Introduction - The SolarSpeeder 1.1Solaroller
The SolarSpeeder is a design that has a strong heritage in Solaroller Racing, which is a very
popular event at all BEAM Robot Games.
Solaroller racing requires two solar-powered drag-racers that race side-by-side down a 1
metre (3.3ft) track. When Solaroller Racing began, the 1 metre times were in the 10 and 20
minute ranges. As the electronics and mechanics advanced, the times lowered to 6 minutes, 2
minutes, and now there are Solarollers capable of a metre in under 30 seconds! The SolarSpeeder
uses many of these new technology advances in it’s design, which allows a well-built SolarSpeeder
to travel 3 metres (10ft) in under 60 seconds of direct sunlight.
“SC-1” - A modified Slot-Car
racer. One of the first to use the
new technology to make it quite
quick.
“Herbie” - A 4-wheel drive Solaroller
designed for the rough-terrain Class-B
event. Almost as fast as “Sluggy, Too”!
“Scooter” - Best competition time of 1 minute 4
seconds, narrowly beating out 3rd place by only a
second. 1
st
and 3
rd
place were won by 11 year old
boys!
“Sluggy, Too” - Ex-champion Solaroller with
a 2 minute 9 second metre record.
“SolarSizzler” - This one is one of the
prototypes for the SolarSpeeder. It uses
a soft rubberized shell as it’s body.
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