pic: universal_chassis_complete
 

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This upcoming season Team 221 LLC. will be offering a chassis system with built-in chain tensioners for 6wd platforms called the Universal Chassis (UC).

The chassis will be sold in component form with a side rail kit, optional ladder bars and assorted accessories. The UC is specifically designed to work with Andymark components. It currently supports the AM Performance Wheel, the AM FIRST wheel and the new 6" Plaction wheel. Any 4", 6" or 8" wheel could be adapted for use with proper spacers and shafts. Team 221 LLC. will also offer a solution for the AM Toughbox and Am Supershifter.

The price points for these items are not set in stone, but I'm expecting the side rail assembly to sell for about $225 each. Teams will have the option to use the side rails in their own assemblies or purchase a set of ladder bars to make a fully functioning chassis.

The Universal Chassis was envisioned as a way to improve the experience of those teams without the resources to build advanced systems and as a low cost "west coast style" drivetrain for veteran teams who want to make up some extra time during the six weeks.

With 13 years of FIRST experience I fully understand the rigors of competition and know what works on the field. Like my good friends at Andymark I'm attempting to pursue my dreams and turn my love of FIRST into a future career!

Please see the attached CAD images and feel free to ask questions. Final revisions are being implemented now as we tool up for the 2009 season. More posts will follow when the chassis is available for purchase online.

Universal Chassis Side Rail
Universal Chassis Side Rail Side
Universal Chassis Drawing

Sincerely,

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I saw this kit in person at IRI and had the opportunity to discuss it with Anthony. Nicely designed, well engineered, very solid. I really liked the chain tensioners integrated into the frame rails. :cool:

Questions:
- At IRI, you had beige rails with green aluminum components...Will icolors be an option?
- You also had a two-CIM Dewalt transmission displayed. Any chance of offering that for sale?

Good luck in your future endeavors!!

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The main chassis rails and any cross tubes will not be offered in colors, mainly because they are unlightened and I anticipate customers having to modify them for their application.

However, the smaller billet components will all be anodized, I'm planning on black. Multiple colors may be an option in the future once we have higher quantities.

Unfortunately I have no current plans to offer any transmission components. My plan is to stay with Andymark wheels and transmission products. If the demand for ready-made Dewalt style shifting products is large enough I may consider it in the future.

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I also saw these at IRI and liked them but I must tell you that $225 per side is too much coin for me.

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I also had a chance to look these over at IRI. I was very impressed, but Tony has always done nice work. If you are looking to implement a chassis like this, know that the engineering for stress and and durability of use have been covered for you. I really liked what I saw. Coupled with AndyMark components you have a great base on which to build.

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When will you have the details about the super shifter implementation?

Also, will spacers be offered so that if we use AndyMark wheels and sprockets, we don't have to cut our own?

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The supershifter mount is nearly complete. It looks like you'll need two swap in a few flat head bolts and replace the drive shaft with the extended Andymark version.

I'm planning to sell "wheel kits." These will include the proper shaft and spacers for the performance wheel, FIRST wheel and plaction wheel.

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Will you qualify under FIRST's "supplier" rules for commercial off the shelf parts?

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I have read the rules thoroughly and believe that I will fully qualify without question.

I've been working closely with Andymark to avoid any potential pitfalls.

I was also lucky enough to show the chassis to a few of the FIRST decision makers at IRI and they seemed pleased with the concept.

If for some reason FIRST has a problem with my plans I'll do what it takes to modify my products.

I'm also planning to sell many of my components outside of FIRST. I chose to design this chassis on the 27"x37" dimensions so FIRST could use it, but I will have many new products later this year that are not necessarily FIRST related.

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Though our team prefers building out own chassis for customization and learning purposes, I really like this idea and see the value in it. After all, if you can purchases a chassis that meets all of your needs, and you can afford it you might as well do so. Engineering isn't just about designing, it is also about optimizing, and sometimes that optimizing consists of using something that already exists and simply making it better or building off of it.

How many inventions are designed from scratch? Almost all will incorporate parts that already exists, that is a part of designing. So, once again, kudos on this whole project. I think many teams will find the idea quite useful and I wish you the best of luck.

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Have you finalized your super shifter mounting method?

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Unfortunately the supershifter has taken a back seat to other issues.

I'll will re-tackle it this weekend and see if I can come up with something simple and elegant. I have developed a Toughbox adapter that is pretty slick. :)

If you have any thoughts please feel free to send them along. The .stp files for the chassis are on the website.

Thanks.

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I took a look tonight, and good news! The long shaft option on the supershifter has enough reach to directly drive the center wheel.

A few angle brackets should be sufficient to hold the rest of the shifter in place.

So, the answer is yes, I do believe I now have a supershifter solution.

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Ah, Similar to what I was imagining.

Will the mount holes for this come on the rails stock?

Pretty much, we'd like to use this for season and we don't want to have to do any machining operations on the side rails or super shifters themselves. However, making the angle brackets wouldn't be an issue if you decide not to sell those.