PARTS IS PARTS:
FingerTech Robotics’
Spark M tor Series
Finger Tech Robotics ( www.finger techrobotics.com) has a new
line of motors. Following my policy
of only using this space to feature
combat tested products, I delayed
reviewing them until the head of
Finger Tech, Kurtis Wanner, had some
combat data under his belt. Kurtis
assures me, “January’s Kilobots XVI
and the University of Saskatchewan’s
Sumo competition put almost 50 of
these motors through their paces. There
were only a couple mechanical failures
that weren’t caused by direct combat
damage or overvolting the motors.”
Since then, Finger Tech has instituted
a 100% testing policy for each
motor, under load, before shipment.
● by Kevin Berry
assembly is a little over 1.5 inches
long and 0.6 inches in diameter. The
shaft adds up to another 1.5”.
Torque specs are shown in Figure 1.
Fingertech worked with the
manufacturer to battle-harden the
gearbox. Figure 2 shows a beta
version of the added support plate.
According to Kurtis, “the indicated
plate did not exist in their standard
gearhead. The main shaft has one
large gear pressed on, but also
another gear that spins freely on it.
Without the new plate, the thin shaft
would snap between the two gears
when any large sideload was placed
on the shaft. Now it is supported
by: 1) the faceplate bushing; 2) the
new support plate; and 3) the old
FIGURE 1
FIGURE 2
Spark2 Original.
carrier (end of the shaft).”
Responding to my questions
about testing and toughness, Kurtis
supplied the photographic evidence
(Figure 3) of how effective the three
point support system is. He says,
“This is a test I did with one of my
modified motors; 20 lbs hanging off
the end of the 1.5” shaft. The motor
ran afterward without even a hiccup.”
Even though I personally
haven’t used these motors yet, I’d
say the jury is in. Good ‘nuff! SV
FIGURE 3
insect class combat robot. You’ve
spent the last three hours tirelessly
How Not to Die. I Mean,
Build a Test B x
● by Matthew Spurk
You’ve just finished putting the finishing touches on your new
wiring, soldering, grinding, tapping,
cutting, and wrenching on your bot.
SERVO 04.2010 33