pic: DeWalt drive base: side module
 

Re: pic: DeWalt drive base: side module
 

Why not only have 1 DeWalt on each side, linked to both CIM motors? It would require a little more modification, but it seems like it would save size and weight.

Re: pic: DeWalt drive base: side module
 

this way when one of them fails, you still have drive on that side.....

clever design!

Re: pic: DeWalt drive base: side module
 

from my experience dewalts require further reduction from the output shaft before it gets down to a usable speed. We usually run a chain reduction.
Feel free to correct me if im wrong, but thats what we have always done.

Re: pic: DeWalt drive base: side module
 

question, not sure if it's dumb, but why so much space between the plates, like, why so much space between wheels and chain routing ?

Re: pic: DeWalt drive base: side module
 

There are two chains running to the middle wheel. One from the rear and one from the front, they sit side by side. The rear is offset to the outside, whereas the front is offset to the inside.

Re: pic: DeWalt drive base: side module
 

Those sprockets could be narrower though and probably save at least 1/2".

Re: pic: DeWalt drive base: side module
 

the reduction ratios of the NBD modification are 3:1, 4:1, 12:1. (12:1 being the same as the Banebots transmission this year) It would seem a bit fast to direct drive the wheels but wheel size plays a big factor in this (the smaller the wheel the more realistic this becomes), although I wouldn't do it as a cim motor at 3:1 reduction with 6 inch wheels would go ~46.5 ft/sec

Re: pic: DeWalt drive base: side module
 

Definitely. Unless you want to have ~2" diameter wheels (in which case, the CIM would be the part touching the ground), you should really consider a reduction. My experience has been that an additional reduction in the ballpark of 4:1 (for a 7.5" diameter wheel) provides sufficient torque in 1st gear (for pushing/wheel slip), and plenty of speed in 2nd and 3rd.

Edit: Typos

Re: pic: DeWalt drive base: side module
 

Use JVN's design calculator to choose your ratios, and model the results;


http://www.chiefdelphi.com/media/papers/1469


Don't forget that under robot weight, don't just put 120. Add in the weight of the battery and bumpers as well if you plan on using them.


This calculator removes all guesswork, speculation and "well, it worked for us....". It will give you the precise performance data along with helpful graphs.

Re: pic: DeWalt drive base: side module
 

oh, yeah, of course, lol, figured I was just missing something
thank you

Re: pic: DeWalt drive base: side module
 

Yes, i could make the sprockets narrower,(they are currently .75in wide) which would allow the plates to be closer together. Right now i don't have a real big reason to do that though.


Several reasons: First of all i am using 4 dewalts because i know how to directly connect the CIM to the DeWalt, using the white paper. Making a gearbox to adapt 2 CIMs to one DeWalt would be something i have never done before. I think this would be possible though.
Another reason is because it would not really save that much weight. Each dewalt only weighs 1.5lbs and adding a 2-CIM adapter could add that much.
Also it wouldn't really save space because currently they only take a few inches at the ends. Which also distributes the weight well.
And finally because "this way when one of them fails, you still have drive on that side....." (posted by squirrel)


You guys are all correct.
I forgot to make this clear.
I am planning on adding the last stage to the DeWalt gearboxes. To my knowledge this stage is 4:1. This should be a good speed with the current 6 inch wheels i have. I have not yet tested adding this part of the dewalts so it may not be realistic. I'll see.

Thanks for your comments!
DB

Re: pic: DeWalt drive base: side module
 

Gear inefficiencies, weight distribution, and coefficient of friction all must be estimated. For this reason, though the calculator is very nice and convenient, testing is still necessary to ensure you get the results you want.
Also, while the calculator is convenient, I would highly recommend that everyone create their own spreadsheet and run the calculations themselves. That way, if you don't get the results you want, you will have a better understanding of what you can change.

Re: pic: DeWalt drive base: side module
 

also in team 885's experience the dewalts dont shift at exactly the same time.. this would cause binding as far as i know. out solution was to only use 1 dewalt/cim per side.
...just a thought
...forest

Re: pic: DeWalt drive base: side module
 

thats very neat design you made. that would be cool to see in the 2007-2008 build season.