148 replies to this topic

[Josh Monster]

Update. I strengthened the pullout but the rest of the brake section and the twist still have to be strengthened more.

Pullout test

Twist test

[alpal]

Speed looks deadly through the twist , but supporting looks good!

[Josh Monster]

I got the magnets but am having problems with the brakes. They are pulling the cars back but also pushing them forward. I have them set up like this.

I-I__I-I__I-I
I -----------\
-------------- Car
I-I South
\/


/\
North
-------------------------------------------------------------------Track


I do have an idea but I don't know if it will work. My theory is that the two south ends will push apart and the south and north will pull together.


I-I__I-I__I-I
I-----------\
------------- Car
I-I South
\/


<South|_| North>
-------------------------------------------------------------------Track



Does anyone think my idea will work or have ideas on how to fix it?

[Knexrule11]

I had this problem when I tried with magnets. But lamb said this is how his magnets are setup. I'm still waiting for pictures to make sure I set mine up right.

[Old_Hag]

The only way you can find out is by trying.

[Josh Monster]

I will try my new idea(the one in blue)on friday.

[RollerManiac]

I like how you are using a clever technique for the brakes. But remember, equal opposite forces cancel each other out. If you were to buy another set of WD50, and placed them on the track a certain way, then you might get a better result. Place on south WD50, and the one north WD40 on the other side. For the next one, place a north WD50, and then a south WD40, and repeat the pattern. Once you've gotten to a steady speed, put some kind of transfer device to move it around.

I hope that this helps.

[Josh Monster]

I like how you are using a clever technique for the brakes. But remember, equal opposite forces cancel each other out. If you were to buy another set of WD50, and placed them on the track a certain way, then you might get a better result. Place on south WD50, and the one north WD40 on the other side. For the next one, place a north WD50, and then a south WD40, and repeat the pattern. Once you've gotten to a steady speed, put some kind of transfer device to move it around.

I hope that this helps.

WD40/50? I'm not sure I understand what you mean.

[RollerManiac]

^I mean 40 N40, 50 N50, 40 S40 and 40 S50 magnets.

[Josh Monster]

I don't have much money but if my idea doesn't work I will try yours.
Thank you.

[Josh Monster]

Update! I finished most of the structure now all I need is the technical stuff. I have decided I am going to try a latex tubing launch and if that doesn't work I am open to suggestions.





This is the gap and the structure for the launch, I will continue to make it stronger.

[Old_Hag]

The crest looks a bit too circular, you might want to push that up a little more. Also, if you're going for complete realism, you might want to make the launch and brake run not parallel. They should get nearer to each other as they get closer to the station.

[LaMbChOpZ]

I got the magnets but am having problems with the brakes. They are pulling the cars back but also pushing them forward. I have them set up like this.
I do have an idea but I don't know if it will work. My theory is that the two south ends will push apart and the south and north will pull together.\Does anyone think my idea will work or have ideas on how to fix it?

I had this problem when I tried with magnets. But lamb said this is how his magnets are setup. I'm still waiting for pictures to make sure I set mine up right.

Yes mine somewhat worked, but then again they were entering them under 30cm/sec. I'm actually planning a new design right now using a bit more materials than just magnets in the car. I would suggest using Aaron's design, seems to work very well for him.

v Well I realized that after building it, it's just using the magnetic fields colliding into each other to stop it, not an attracting forces or any other ones are involved. Like I said, I'm improving it / basing it off of Aaron's design, but with a few modifications...

[Jogumpie]

That's because your design is scientifically proven not to have any net braking effect.

[alpal]

I just thought of something: have magnets on the car lift up some friction brakes. Maybe? Or just aarons method.

[Josh Monster]

^ That is what my first braking design was, it lifted metal to the magnets and stopped the train, that is my last resort choice.

Edit: I am going to talk to a friend of mine who knows all about magnets and hopefully I can figure something out.

[Josh Monster]

Update! We have a test video of the launch, it is not at the right speed but it will be changed.






Please comment!

[Old_Hag]

That looks great, just get the launch to an ideal speed and it'll be perfect.

[alpal]

What is this? You didn't post the actual video of the time it broke?
I have been waiting for this.
So yeah, basically we will have the launch more consistent, expect another update in say a week or so.

[alpal]

Well, I have a verbal update. Josh and I spent some time working on the automation, and came up with a very minimalistic but consistent and effective design. I also came up with a universal tire drive system that will get the perfect height every time. Also, the automation uses no knex motors or NXT or electronics. More to come.