So this meeting Daniel went over some additional approaches to designing in SolidWorks. The 3D program may be daunting, but you must overcome your fears.

In short, to begin designing, create a new assembly > insert new components (or create new component) > mate components >> create design layout.

If you still don't get it, ask for help or go online and watch some tutorials. You won't waste your time. Once you understand how to use SolidWorks, you'll do a lot better in life.

After Daniel's lecture, we examined various motors and batteries. Specifically, we're looking at CIM, NPC, and Mag motors. We're also considering LiFe a123 and NiCad batteries.

Additionally, we went over a couple of already cadded designs by Daniel, Matt, Ron, and Sir Allen the 1st. Most of the designs were rough models, which is mostly what we're looking for. The detail work will be done during the winter.

Hopefully, by next next week, we will have a couple additional designs to select from. Of course, we may end up combining ideas, but we need to get to that point, first.

If you don't know how to post your stuff on the forums, check out the very undetailed instructions I wrote here: Forum Tutorial. Alternatively, you can email me or post a question on the forums.

There was also a brief discussion on the idea of splitting into two groups. One BattleBots team and one Robogames team. The two competitions are about a week apart, so it would be unlikely that everyone could attend both. There is going to be an email sent out, asking people's opinion on this. Please give us your input (or questions), so we know how to proceed. Currently, the idea is to build additional 120 lb robot for Robogames in conjunction with the 120 BattleBot.

Anyway, so, I was talking to a couple of guys after the meeting, and they said that posting on the forums is somewhat daunting, since no one else posts. Though, they did say that they keep up with the forums. This is somewhat of a Catch-22. People won't post unless other people post, and other people won't post unless people post. Perhaps we can all bite the bullet and jump in with two feet. Start speaking your mind. Agree, disagree, inform, discuss. Don't be lame and just watch things happen. Otherwise, decisions are going to be made for you… by me.

Oh yes, and as an additional reminder, there will be an ASME UC San Diego general body meeting on Monday, November 23 at 7PM in EBU-II, room 479. Come for the potlock and movie to meet some of your fellow HPS and HPV engineers.

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