Hello Everyone—
First time builder, but a fan of robots ever since I got my first set of “Robotix” way back in the 80’s.
My goal is to poll the group on my idea to see what parts I would need, and to see if I could do this better.
What I want to build: Volleyball launcher.
What an example of one looks like:
amazon.com/dp/B0051232MK?re … ad_dp_ovrl
What it is: a dual wheel/motor system in which the wheels spin at opposite directions to ‘shoot’ volleyball with different types of spins on it imitating different types of serves (top spin serve, float serve, etc).
What I think I need: 2 DC motors large and strong enough to launch a volleyball, a way to control the speed of the motors independently from each other, a power source (rechargeable battery), the ability to view and control the speeds via an app or bluetooth on android.
The logistics of the metal framing, ball basket, etc I will work out myself, but I am looking for technical insight very specifically on the right motors and speed control/bluetooth board to consider purchasing.
More details available if needed. Thanks in advance fore your help 
A CIM motor, a wheel with friction and an On/Off switch:
robotshop.com/en/banebots-fi … motor.html
If you want to have variable speed (which would correspond to distance) then you would need an analog DC motor controller capable of 40A+ current.
robotshop.com/en/high-power- … llers.html
Did you ever go through with your plans to make the volleyball launcher/machine? Any help would be greatly appreciated.
-Ryan
Hi, I’d like to build my first volleyball launcher. Is there a steel design available? What material are the friction wheels made of? If I’m installing three motors, which one should rotate in the opposite direction?
Matthew
@omeusz90 Welcome to the RobotShop Community. The topic of ball launchers doesn’t come up that often to really have us do much investigation into how they work to be honest.
Varying the speed of the motors will change the spin and possibly the direction in which the ball is launched.
Not aware of any “kit” to build the frame, but if you’re looking for something durable, relatively easy to work with and inexpensive, consider aluminum extrusion profiles.
In terms of the material on the wheels, likely something high friction and able to resist wear like rubber.
