Thoughts on the new AM14U 2014 KOP Drive train?
 

I am a part of a rookie team and we are trying to decide on a drive train. We think we decided to go with a drive system powered by the VEX Pro 2 CIM Ball Sifters. We thought that we had decided on using the VersaChassis but now with this new kitbot we are a bit lost. Does anyone have an opinion on the new Kitbot? I know that may be hard because its so new and the veteran teams may not have gotten one.

What about the VersaChassis? Do you think its a good drive train? It may be a good choice because you can make it a more custom size which could be useful for this year with the big game piece.

Re: Thoughts on the new AM14U 2014 KOP Drive train?
 

I like the AM14U, kind of sorry we didn't opt for it. You can build it as is, wide or long. It also looks like it would be possible to build 30" x 26" square, which may be a good option for some teams this year. For a rookie team, I'd strongly recommend getting a moving drivetrain running as soon as possible, and using the extra time to practice.

Re: Thoughts on the new AM14U 2014 KOP Drive train?
 

What about Rule 4.1.3.R3A ?

Re: Thoughts on the new AM14U 2014 KOP Drive train?
 

Pretty sure Dad 1279 meant "a little smaller than" a 30 inch square. Clearly 120 > 112.

By cutting the kit chassis rails on one end only, you can get a 27.5" x 27.5" square with 131 tooth belts on the short end and 170 tooth belts on the other end. About 9 inches wheelbase one way and 12 inches the other, with about 22 inch track. Should turn nicely, and the chassis is larger than the ball. :)

Re: Thoughts on the new AM14U 2014 KOP Drive train?
 

We really like the new AM drivetrain - so much so that after 7 years of building custom drivetrains we're strongly considering using it ourselves. We build out of aluminum stick and channel because we currently don't have any sheet metal capability (though we're desperately trying to figure out how to get it!). Because this is sheetmetal, it saves a substantial amount of space over a thicker 'tube' chassis. It's also much stiffer in a couple directions that the chassis' we normally build.

It can be modified to different sizes per the instructions in the manual.

Don't get me wrong though - ALL the chassis supplied by the different FIRST vendors are excellent options. Each for it's own reason. Something interesting to note with the AM chassis is that the wide version doesn't have a drop center wheel. I haven't measured the long one yet, though I'll do so today.

Re: Thoughts on the new AM14U 2014 KOP Drive train?
 

As a rookie team, I would suggest getting your drive base built asap, so you can focus on other parts of your robot. The new kit bot seams like a good option.

Re: Thoughts on the new AM14U 2014 KOP Drive train?
 

My bad, thank you.

Re: Thoughts on the new AM14U 2014 KOP Drive train?
 

We have also always done a custom welded alumiinum tube chassis and are seriously considering the AM14U this year. The main advantage I see is that we will save a week or so from our timeline by not fabricating it ourselves. This will allow us to spend more time on manipulators and practice time at the end.

Re: Thoughts on the new AM14U 2014 KOP Drive train?
 

We put over 11 of the KOP drive together at a rookie quick build.
The new drive is 6 wheel drop centre and maybe configured in either a long or wide format. The mini tough box in also a low as is go without touching the ground so it makes for a very low CG. The two end tubs give you lots of room for all the electronics. Really nice design and a lot lighter that years before.

Re: Thoughts on the new AM14U 2014 KOP Drive train?
 

Really frustrated that FIRST chose not to reveal this drivetrain before we had to chose whether or not to get the PDV. Would have absolutely chosen this if we had known ahead of time. But we were given the choice between $450 to spend on known solutions and what was essentially a mystery, so we opted for the PDV.

Re: Thoughts on the new AM14U 2014 KOP Drive train?
 

The AM14U is an excellent drive train for its ease of building and versatility. The belt drive is a winner.

We used a VersaChassis last year and spent a good bit of time dealing with chain tensioners and defective ball shifter transmissions. This one is too simple to go wrong! We built four of them (partially) in our rookie build session yesterday.

The square option is rather attractive for this game, even though it's not shown on the instruction manual. Just cut off one end and make the tub ~5" narrower.

Re: Thoughts on the new AM14U 2014 KOP Drive train?
 

Are you thinking of the Drive in a Day? VersaChassis was just released this year.

The VersaChassis is entirely new and hasn't been used. Its been tested on multiple robots on the offseason and is a derivative of design from teams such as 254/968/973/1323/1538 etc...

If your interested in flexibility and ease of build. The VersaChassis allows you to do any size frame. Can use multiple gearboxes and any wheel on the VexPro site.

Re: Thoughts on the new AM14U 2014 KOP Drive train?
 

What do you guys think are the advantages/disadvantages of the AM14U versus last year's AndyMark KOP chassis?

Re: Thoughts on the new AM14U 2014 KOP Drive train?
 

The AM14U looks very easy to upgrade. AndyMark has some upgrade packages here.

Re: Thoughts on the new AM14U 2014 KOP Drive train?
 

In the long configuration, the chassis is a drop center. In the wide configuration, the step files show that it is not a drop center.