Re: KOP Drivetrain vs Voucher
 

As much as my teacher likes the whole new belt idea, I'm pretty sure we'd rather go with the voucher... Depending on the game, we would like to use mechanums this year and make our drive train. Seems like different games require different drive trains, and better maneuverability is always going to be a plus....

Re: KOP Drivetrain vs Voucher
 

256 is going with the voucher. I've been designing a new custom drivetrain that utilizes our steel tubing, so we're super excited to be able to get the $450 to AndyMark. Maybe we'll get to use shifters! :D

Unsure on whether you want the voucher or Kitbot? Here's something that'll help:

Do you have a custom drivetrain that's been proven to work that you've spent a long time perfecting and carefully designing, with all the math and physics done?

If no to any of those parts, kitbot is probably a good idea. Plus, this year it's an awesome kitbot.

Re: KOP Drivetrain vs Voucher
 

Yes, but is it really $450 worth of aluminum?

While it's not my decision, my recommendation has been for the voucher. We DO have a custom drivetrain we've been using for several years that's near perfect and works very well. But if we didn't, Kitbot is a good choice.

Re: KOP Drivetrain vs Voucher
 

We are going with the KitBot. Although we are planning on making a custom chassis over the next few months, we may not be able to get it to a decent level before build season. It will also be interesting using belts instead of chain.

Re: KOP Drivetrain vs Voucher
 

Probably voucher -- we're still debating (and are waiting to see how our fundraising goes this weekend, because we blew our budget last year and need to make wise decisions with limited funds.)

As for the gates belting, it's awesome. We used gates belting and sprockets on our octocanum drive last year and it worked without a hitch.

Re: KOP Drivetrain vs Voucher
 

I'm working under the assumption it's not just aluminum. I'd think it's also the belts, sprockets, gearboxes, etc. associated with the chassis.

Re: KOP Drivetrain vs Voucher
 

I think this is one of the leading incentives to getting the KOP chassis this year over the voucher is the belt drive system.

Re: KOP Drivetrain vs Voucher
 

Every medal 2815 has won* has been driven by a derivative of the kitbot.

So we'll be getting the kitbot.

*Edit: For those reading this later on, that's three gold medals and one silver in four seasons.

Re: KOP Drivetrain vs Voucher
 

We haven't decided yet as the discussion is still going back and forth over the KOP chassis vs what to spend the voucher on. I suspect we may end up with the KOP chassis and the belt drive system for no reason other than it gives us another off the shelf option in case we want it.

Re: KOP Drivetrain vs Voucher
 

SuperNerd, a "new custom drivetrain" really doesn't sound like one that's been proven to work and you've spend a long time designing. Conciser whether or not you're making a smart decision given your own guidelines.

Re: KOP Drivetrain vs Voucher
 

More or less. I'm just saying it's usually a smart idea to know that what you are using works before using it in a build season. The kit of parts was designed by engineers, and has gone through vigorous testing, something custom you design in season may not be as effective, since it hasn't been tested much.

Re: KOP Drivetrain vs Voucher
 

For us the decision was a hard one. We usually build kitbots, so the KoP was the reasonable choice, but we weren't enthusiastic about using belts.
We thought of using the voucher to buy all the raw materials for a chained kitbot but that proved inefficient. We ended up deciding taking the KoP and during week 1 deciding whever we want to use the belts or buy series #25 chains and sprockets.

Re: KOP Drivetrain vs Voucher
 

We're using 1114's "Kitbot on Steroids" modification this year. Within the next month or so we should be assembling a practice chassis with a second control system so we can get some extra driver practice. There may be a few modifications next year to make it work with belts, but it should work fine.

Re: KOP Drivetrain vs Voucher
 

Just curious - why don't you like the belts? They are more efficient than chain, don't stretch, and require little maintenance.

Re: KOP Drivetrain vs Voucher
 

I've always been wary of belts in drivetrains, due to the more stringent tensioning requirements. Chain is much more forgiving of a little slack, and the efficiency difference is negligible for FRC drivetrain applications.