New video: Disc Launcher V2

After having the idea for this project living rent free in my mind for almost two years, I decided it was time to finally build it. I've documented the overall process with all of its ups and downs in my latest video.  

My first generation disc launcher was cool, but it left me unsatisfied in many ways. Namely it was too dangerous to hold and did not have the accuracy needed to perform difficult shots. It sure could throw discs hard though!

My primary goal with this project was to build a system that could "throw" a disc with repeatable and controlled spin & speed. My thinking is that if I can do that, it becomes theoretically aimable. The catch with aiming discs is that they fly in mysterious ways. Small variations in seemingly anything from how you throw it, to the shape of the disc can majorly impact where the disc ultimately goes.

This is where I left part one of this project. I have a prototype launcher and now I have to dive deep into disc flight prediction for part 2. My goal is to create some kind of user interface that shows me the path that the disc will take in real time so that I can aim the launcher to do cool stuff like properly track through a dogleg, snipe the basket when closer, etc. I've been looking forward to this phase ever since I started this project. I think it's going to be very interesting.

I'm also planning to do a complete rebuild of the system to integrate a lot of improvements I learned along the way. I also want it to be a bit more portable if I'm going to play entire rounds of disc with it. Smaller and sleeker should also help me avoid getting the cops called on me :)

This was a lot of fun to get working and I hope you enjoy it. I'll be doing a patrons only directors commentary livetream to share more of the details in the next week or so. As always I am very grateful for your support. Thank you!

-Shane