • New 8" AR-500 ring and tooth (with a more blunt tip)

Project Liftoff - July 2020 (rev 2.0)

Flip N' Cut (derivative) - July 2020 (rev 2.05)

Project Liftoff - September 2020 (rev 2.1)

• Rev-3 : 2021 Same electronics as Rev-2; improved algorithm, wheel orientation, and return to accelerometer.
  • Processor: Teensy 4.0
  • Accelerometer: H3LIS331DL (+/- 400g 16 bits)
  • Receiver Interface: RC-SBUS into UART
  • Motor Control: dShot600 via SPI manipulation @ 8000Hz
  • External Sensors: active IR

Robot Facts

The first appearance was at the March 2019 NHRL event. The very first version used an 8" diameter aluminum pipe cut into two 1/2" thick slices with a notch cut out for the AR500 tooth (with two bolt holes).

Since then, Liftoff has used several laser or waterjet-cut AR500 steel rings. These rings have been sandwiched or otherwise mounted to CNC'd UHMW or HDPE bodies that contain the primary electronics and battery. This has proven to be a durable, and adaptable construction method.

Driver	Andrew Kazmer (mostly) Jim Kazmer (sometimes)
Weight Class	3lb
Body Material	HDPE (CNC) + AR500
Weapon	Meltybrain Spinner
Weapon Drive	NA
Drive	2 x DYS 2836 1100kv Brushless Motor, Fingertech Foam Wheels
Power	2x4S 650mah LiPo

Tournament Results

2021

NHRL January	Did Not Compete
NHRL March	1W, 2L
NHRL May	TBD
NHRL July	TBD
NHRL September	TBD