Thanks Dave blush but you're way too kind. I am proud of how he's coming along so far but there are still plenty of things I would like to improve on. I've lost count how many times I have re-made, re-mounted, replaced or re-wired something because I wasn't happy with it. I still now go to add something to the CSS only to find out that it will impact or clash with the placement of something else not previously thought of and again, the snowball effect happens all over. I try so hard to think of everything that will be in the CSS and how best to locate everything for functionality, space saving and aesthetics, but despite all that thinking, I still run into lots of hurdles... but in saying that, this B9 is a labor of love and I get a tremendous amount of satisfaction from it.

Your CSS on the other hand, in fact the whole robot is world class and I can only imagine how much time and effort has gone into it. In my opinion, your robot would have to be the best autonomous B9 in the world. Truly a work of art and an inspiration to the rest of us B9ers, especially me. Whenever I need inspiration, I just watch some of your videos. Just incredible

I will try to make a video of the radar and bubble lifter in action today and then try even harder to work out how to upload it

Thanks again for the kind words Dave

Steve

Maaaaaaaaaaan is that ever clean @steve. Wow! You're putting us all to shame

I don't think i've ever seen a robot build with so much care in the wiring - that's an entire project just in itself. Amazing

Thanks DJ now I'm really blushing

I did a video of the bubble lifter (linear actuator) in action. I thought Dave might be interested in it. The camera work and editing leave a little to be desired though eek https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3oFhUPcIjbg&feature=youtu.be

OK Steve. that left me feeling like I wanted a cigarette and I don't even smoke. LOL

Seriously though, The lifter action is so smooth. That actuator is a lot faster then I thought it would be. Seems like a very natural and human speed. Are you able to stop it at different positions and control the speed? Are you using the Sabertooth and roo to drive this? Sorry if you have already shared this info with me and I forgot. Heck somtimes I cant remember what I had for breakfast. LOL.

If I had to rebuild my lifter I'd go your route. I'm not entirely happy with my servo driven fork design.

I really did enjoy that vid. Thanks for sharing.

The actuator is connected via a Sabertooth and roo and can be stopped in any position and any speed. I simply wrote a quick script to run it full up and full down on repeat so I could video it moving, It uses a 100mm slide potentiometer for feedback. You can see it in the last 20 seconds of the video

Dude, say what you will about me (and thanks for your kind words, by the way. My wife thinks your eating to much Vegemite) but your work rivals mine in every way. Your work gives new meaning to Thunder Down Under. LOL. I'm seriously thinking about scrapping my entire bubble lifter and rebuilding it as a copy of yours. I've always worried a little about how long my setup would last. Mostly worried about the expensive HD servo wearing out. Its also complex needing two extra servos to pull resting support blocks out of the way when I want the bubble to move all the way down to the radar. However your design really looks wonderfully simple and bulletproof. Using that liner pot is brilliant. I had read that they weren't all that reliable but it looks like it's working well and the Kangaroo likes it just fine. Also I love the roller ball between the actuator and the neck tube. What a great stress relief point and way to separate the motor from the rotating load. Where did you get this roller ball fitting? I see ServoCity sell them but yours looks better. At the very least I'm going to adapt this roller design into my system. If your willing to guide me with the proper parts, where you got them and how you installed them I would be grateful. It almost looks like there is a fitting that slips up into the neck pipe and you have it fastened in place with countersunk pan head screws or bolts.

Thanks for showing off.

Wow I'm so flattered but we'll have to agree to disagree. Your'e still far and away the Master B9 builder in my book.

I cant take credit for the neck tube roller ball castor idea. I saw in in a video by Greg Logue showing his new and improved Bubble Lifter design. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BOICtuLYBoA You can see the ball castor at the 2:22 minute mark. I was thinking to do the same as Greg and use a motor with an off-center wheel but decided to go with a high speed linear actuator instead.

The roller ball castor, I bought it off ebay. Here's a link to one the size I used but there's heaps of choices http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/2-4-10x-32mm-Wide-Screw-Mounted-Furniture-Trolley-Rack-Ball-Swivel-Caster-Castor-/401044714205?var=&hash=item5d6020b2dd:m:msE1VXcFDlouHeIhgD8eZUg

I was planning to pull the neck tube apart tonight to show you how I made it but yet again I have run out of time tired I will endeavor to get it done for you in a day or two

Steve

Steve, Please don't take apart your creation. You have enough to do and I think I have a good idea how to do this. I hate to see you dismantle your hard work. No need to do build it twice.

Thanks for the links they really help and are a pleasure following.