Re: 3 shifting transmission...
 

We used small 3/4 bore air cylinders to change between 1st, 2nd & 3rd gears. After debugging this masterpiece, it was awesome. For this year though, I don't see a need for it. As a matter of fact, we are only using a one speed tranny this year to free up wgt. for everything else.

Re: 3 shifting transmission...
 

Hmmm, I think I will retract my previous statement that a 3 speed transmission is too heavy and complex for FIRST use.

47 sure proved me wrong.

Cory

Re: 3 shifting transmission...
 

Team 222 has a three speed this year, and i believe 968 actually has a four speed...

Re: 3 shifting transmission...
 

Yes we do.
Huge inspirational praise to our machinist, "Just Bob". He lead us all the way with this one and it works great. We can have a sweet accel. and a nice top speed. We only use the chips with it and the whole thing doesn't weigh much. Brad posted a pic. and a quick explanation of it for all to look at. Hopefully it will do well though awards to other team inspiration and the competion. I haven't seen it miss a shift yet since running so it is pretty good as far as reliability even though it really doesn't follow KISS. Anyway come check us out at a comp. near you. Annapolis, Philly, and Nats.

Re: 3 shifting transmission...
 

Definitely... A well designed 3 or 4 speed can easily be simple and lightweight. (granted the 2 speed version of the same kind would of course be lighter.)

I would encourage all teams to try something challenging like a 3 speed or 4 speed tranny (or higher.. but don't get toooo carried away :D) Even if you are unsuccessful during the 6 week build period, you will learn a lot during the design and research process.

There are a lot of great people on this forum who are more than willing to help any of you that have ideas... Shoot em by guys like Andy Baker, Joe Johnson, and the hundred other engineers and mentors that are out there... You will be amazed and how knowledgeable and willing to help they can be.

As for our team...I do not think we will make a 4 speed next year... it is really nice to have the options open.. and we have that "cool" factor.. But, there just isn't enough room on the playing field to 'let 'er rip', so to speak, for it to be worth it. Our team wanted to do something challenging and unique... and I think we accomplished that very well. We learned a lot, and had fun doing it. Isn't that what FIRST is about? ;)