Re: Drive system vs. ground pickup
 

the second option is pretty much on our robot right now
we originally had 2 motors in the kit transmissions but then took one motor out of each to save weight.

we also used a globe moter to run our ball conveyer system

Re: Drive system vs. ground pickup
 

Our bot this year actually has 4 motor 2 speed drivesystem and can pick up off the ground, so I guess that we would be a bit of both. For defense, we plan on just getting in the opponent's face and picking up balls every now and then if they happen to roll to our collector.

If I was in a situation though, I would go with the 4 motor 2 speed, I'm head of drivesystem and a driver.:D

Re: Drive system vs. ground pickup
 

Yeah, we have a 4 motor 2 speed drive with ground pickup. I suppose if I had to choose, I would go with the beefy drivetrain, since human loader isn't much slower than ground pickup, and the ability to impose your will on other robots is a useful one.

Re: Drive system vs. ground pickup
 

Well, since we had 19 cents in our budget at the beginning of the year (we ended up spending a bit over $1,000), we were forced into the kit box (don't get me wrong, it's a fine gearbox, but it isn't a DeWalt). Since I didn't think we'd have an awe inspiring shooter I used all four little CIMs in the kit 'box, six kit wheels, some SBR Roughtop treading, two more tranny sprockets, and eight AndyMark 54 tooth sprockets to make a 5.7 ft/s (in theory, it's probably a little lower) six wheel drive. So, we can play some rough defense, our ball pickup mechanism is ground capable (polycord conveyor), so we can harvest, and our shooter... doesn't work very well. It can hit the bottom goal from >30 feet, but can't get the top goal. So, although it wouldn't matter now if this isn't hypothetical, I'd say do 'em all. Failing that... I don't know... I literally flipped a coin for my poll choice.

Re: Drive system vs. ground pickup
 

2 and ground pickup. Why? Flexiblity.

You may not be the fastest, or most "torqu-ie", but you can play backfield. You can human load. You can floor load. You can get in peoples way, even if you just get pushed back. Just gives you options. More options. And since we don't REALLY know how the game will be played yet, options are good.