"Crash" brought a lot of new features to the battlebot sport and was somewhat of a controversial robot. In it's original form the robot had front/rear airbags which were used as an offensive/defensive weapon as well as an upright device. Afterall, what respectable crash test dummy would not bring it's own crash protection?? The airbags were modified to stay inflated after deployment so they would not flop around loose and get tangled. They were meant to push away other bots, flip us upright, and provide a pillow in case the hammers started beating on us. (I wish I had seen the hammer attack the inflated bag! That would have been funny.) We had multiple safety interlocks on the airbags to prevent any accidental deployment. Before fighting we had to pull them off and replace the front/rear panels with lexan. Ultimately the powers that be thought it would be an entanglement device. Go figure?? It's too bad since they looked so cool when deployed and went perfectly with the robots theme. Before shipping the robot back we re-installed two airbags and video taped them going off. They worked exactly as planned (what a blast). I regret not asking if it would have been OK to pop them outside in the containment area just for the pleasure of the the folks in the pits. After all of our testing the airbags are a lot less scary than some of the other devices that were able to compete in the event.

For future events I am converting the airbags to inflate/deflate with a CO/2 based system.

Update:  According to the new rules I should be able to use the airbag itself as long as I use high pressure air or a CO2 based system to inflate the bags.  I will be doing testing so I can put them back on CTD for the next event.  I also had a chance to calibrate the controller on CTD and now it is considerably faster than it was during the battle on TV.  Look for the improved speed and other enhancements for future battles. We plan on being back for Season 5.0 with both robots.

Any ideas that can help will be appreciated. "Crash" wants his protection back!

Robert L. Doerr (Designer/driver of "crash test dummy" & "crash test junior")

Team Members TI 2001 event:

Robert L. Doerr (Driver/builder)
Dennis DeDonatis (builder)
Sarah DeDonatis
Gene OldField
Bob Wind
Chris Carr

Special thanks:

Jack A. Doerr (Construction)
Tom Bee (Welding)
Mike Zainea (Welding)
Martin (Custom Axles)
Sara Flowers (T-Shirt design)

I would like to give everyone involved in the project a HUGE thanks for all the efforts!

If you have any comments about "Crash" please send us a message, otherwise Enjoy!

Robot Specifications:

Two 10" main drive wheels powered by two 1hp Bosch DC motors.
Chain gear reduction system (Number 35 chains & sprockets)
Pillow blocks for support of main axle 5/8" and reduction axle 1/2".
Enough power to squeal the tires.
Two castors for balance (would run without)
Two 12v 17ah Gel-Cell batteries
Vantec controller RDFR38E
Futaba 8UAPS PCM Radio w/HITEC Spectra Module (On correct 75Mhz surface frequency)
Season 3.0 - Airtronics VG600 6 channel FM Radio (On correct 75Mhz surface frequency)
Lights wired up to power and indicators on relay boards to show robot heatlh.

Links to various pictures of "crash test dummy" are listed below:

Hi-resolution picture of "crash test dummy" getting a test fitting of his new panels.

Hi-resolution picture of "crash test dummy" charging in the pit area.

Look for "crash test junior" next season! (In progress......)

Robot Specifications:

Two 8" main drive wheels powered by two Bosch DC motors (EV Warrior).
Chain gear reduction system (Number 35 chains & sprockets)
Pillow blocks for support of main axle 5/8".
Two castors for balance (would run without)
Two 12v 11ah Gel-Cell batteries
uMOB controller driving two OSMC controllers (see OSMC yahoo group for details)
Futaba 8UAPS PCM Radio w/HITEC Spectra Module (On correct 75Mhz surface frequency)
Lights wired up with voice module.

To order a 'crash test dummy' T-Shirt or a Target sticker send an e-mail to: rdoerr@bizserve.com regarding how many you are interested in and what shirt size(s) you would like.  This way I can make sure they are available and get right back to you or respond with the next closest size.

Help show your support. Get your "crash test dummy" gear here!
T-Shirts (Only small left in stock) - OUT

Front of T-shirt:

Back of T-shirt:

Stickers "crash test dummy" - OUT

Buy a shirt and get a free sticker!!!!
 

Picture of "Crash" with one of the Battlebot Crewbots:

 
Picture of 'crash test dummy' and the Mini-me version 'crash test junior'

And yes, this site is still under contruction. Pardon the dust.....