pic: IFI's new wheels on Denominator

[Chris]

[cdm-description=photo]22380[/cdm-description]

[Chris]

Due to JVN's connection to 229 we were allowed to be the beta testers for the new IFI traction wheels, as you can see from the picture these were mere prototypes that we ran on a bushings just to get the testing done.

Let me just say we were all very amazed. With an aluminum sprocket they are almost exactly half the weight of the wheels that we used during the competition season last year.

We did a lot of testing, driving around and smashing the robot into walls. After being unable to fail a wheel through normal robot usage, we flipped poor denominator on her back and started hitting the wheels with hammers while they were spinning (videos to follow) Lets just say it took someone with more muscle than me to finally dent one of the wheels. After that we drove the robot around with the dented wheel and it still functioned. I was skeptical at first but ended up very impressed, we are currently planning on using these (4 inch ones) during the 2006 season.

Chris C.
Team 229

[Jonathan Norris]

Do you have any information if this wheel will be included in this years KOP? Also my team 610 is very interested in using this wheel anyways if it is not included in this years KOP. We have used this type of tread in the past, but never in this thickness of the wheel, I was wondering if this wheel affects turning speed of the robot, obviously due to the added friction? Thanks.

[Stephen Kowski]

After being unable to fail a wheel through normal robot usage, we flipped poor denominator on her back and started hitting the wheels with hammers while they were spinning (videos to follow)

I am anxiously awaiting these videos....

[slickguy2007]

What is the coefficient of friction for these wheels and how often do you have to change the treads (if at all)? How much do they weigh btw, the website did not indicate. These wheels look great!!

GO 1403!!!

[sanddrag]

I too am interested in the weight. I couldn't afford anything more than probably .65 lbs per wheel assembled.

For tread wear, they are so wide that your ground pressure becomes pretty low and so does the wear. Unless you are spinning for the entire match, I think they should last at least a regional, if not two.

[Cory]

What is the coefficient of friction for these wheels and how often do you have to change the treads (if at all)? How much do they weigh btw, the website did not indicate. These wheels look great!!

GO 1403!!!

1.2-1.3 ish.

[Adrienne E.]

Here is one of the videos that we took during testing.
http://www.vexlabs.com/video/IFI-Wheel_test.wmv

[Rob]

Chris,

I like the spacers you used to locate the wheels on the axle...good stuff.

rob

[davelu]

Hey, we had a similar desgin last year.
here's apicture of it

http://www.warp7.ca/new/gallery/albums/prodigy4/Robot%20pic062.jpg