How can we drive on this new floor?
 

We cant use OMNI's or traction wheels, only the KOP wheels. any ideas of how to drive?

Re: How can we drive on this new floor?
 

The same way you would as if you were driving on snow or ice. It is possible and start off slow to get going.


I think the teams in the snow belt areas will have an advantage with the 2009game :D

Re: How can we drive on this new floor?
 

My guess would be to accelerate slowly to prevent burnouts, and distribute your weight on your back wheels.

Re: How can we drive on this new floor?
 

Well, it's obvious that every wheel touching the ground will need to be powered (otherwise you're foolishly wasting precious traction) but beyond that I don't have many ideas. Would any non-tank drive style drive systems help? Also, am I wrong in assuming that traction force is just a function of coefficient of friction (cannot be changed) and mass (going to be 120 for everybody)? Does increasing the surface area have any affect?

Re: How can we drive on this new floor?
 

There are even a few more factors than that in optimizing traction.
However, to put it simply:
Friction is a function of normal force (weight).
Traction is a function of normal force AND surface area.

Re: How can we drive on this new floor?
 

Would there be any advantage in using crab drive or another drive system like that? Or would a car like drive system be better for towing the trailer around?

Re: How can we drive on this new floor?
 

<R06> says it all. You may use only the KOP wheels.

Re: How can we drive on this new floor?
 

they dident say that we couldent angle the wheels............

Re: How can we drive on this new floor?
 

A holonomic drivebase would still be possible even with just the KOP wheels. The coefficient of friction is low enough that a swerve base or kiwi drive would both be possible, since the wheels slide easily enough.

Re: How can we drive on this new floor?
 

thats exactly what i was thinking

Re: How can we drive on this new floor?
 

I think it may be good to have weight on the driving wheels so that there is plenty of traction for turning and changing direction.

Re: How can we drive on this new floor?
 

There is another rule stating that the wheel's rotation MUST BE inline with movement of the bot, so that the axle the wheel is on is perpendicular to the bot and wheels movement

Re: How can we drive on this new floor?
 

For tank drive systems, what do you guys think about 4 vs 6 coplanar, evenly spaced wheels? Would there really be any difference?

Has anyone felt the new playing surface? How much does it cost? Would plane old hallway concrete be a suitable substitute?

Re: How can we drive on this new floor?
 

could you find this and link to it?

Re: How can we drive on this new floor?
 

I have to agree.

To teams that have no experience driving in snowy/icy conditions- trying to start out going fast (even middle-range speeds) can result in either your tires just sitting there spinning, followed by a jerk forward, or the car/bot sliding out of control.