Programming instructions
3 • 30
Motion
Inventor’s Guide
276-2178-E-0610
The key component of any motion system is an actuator (an
actuator is something which causes a mechanical system to move).
In the VEX Robotics Design System, there are several different
actuator options. The most common types of actuators used are
the VEX Continuous Rotation Motors (the 3-Wire Motor and the
“high strength” 2-Wire Motor 393) and the VEX Servos. (For
more information on Motors & Servos refer to the “Concepts to
Understand” section of this chapter.)
Each VEX Robotics Motor & Servo comes with a square socket in
its face, designed to connect it to the VEX square shafts. By simply
inserting a shaft into this socket it is easy to transfer torque directly
from a motor into the rest of the Motion Subsystem.
The most common types of actuators used are the VEX Continuous
Rotation Motors (the 3-Wire Motor, the 2-Wire Motor 269, and the
“high strength” 2-Wire Motor 393) and the VEX Servos.
The Motion Subsystem also contains parts
designed to keep pieces positioned on a
VEX shaft. These pieces include washers,
spacers, and shaft collars. VEX Shaft
Collars slide onto a shaft and can be
fastened in place using a setscrew. Before
tightening the setscrew, it is important to
slide the Shaft Collars along the square
shafts until they are next to a xed part
of the robot. The collar prevents the shaft
from sliding back and forth.
WARNING:
Some VEX Motors include a clutch assembly which is designed to prevent
damage to the internals of the VEX Motor in the event of a shock-load. For more
information on VEX Clutches, refer to the “Concepts to Understand” section of
this chapter.
HINT: The setscrews used in VEX Shaft Collars are 8-32 size threaded screws; this is the same
thread size used in the rest of the kit. There are many applications where it might be benecial to
remove the setscrew from the Shaft Collar and use a normal VEX screw.
If a setscrew is lost any other VEX 8-32 screw can be substituted although the additional
height of the screw head must be considered!
Introduction to the Motion Subsystem, continued
Spacers
Collars
Go to Reference Links