CIM motors on Kitbot Chassis
 

Hi everyone, this is our rookie year, and we have decided to go with the wide Kitbot chassis with a few modifications. Because we also get the green tote, we are given 2 additional CIM motors. I was just curious to hear from experienced teams, what would be the up and downsides to having 4 CIMs on the robot as opposed to just 2 that the Kitbot instructions call for? Thanks for the help, this forum is a huge resource!

Re: CIM motors on Kitbot Chassis
 

I will preface by saying, welcome! And, that I haven't really looked at the kitbot frame yet, so what I say might not be valid; maybe the mods necessary to make it work are to big for a rookie to take on.

That being said, having four CIMs is a big advantage in pushing matches, and (to some extent) in getting your robot up to top speed quickly. These days, there are very few robots running 2 CIM drives, and you will be at a distinct disadvantage when going head-to-head. Some robots will even use six CIMs!

Hope that helps. Best of luck!

Re: CIM motors on Kitbot Chassis
 

The short answer is that a 4-CIM drivetrain gives you more acceleration, torque and pushing power. The battery will be used more, but unless you have a significant number of other motors that run for a significant amount of time, battery isn't likely to be an issue.

Re: CIM motors on Kitbot Chassis
 

The main advantage to having the extra CIM is acceleration and I believe (check me on this) that is will decrease the load on the individual motor, making your breaker less likely to trip during a tough pushing match.

I advise you go with 4.

Re: CIM motors on Kitbot Chassis
 

Thanks, guys, for all the input! I will bring it up to the team tomorrow!

Re: CIM motors on Kitbot Chassis
 

The overall torque available at the wheels of the drivetrain is sum of the motor torques times the gear ratio. Adding 2 motors would give you twice the torque at the wheels.

Re: CIM motors on Kitbot Chassis
 

Not only will it reduce the current draw of each individual motor, it may also reduce current draw in general. Since the torque for each individual motor is cut in half, most likely the motors will be operating at a higher efficiency, reducing current draw in general.

Re: CIM motors on Kitbot Chassis
 

Yes! Last year our team had a big problem with our robot browning out from too much load on the two CIMs we had for a 6WD, go for the 4 CIMs!

Re: CIM motors on Kitbot Chassis
 

The advantages are numerous and pretty well documented in this thread and eleswhere. I highly encourage you to go with 4 CIMs in your drivetrain, especially as a rookie team.

One downside that hasn't been mentioned so far is weight. Adding two CIMs adds around 5 lb.s to your drivebase. Never forget the weight limit. That being said, it's some of the most productive and well placed weight on your robot. Keeping as much weight as possible down low is always a good option.

Re: CIM motors on Kitbot Chassis
 

5 lbs for the CIMs plus extra weight associated with the required speed controllers and wiring. Copper is heavy!

I too recommend 4 CIMs for all the reasons stated above.