Phenomenon for 2023 began with only a few small changes. Thanks to the recommendation of Jamison Go & MegatRon, the upgrade from the Banebots wheels was on the way. The Robocore wheels are vulcanized rubber with an aluminum core. They worked marvelously for MegatRon during the Finals so the hope is that translates to a better drive on Phenomenon.
The first big upgrade was a new weapon disc and pulley. The single tooth disc proved really good against most opponents so I doubled down on the shape. A new pulley was also made with a better belt groove shape so there was no need for a tensioner. These were supposed to be part of a new version of Phenomenon (which would later be Vorion) but due to manufacturing delays version 1 persisted. It was fine because the original chassis was still plenty durable and more lessons could be learned.
Motorama 2023
Motorama was a solid event with Phenomenon going 2-2. The only real failure mode on the machine were small details that were learned after the rush. The greatest failure mode was the pulley working its way off mid-match resulting in it being chewed by the weapon, causing the robot to backflip dramatically in a fight. The drive also proved less reliable than hoped so work on the drivetrain reliability continues.
To fix the pulley and drive issues, new components were ordered from ZTL, a Chinese machining company, to provide new parts. To accommodate the adjusted distance, more of the frame rail was removed via very careful angle grinding and sanding.
NHRL March 2023
Phenomenon’s run at NHRL was one of its strongest to date, ultimately it still hit its ceiling. After an incredible fight against Floor Letter Word resulting in immense damage, it ultimately lost due to the drive motors wiggling their way off the gearbox. Even so, because of a combination of matching against Fracas in the brackets and forfeits, Phenomenon ultimately drew MegatRon in the finals. Once again, MegatRon proves to be the limit of Phenomenon’s design as Jamison was able to land critical strikes to disable the machine. While Phenomenon got a little closer in taking out one of his forks (its more than the first time they fought!) ultimately he knocked out all major systems ultimately leading to a victory. Phenomenon once again reaches silver and with it qualifies for the NHRL Finals in November.
NHRL June 2023
To learn a little more, Phenomenon was brought out again in June alongside Vorion (Phenomenon V2) to do some testing. The main tests for this event was spring-loaded forks on the front and continued battle hardening on the drive system.
Phenomenon’s first (and more brutal) battle was against Knock-Off White. Just like in fights against MegatRon, its very hard to armor the top. The hoops, while better at resisting flipping, proved to be limited as the KOW bent them into the path of the blade, sticking the supports into the blade and jamming it. It also managed to work its way through the rest of the robot since there wasn’t any offensive ability left. This all began as a a result of the sprung forks finding holes in the floor and getting stuck early on. No dramatic changes to the robot here, just small stuff to continue to build on.
At this point, Vorion had performed so well and sustained so little damage in its run to qualify that it was clear that the V2 design has a distinct advantage over the V1, especially since all 3x 30lbers had qualified into the Grand Finals. With this in mind, the V1 chassis was formally retired and Phenomenon was upgraded to a V2 chassis to minimize repair time and maximize flexibility in the rush of combat.
The building of this machine is largely the same as Vorion, with the only difference being the color scheme. The upgrades such as a TPU cross-brace come directly after the fight against KOW and the hoop material has been switched to 6061 Aluminum to avoid bending. Much like Vorion, a lifting arm, pulley guard, and new forks that are designed to be spring-loaded were added to this newer version to give it the best competitive option possible. Tegris (a woven UHMW composite material) top armor was also marked up to be used as top armor as the odds of meeting the old rival MegatRon were quite high. With the prep done, onto the Finals!
NHRL December Finals 2023
Phenomenon had a fair run, but it had a tough time. Though it defeated EVA, Phenomenon drew MegatRon in its second fight. Though the fight was closer and Phenomenon lasted to reach a judges’ decision, it was clear that MegatRon still has the ground game and excellent to counter it. Even the Tegris top armor and 3/16″ Aluminum top plate could only last but so long with MegatRon’s repeated swings. After that fight, it drew Touro Feather who managed to hit the wheels and pull the shafts out of the gearbox, killing drive.
All in all the chassis still received minor damage with most damage being isolated to certain areas. Comparing this to the previous design’s damage after fighting MegatRon, I’m very pleased with the resilience will still having many other features. However, I do also feel with the success of Vorion in 2023 it made sense to retire the name of Phenomenon. This takes the pressure off of maintaining it and allowing other designs a chance to try out. While people in the NHRL circles have begun to recognize the name, Vorion will look to carry on the spirit of this design faithfully and bring it to new heights!
Bone Dead Robotics 