Re: [FTC]: Can I add non-slip material to 4" Tetrix Wheels?
 

If you have the tetrix wheels, try them and see how turning is. If it is slow or makes the battery get really low, switch to omnis.

Re: [FTC]: Can I add non-slip material to 4" Tetrix Wheels?
 

Really 10 kg? Wow! We need some pics please.

Re: [FTC]: Can I add non-slip material to 4" Tetrix Wheels?
 

The robot as shown in these photos is 9.5kg. The bottom section is 5.8kg and the top section is 3.7 kg. Missing is the little bucket scoop on the front and the flag mechanism interior to the top portion facing the rear of the robot. They don't weigh much. The yellow cord is normally attached and wrapped around the lift axle you see in the center of the top section.

Re: [FTC]: Can I add non-slip material to 4" Tetrix Wheels?
 

Re: [FTC]: Can I add non-slip material to 4" Tetrix Wheels?
 

F,
You didn't say you were a Ham. Nice option using the Rig Runner. I have been trying to get West Mountain involved in First for many years. I recommend the CBAIV to teams all the time.

Re: [FTC]: Can I add non-slip material to 4" Tetrix Wheels?
 

this is all neat :)

anyways are we allowed to use Tetrix motors? :confused:

Re: [FTC]: Can I add non-slip material to 4" Tetrix Wheels?
 

Um, its the only "motor" we can use in FTC.

Re: [FTC]: Can I add non-slip material to 4" Tetrix Wheels?
 

Not a HAM... I actually got onto Anderson Powerpoles from this website! Then I saw the RIGrunners and got a ruling to use them. The fused distribution panel has saved our bacon three times now. We do so something stupid, a fuse blows, we figure out what we did, we replace the fuse, and all is good. I think a lot of teams burn stuff up because they're not fuse protected.

Re: [FTC]: Can I add non-slip material to 4" Tetrix Wheels?
 

Our team uses a 6-wheel drive system, using 4 TETRIX V2 motors, 2 on each side, and each side connected to one motor port on the controllers. We have 120 tooth gears on the motors, and 80 tooth gears on each wheel, which drives rather quick. (You can kind of see it in the picture) We had to put steel weights in the bottom of our robot to counteract all the torque, making it weigh 38 pounds. It's no fun to carry it to the competition field. https://s3.amazonaws.com/ksr/assets/...G?1390610 304

Re: [FTC]: Can I add non-slip material to 4" Tetrix Wheels?
 

When our team gets the funds, I am MAKING us switch to a RIGrunner and PowerPoles if we make it to the Super Regional, because it will help with many electrical problems, but I have a question for you. What rating fuses did you use for the motor controllers? I know it's 20A for the DC in, and all the fuses on the bot have to be <= 20A but I couldn't find ratings for the motor controllers and such. (Also I LOVE the sub-assembly held to the robot with the quick-release pins!)

Re: [FTC]: Can I add non-slip material to 4" Tetrix Wheels?
 

Wired,
This device will help identify problems that are causing shorts on the robot but it is a rather expensive alternative. The motors are drawing a few amps a piece. So a 5-10 amp fuse for each controller is likely what you need. PTC claims each controller can effectively feed 4 motors, two for each output. Inefficient mechanical designs would push that limit in my opinion.
One of the issues with many teams is the way they distribute power on the FTC robot. When daisy chaining power from one controller to the next, any problems with wiring will affect everything down stream from the problem. My suggestion is to individually feed each controller using something like the Rigrunner or other power distribution block. Another area I see in inspections is teams 'tinning' the wire before insertion into the screw terminals on the motor controllers. This is the wrong way to terminate these wires. Screw terminals of this type require un-tinned wire so that the wire will actually conform to the terminal as the screw is tightened. This gives the maximum current transfer and minimum series resistance to the connection. While the FTC rules do allow smaller gauge wire, I recommend at least #18 and #16 preferred for all wiring carrying power to controllers. This gives you predictable performance from your motors, less chance of brownout faults and minimum issues with the controllers.

Re: [FTC]: Can I add non-slip material to 4" Tetrix Wheels?
 

We went with 20A for the Main, 10A for the motor controllers, 5A for the servo controllers, and 3A for the Samantha. We've blown three fuses. One time we had something get caught in our gears and that blew the motor controller fuse, one time we got the Samantha power plugged into the wrong place (don't ask) and that fuse saved our Samantha module, and another time we blew a main fuse when a student cut the power wire from the battery while the battery was still connected.

The Quick Release Pins are one of our favorite features. We can break the robot completely apart in under 30 seconds with no tools. In addition to the four pins, there are two Anderson power connections and two NXT control connections. The base is fully functional as a driveable chassis when separated.

Re: [FTC]: Can I add non-slip material to 4" Tetrix Wheels?
 

That is EXACTLY why I want to do it as soon as possible. It would isolate electrical problems, make wiring easier and prettier, and make our connections rock solid. Thanks!


Thanks! Hah I won't, but I am very curious to how it happened.

That's a fantastic idea, I really really like it! It's quite innovative! In FLL I tried to keep the robot semi modular, but I never even thought of it for FTC, that's great!