MASSIVE-ANT: Mount Idler Cogs, Mount Treads, Nerf Gun Mods

Tuesday 4/8

Matt drilled out the holes for the idler cog axles on the side rails. He then figured out how to space the cogs using 1/4" bolts and spacers. An issue resulted from this though: the holes on the cogs were not big enough and neither were the spacers. To account for this, Matt started to drill the holes bigger, making the cogs be able to free spin. Before he drilled the cogs and spacers, he did a test piece. He also tapped the side rail holes. He then had to leave for his lab.

Mike modified the nerf gun so it would not need the trigger to fire anymore. He did this by rewiring it. He reduced the weight by taking off unnecessary parts; he will make it even lighter by cutting away excess plastic. Since Matt had to leave, Mike finished drilling the bigger spacer and cog holes. When we tried to attach the cogs, another problem arose: the nuts couldn't be put on due to the sides of the shelf. To fix this, Mike cut little "v" notches in the shelf to make room for the nuts using the sawzall. After the shelf was taken off to be cut (by Mike and Patrick), we decided to fix the other issue with the shelf. The issue was the holes in the shelf to attach it to the side rails were not big enough and messed up the screws. We drilled holes bigger than the threaded ones in the side rails. The new screws went in very easily (10-32s).

I, Patrick, helped Matt and Mike as necessary by holding various parts as necessary so they wouldn't shift as they were drilling and cutting. While Mike set up the v notch cuts, I attached the idler cogs to the side rails by threading the spacers on the cog bolts and tightening a nut on the other side of the side rails. After the basic chassis was assembled, Mike and I determined the required length of the treads and made two complete, equal-in-length tank treads. After Mike left, I was able to attach the treads to the cogs