Question(s): The RTeam Reference Design

**Gertlex** · 10-18-2016

For those not aware, RTeam is super awesome for making a full CAD model of a mech available at: https://github.com/bloftin/rbots/tree/master/Mech

I'm going to adapt the forced-loader design from there. For the RTeam guys, I have a question: what size spiral cable wrap tubing did you find works best? I've looked over the BOM list a couple of times and I don't see it included. It seems like either 5/16" with about 0.03" wall, or 3/8" with 0.062" wall would be best. Is one better than the other? Thanks!

**JoeyFitzp** · 10-26-2016

The spiral cable wrap that we use has an I.D. of 1/4". The wall thickness does not seem to matter much except for flexibility. In order to make it so the BB's don't Jam or stick inside the tube, use a 1/4" dowel rod and wrap the spiral tubing tightly around it. Heat the spiral tubing with a heat gun until it starts to soften. Immediately cool the tubing under cold water and the spiral tube should hold it's shape. This method has worked the best so far.

**Gertlex** · 10-26-2016

Thanks, Joey! That is a nice trick. I ended up finding some seemingly perfect tubing from this listing on ebay: http://www.ebay.com/itm/131973084196

It's 5/16" OD (most of this tubing is advertised by OD), with unspecified wall thickness, but probably 0.03" or so. Though advertised as white, and shown as being translucent, I actually got black, which is what I really wanted anyways. I was able to fill a section of it with BBs and they move smoothly, so I will probably be able to skip the heating step. Next up is to build my prototype forced ammo loader!