Re: What to do after this season ends?
 

How would a tank-tread drive work? Can you post a picture or link to your robot or website?

Re: What to do after this season ends?
 

But why? We've been using (roughly) the same drive train every year since 2003 and it's worked out pretty well for us.

It's one less thing to worry about when build season starts because you have that part at least figured out and can get a working base going really quickly. Then we can focus more on the manipulator for that year. Also, our drivers become very good at driving with that sort of base. I don't know if we'd be as successful if our driver had to get used to something different each year (typically they start driving the spring of their freshman year at off-seasons and get practice during spring and fall then become our official driver for the next 3 years).

Re: What to do after this season ends?
 

I have to agree with Alexa. 254, 968, and 60 (and several other teams) have been using the West Coast Drive for several years.

You want a working drivetrain, a reliable drivetrain, and a versatile drivetrain, all in your arsenal of possible designs. The offseason will be a great time to build some prototypes. Try the West Coast if you think you have the resources--6WD drop center using live axles and usually a 2-speed transmission. Or, just a standard 6WD. Or maybe a swerve. Pick one and learn it, learn it, learn it.

Re: What to do after this season ends?
 

When I was on 766, we would do versions of the kit of parts with our own welded frame. Even on 3309, with access to a sheet metal shop, I want to make sure we have a very good kit of parts based chassis in our back pocket. You never know what can happen. What if our sponsor's laser went down for a few days. It may not seem much but they have a business to run, their customers come first, we understand that. They worked very hard to achieve a good reputation.

Also, I kinda want to have a practice robot that would represent a typical opponent. It came up this year that it would be nice to have one so we could had another robot to practice with balancing. Also its good to practice defensive moves and ways to repel defense.

Re: What to do after this season ends?
 

Some say you should make sure your drive train is ready in six weeks... I'd shoot for two. Remember your drive train is also a drive BASE. Your whole robot is based on the success or failure of moving on the field. Never forget that. We had a great minibot and good arm/elevator last year, but our drivetrain was... sorry. We are a strange team and we have would massive success in 4 wheel skid drives, with high friction in the back and omnis in the front. Our drivers have always liked it.

I have encouraged the team to build a few new drivetrains in the offseason before I go, but we will see. Probably go for a true WCD to test the handling and octocanum to test the concept.

We resolved to not take breaks anymore. I'd say there are 3 major breaks: after our events, but before the following meeting, after the end of the year party to the next meeting (where the old officers and new officers are still meeting) and winter break. Any other day is a good day for robots.