Omni-Wheels

[Addison4300]

So our team is new to using omni-wheels and before we order them we have a few questions as to what exactly we are buying, and what the best options are. We are buying 6 inch wheels from AndyMark but are open to other authorized vendors. We were wondering whether to go with the single omni-wheels or the double omni-wheels, and whether to go with plastic or aluminum. We understand that double omni-wheels provide a smoother motion, but how much smoother is it than single omni-wheels? If dual omni-wheels are significantly better, would it be worth it to buy aluminum double omni-wheels, or could we just buy 2 plastic omni-wheels and configure them like double ones? This option is less expensive, but is it less effective or more liable to fail? Sorry for the long post, we just want to cover all our bases.

[dragon_pilot]

I have always felt that the ones from vex are better quality and cheaper, not saying that vex is the only way to go because it still has its disadvantages, mainly shipping time.

[Dunngeon]

I have always felt that the ones from vex are better quality and cheaper, not saying that vex is the only way to go because it still has its disadvantages, mainly shipping time.

Keep in mind, this shipping time disadvantage only applies to teams purchasing parts with a Purchase Order. If you buy with a credit card, PayPal, or other method, the order will ship the next day.

As far as omni's go, we have always preferred the VexPro double OMNI with the aluminum versa hub.

[Rohan8616]

We used Omni wheels last year and unless your programing is ver accurate you wont be able to strafe and they just turn into original wheels so beware

[cmrnpizzo14]

We used Omni wheels last year and unless your programing is ver accurate you wont be able to strafe and they just turn into original wheels so beware

You might be referring to mecanum wheels, omni wheels do not strafe by nature.

[Peyton Yeung]

For the people that have stated that they prefer one wheel over the other, would you mind stating why?

[Ether]

omni wheels do not strafe by nature.

Please explain what you mean by this.

[Mike Marandola]

You might be referring to mecanum wheels, omni wheels do not strafe by nature.

They do in certain formations. Such as Kiwi (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-KvZbAZ8Kkc) and Killough (http://www.chiefdelphi.com/media/photos/36085).

[Abhishek R]

Please explain what you mean by this.




I think he means if you set up 4 omni wheels in the same orientation as a tank drive or mecanum drive (all facing the same direction), the vehicle will not strafe in any controlled manner besides drift as a result of a turn, as opposed to a swerve or mecanum drive.

[Ether]

Or perhaps something like this:

http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/showpost.php?p=1419374&postcount=11

[Addison4300]

Thank you all for the great input! We decided to go with the VexPro double omni with the aluminum versa hub as it is within a good price range and are easy to get.

Best Regards,
Team 4300