This third version of Backlash was almost completely rebuilt. The only original parts from the last version were the disc, the motors and speed controller. Everything else was swapped out.

The first thing to upgrade was Backlash's frame and baseplate. It had taken quite a beating in Season 1.0, so I knew which areas I wanted to make improvements to. This new frame was constructed out of 6061 aluminum and fastened together by welds and grade 8 bolts. Tons of lightening holes were drilled to keep the weight down.

Backlash's new armor was challenging. I wanted to get rid of the old 'boxy' look of the old armor. Looking inside, I saw there was a ton of clearance in the front top, so I figured it would be cool to make this sharp corner into a smooth curve instead. I started by making the side armor plates (again, 6061 aluminum), and bent a solid square bar to match the curve.

Once the bar and side plates were done, I could add on the top armor sheet. I used C-clamps to secure the armor as I drilled and tapped holes every inch and a half. Machine screws held everything together.

The end result of the armor construction was a smooth and remarkably solid, yet lightweight shape.

This piece would ring like a bell when you struck it, very cool.

Of course this would need to be cut up to accomodate a main access panel, holes for the motors, etc., but it was sure pretty at this stage...

Next up was swapping out that big heavy Hawker battery. I chose 2400mah NiCads this time for their light weight and ability to provide the current I needed to get Backlash's disc to top speed faster and keep it running longer.

I used standard 6 cell RC Car packs, two in series to make a set, paralleled with another set to make 24 cells in a set. Although this was an easy way to do it, I do not recommend using prebuilt RC car packs, the tabs between the cells and the overall construction is not made for BattleBot combat.

I constructed a main battery bay in the center of Backlash that would house a total of 48 cells. The whole bay was padded with rubber to absorb shock. I separated the bot into two battery systems, one for weapon and one for drive. Each set got 14.4volts to it. This meant Backlash would be a bit faster and more powerful than his previous 12V versions, and remarkably saving overall weight in batteries!

Backlash has a very compact body, so I had to stack several of the components. This meant fashioining some interesting custom brackets and shock-mounting techniques.

Oh, and that back wedge? Still hollow. No components in there at all. Cut it up, bash it full of holes, do whatever, it won't affect how Backlash runs.

I reconstructed the hubs and modified the sprockets to save weight. These wheels spun easily on the shaft, and I was able to save several ounces off the last versions by drilling holes and eliminating corners.

I sharpened the extended shafts into a spike-point and added a titanium strip across the back of the wedge, and Backlash version 3 was complete!

This finished version 3 of Backlash was much more refined looking, and performed quite well. Once again, Backlash made it to the finals, bringing home a 2nd place nut! Read here to see how Backlash did!