9/14/2026 - 6th Update!

ok, ill admit, it’s pretty late, it’s currently 12:22 AM on 9/15/2026 (but that doesnt mean progress cant happen!)

quick glance at the schedule

• 9/13/2026 - 9/19/2026
  • Mastersketch (3-4 days)
  • Physics Work (1 day)
  • Subsystems (Basic) (2-3 days)

i doubt that itll be possible to finish the mastersketch in two more days (not counting today), considering the meetings and stuff, so mastersketch work might take up the entire week, but also, making all the subsystems in a week was also super unrealistic

anyways, may the cad resume!

so, ive been thinking about the structural integrity, what does the extrusion actually do (other than forming some sort of support structure)? it would be more compact to just have two rods with the belts running on the side, which should offer the same level of support (the only worry i have with that is basically the back would have to be pretty strong)

basically, a C shaped structure of that size (with the gap being the front) has the potential to be wobbly (as exemplified by the early assembly of the spark frame). ngl, i can’t really remember if it was super bad, i think after tightening the screws it was actually pretty strong

anyways, point is that it might be worth it to have an extra extrusion on the front (though, i dont think it’ll be necessary given the amount of gussets and stuff at the back)

now, how will the rods be installed? on spark, it was basically friction fit, except it wasnt really a fun experience (fun fact, to install the z rods i had to put all my weight on the part, yes, i also had to add the bearings by jumping on the parts). this is not optimal. obviously. one solution can just be using heat inserts and just driving the screw to clamp it, or just use a giant clamp. idk which one i like more, im personally not a big fan of having massive blocks at the ends with screws sticking out, so i think it’ll be more of a clamp style thing

theres no way i listened to two full albums tonight, one second… ok, so enough chit chat, let’s get to the mastersketch!

so uh, linear bearings are actually massive, gonna expand height to 7.5cm

why am i actually locked in (why is this also appearing deceivingly straightforward), anyways, need to find some motors, then gonna end it there!

• nema11 31mm length
• nema11 45mm length
• anyways, gotta decide on one of those, then the cursed geometry to combine the stepper motor, linear rods, and aluminum extrusions together

ok, so we just have one of the pivots being stationary, i think? probably the back corner? and then the sliding one does the force and yeah

well, that’s about it for today! lots of planning, but also a good amount of cad work (at least for around 1.25 hours of work!)! well yeah, hopefully i can start working on this earlier tomorrow (had to get home today by train, probably not the best move), but yeah! it’s 1:37 AM, so yeah, good night!