what wheels to use
 

I'm thinking about a 10 or 12 wheel chassis this year to keep the CG down but our budget is looking for less expensive wheels. Have any of you used these http://banebots.com/c/WHB-KS4-498? Not to expensive and come in 3 sizes and 3 hardnesses.

Thanks
Bruce

Re: what wheels to use
 

I think 12 wheels are overkill. But I would go anywhere from 6 to 10 depending on wheel size. While I was talking to Sean (1771), we found out that 5 inch was the smallest wheel size you could use on a 8wd.

Personally I'd use Colsons over Banebots. 1323 is using IFI wheels this year instead of making our own due to size.

-RC

Re: what wheels to use
 

1625 used wheels of the same type and durometer (but a smaller size) to explosive results.

When in doubt, AndyMark always makes great wheels. :) Colsons are fantastic wheels as well.

Re: what wheels to use
 

If you're on a budget, want that many wheels, and want a real durable wheel (much more so than the banebots), I'd say Colsons are the way to go.

Robot Marketplace has a nice selection.

With that many wheels, I'd go with the 7/8" or 1-1/4" wide, and 3-5" OD due to cost and weight. You don't really need to go to the wider and heavier wheels.

Re: what wheels to use
 

Looked at the colsons wheels. Whats with the wierd(29/32) bore dia? Can they be reemed out to something more available so I don't have to machine custom shafts for them?
Thanks

Re: what wheels to use
 

Depending on your budget, I'd suggest looking at the AM Plaction wheel.

http://www.andymark.biz/plactionwheel.html

We're going to use them in Our 8WD this year, and as far as I know, they're the most affordable tread-able wheel out there at $22 - $33 a wheel - which was one of the main factors behind our decision.

Re: what wheels to use
 

If you go with any tread type wheels, definitely go with the rough top tread. From my team's experience, the rough top out performs the wedge top in all respects.

Re: what wheels to use
 

Though sometimes, you may want the "worse" tread on your robot. Say hypothetically wedgetop wheels had slightly less, but not very less, traction (I don't actually know, I'm assuming based on your above statement). Then putting wedgetop on the outer wheels and rough on the inner wheels would supplement a drop center 6wd's turning ability.

Re: what wheels to use
 

Yes Chris we discovered that tread selection is important....not so grippy on outer wheels seems helpful for turning on carpet without killing battery quickly

Re: what wheels to use
 

I stand corrected! There are practical applications of wedge top traction, and Chris just showed a creative example of it.