Complete Control Version 3 by Derek Young

Complete Control Version 3

Upgrades
The major shortcomings of version 2 were overcome with version 3 -- namely the ability of the robot to not hang up if it drove up a slope (which caused its loss from the previous season), and the lifting drive mechanism was totally revised, using dual Astroflight motors and a 3 stage spur, worm, chain gearbox. This made the final sprocket much smaller and less susceptible to damage (another serious problem in season 3). New titanium front and rear armour attached through shock absorbing rubber mounts was also a new feature. The extra weight of the armour was offset by the switch from SLA batteries to Nicads. I also welcomed Pathway Design as a new sponsor, who produced many of the CNC'd parts.

Underside of the new lifter gearbox

Lifter gearbox from above

Me comparing new to old sprockets

The finished robot's glamour shot

Season 4 Taping
Season 4 was bigger than ever, with more fierce competition than ever before as well. It also was Complete Control's best event, and produced the best matches of my fighting robot career. I made some notes about the first three fights, leading up to the semi-finals, which I won narrowly. The final match was, in my opinion, one of the greatest Battlebots fights of all time -- unfortunately for me I lost, and lost big. It didn't really matter at that point, as I was just happy to have made it that far finally. All in all, a great event.

Sponsor stickers installed, 1 fight down 4 to go

Carmen Electra looking static and me looking goofy

Post bad attitude arm flattening

Doug with Complete Control in line for the big final match

The Aftermath
"Gourmet damage" as the Mauler guys would say. What a mess. This is what Hazard does to other robots.

Right out of the box

Sorry to my sponsors

Tweaked 1/4" 2024 baseplate

Gettin' its lean-on

Right rear in trouble