Re: Motor Placement Pros and Cons
 

Wow you guys are fantastic! I really do appreciate the input. We will make the final decision on this tomorrow because school is out today. Its good to have as much information as possible before we make final decision - all this data helps so much.

One of the kids has another very valid question - Are there any teams out there that are using four transmission boxes (direct drive)? Is that legal to do?

Pattie

Re: Motor Placement Pros and Cons
 

Yes it is legal. You can purchase the gearboxes from IFI.Youwill need to get the bearings and sprockets separately. You will have to include the extra gear boxes in the cost of your robot, but there is no reason you can't have as many as you can afford in terms of cost and weight.

Re: Motor Placement Pros and Cons
 

Well, we actually used this gearbox placement for the 2003 game. Yes, there were steering issues (we found it far easier to turn one way, but difficult to turn the other). I believe these were more of a result of other aspects of the drive train, ie. weight distribution and the wheelbase vs. distance between axles.

Regardless of where you place the gearboxes, if one corner of the robot has more weight on it, you will have steering/turning problems.

I suggest that you find a way to make your wheelbase wider than the distance between axles, or use low-traction wheels on one end of your robot.

-Mr. Van
Coach, 599