Spaceport Functional-now
(If the function test video does not post here will try posting separately)
Once the root cause to basket number 1 was identified, next came brainstorming all options to mitigate the 1.5 mm gap between the basket tray floor surface to the vertical lift entry-exit surface.
The solution was to add a shim that sits directly on the basket floor. Since my sheets of semi-transparent PE was 0.5mm thick I doubled up the shape cutout, applied a tiny bit or contact cement to join the two. Then burnished the perimeter of this shim to remove any knife burrs. Had to use tweezers and patience to seat the shim and run manual and motorized test runs for the balls. Once satisfied the shim worked it was time to remove it (use a bit of sticky tape to grab it), applied some two-sided sticky tape to it and carefully re-insert into place in basket number 1.
During the basket shim testing it was also noted that balls would jam as they tried to enter the pickup wheel. Realized after several jams that root cause was the track ramp is too wide which allowed balls to jam trying to enter the pickup wheel. Fashioned a temporary shim to figure out how much reduction of the ball ramp was required. This is why never throw away left over parts. Crafted a kicker, applied black out marker paint, then glue it into place.
Am happy with the functionality of the Spaceport now in fully motorized mode. This will allow me now to start mapping out the morphing concept I have for this finished kit into something else.
Hopefully my photos and solution description could help others with their Spaceport functionality concerns.
No matter what Enjoy your builds
