OWI-535 Alpha Mods (2013 Science Olympiad) by cordovalabs

Last crawled date: 3 years ago

This is a very basic bolt on set of extensions that fit onto the OWI-535 Robotic Arm Edge for the 2013 division C Science Olympiad. It should be fully rules complaint but check dimensions before using this design.
The Alpha Mods are designed to increase the overall reach of the OWI-535 Robotic Arm Edge by approximately 18.5 cm. Some of these parts require cutting part of the OWI-535 frame, which is a non reversible. Be certain you want to do these modifications before cuts are made. Additionally, most of the motors will require there wires to be extended.
Design Project: N/A
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Printed Parts needed:
2x Alpha_-_Outer
2x Alpha_-_Insert_pt_1
2x Alpha_-_Insert_pt_2
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Hardware Needed:
4x M3x16 Bolts https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00W97MTII/
4x M3 nuts https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000NBIH92/
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Info on Installing:
Alpha - Outer : The Alpha Outer is a straight replacement for part E1 on the OWI-535. In step 23 Replace part E1 with the Alpha - Outer parts; all other parts in step 23 are the same.
Alpha - Insert : The Alpha Insert parts are designed to bolt on to part E2 after it has been cut in half. The cut should go the short way through the wire clip and across the 4 rigs and 3 valleys, see Pictures above. Once cut, clean any cuttings out of the valleys. Place the Alpha - Insert pt 1 on the 2 cut halves of part E2 by sliding the ends of the Alpha - Insert pt 1 into the valleys of the cut parts, see Pictures above.
Feed 2x M3x16 Screws throw the holes on the larger of the 2 rectangular sides of Alpha - Insert pt 2, see Pictures above. Take Alpha - Insert pt 2 and feed the ends of the screws throw the holes in Alpha - Insert pt 1; This should sandwich part E2 between Alpha - Insert pt 1 and Alpha - Insert pt 2, see Pictures above. Install M3 nuts to the end of the M3x16 screws and tighten.
Glue can be added to the Alpha Insert parts but it is not recommended, as it your removes the ability change out the Alpha Insert parts for the lighter and smaller Gamma Insert part available as part of the OWI- 535 Gamma Mods.
Once the Alpha Inserts have been bolted onto the part E2, use this new combined part in place of part E2 in step 25 of the instructions; all other parts in step 25 are the same.
Wiring : Extent the wires going to the motors as needed.
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Info on the Design:
This Design is my first attempt at creating mod parts for robots and only my 5th or 6th original design. For what it was and how much it has been used, I am very proud that these have stood the test of time as long as they have. At current I know of 7 different robots that have used these parts since they were designed in late 2012 to early 2013. One robot using these parts and the [OWI-535 Beta Mods]() came in second at the New Mexico State Science Olympiad Tournament.
The Alpha Mods are a perfect example of the inexperienced solving a problem though good measurements and a bit of trial & error. These parts are extremely heavy for what they are but at the time they were amazing gifts from the magic plastic part making box. In fact these parts are so heavy they may have caused some headaches due to them taking the OWI-535 Robotic Arm Edge way past its design limits and stripping gear at the shoulder and elbow joint.
The success of these parts gave me the confidence to make the [OWI-535 Beta Mods]() later the same year. And in 2017 I decided to remake these parts light, and to maximize the print length for my printer (a Rep1), with the OWI-535 Gamma Mods.
Note: At time of upload, this design has been used in multiple invitational, regional, and state level competitions. To date, this design has won multiple top 10 finishes and was part of a 2nd place state finish. However, this design has no guarantee of performance.
Note: All extenders will add stress to the motors of the robot. Use at your own risk. I am not responsible for any damage that may occur. Use cautiously as this may led to stripped or otherwise damaged gears in the OWI-535.