Re: pic: Final 2011 Drivetrain
 

That probably went a bit too far with its choice of language, but I'd agree with the sentiment. Most of the experienced members in this thread are agreeing on one thing at least: attempting a swerve drive with only a month left and a rookie team isn't likely to end well.

A 6WD is solid for this competition, and a simple manipulator combined with a strong drive train will, in my opinion, serve a rookie team better than attempting a drive train they likely won't finish. At the competition there might well be teams who can help them with the last bit of programming and such, but how does that benefit the team?

Re: pic: Final 2011 Drivetrain
 

Soo... This has pretty much all been just repeatedly beating a dead horse since JVN's post. I will say though, I believe this isn't a troll. Though that's because of my past in FIRST. I've dealt with teams that think this would be smart.

So I'll simply say this:

I noticed that your CAD was nice(ish), however, it could use some improving. Here is a few websites that have some nice models for you to use.

FIRST CAD Library

Team 1323's CAD Library

AndyMark

AndyMark doesn't have pure CAD files. But they do have stp files on the gear boxes. Which is helpful because I can't find but two gear boxes. I have to remake the AM Gen 1 Shifter.

Hope that helps. Good luck this season.

Happy Trolling.

Re: pic: Final 2011 Drivetrain
 

If you're two weeks into build and "thought about" doing the OP's drive but then "simplified" down to a two speed swerve drive - you need a reality check, fast.

Brainstorming and creativity are great, but you do actually have to build the ideas you come up with sometime.

Re: pic: Final 2011 Drivetrain
 

This thread is full of so much awesome only Andy Baker himself could trump it.

Poohbear, I think we're mocking your pompous attitude rather than your design. As it stands your statements defy physics (and even your followup breaks 1 of Karthik's 2 Golden Rules as Chris pointed out). If this bot worked at you've presented it, then the universe would quite literally rip itself apart from all of the electromagnetic law violations. Thus, we're going to error on the side of caution .... err, at least I will ... because I like my life, and want to live to see May without the world ripping itself apart.

Re: pic: Final 2011 Drivetrain
 

Gotta call shenanigans here...

You say it's averaging 2.2 seconds, which means in some cases it's actually going faster than that. Are you adhering to all the minibot requirements? Is the pole you are using for testing regulation size?

In our tests, and from my observations of other teams minibot postings, 2.2 seconds would be far, far, far and away the fastest minibot I've encountered. Considering A. the requirements that everyone must use to build the same minibot and B. the number of teams attempting the same challenge with said requirements, it seems unlikely that someone could build a minibot that is simply THAT far superior than any other.

As they say, pics (or in this case vids) or it didn't happen...

-Brando

Re: pic: Final 2011 Drivetrain
 

You guys are getting trolled so hard. You honestly think that someone would machine a chassis out of a 800 lb block of what is essentially unobtanium (7071 Al), with ridiculous wheels that would clearly never roll, or then decide when you point out how ridiculous their "design" is that they're going to make a 2 speed swerve instead?

It's clearly sarcasm and this guy is clearly enjoying the heck out of the fun he's having at everyone else's expense.

Re: pic: Final 2011 Drivetrain
 

I see being honest was an incorrect move. i guess i should encourage teams to try stupid ideas... (sarcasm)

i'm sorry, but spoonfeeding false encouragement is in my eyes, not helpful.

I was not mocking, i was pointing out that some basic concepts were being broken. I never said that the OP was stupid, nor did i imply such. unknowing or ignorant, perhaps, but not stupid.

Re: pic: Final 2011 Drivetrain
 

I'm sorry but this seems like a ridiculous design. Some classic rookie mistake IMO.

1. There is limited space for putting sweet magnets on your robot. Switch to steel, the sweet magnets will be abundant.

2. Decagons? Aluminum comes in rectangular blocks, not decagonal blocks. Using squares would save you a lot of fabrication time.

3. None of the wheels come out the side of your robot. Think about this. Your robot has 12 sides (10 veritcal planes plus top and bottom) and you can only drive it if the bottom face stays on the bottom? You clearly have no chance of doing some sweet side-riding.

4. I do not see any wings. If you plan to go that fast, why not put some wings on it and try to catch air for a few seconds?

5. Creativity is minimal here. Come on, you don't think we've all seen the "Holonomic, decagonal wheeled, high traction, 154 fps, solid aluminum block" robot before? This is old hat my friend.

Finally, I would like to say how surprised I am that nobody pointed out these flaws earlier. I'm lucky I did, as I really would hate to see so much time going into a design and then forgetting about sweet magnet space. Good luck this year. Best thread I have read in a while.

Re: pic: Final 2011 Drivetrain
 

Ya'll are posting in a troll thread.

Re: pic: Final 2011 Drivetrain
 

But it's so much FUN!

You have to admit, that comic strip was hilarious.

Re: pic: Final 2011 Drivetrain
 

I can has trollburger?

Re: pic: Final 2011 Drivetrain
 

I can't help myself...

Please PoohBear, I want to hear more. Can you elaborate on your plans for a control system (sensors, programming, etc...) on this beast of a robot your team is putting together?

Re: pic: Final 2011 Drivetrain
 

I am hoping somebody tries this for 2012. I was sad to see that this design didn't hit the field.

Re: pic: Final 2011 Drivetrain
 

For our 2012 robot, we've been thinking about a 22-sided chassis with three triangular omni-wheels, because triangles are, of course, the most stable structure. Cims will power the wheels individually, geared for high torque.

This will be our game object manipulator:
http://kottke.org/10/10/robot-beanba...-grip-anything

We will have five of those.

Re: pic: Final 2011 Drivetrain
 

AS the build season begins, I think we need to really look back at some of the most innovative designs that were EVER seen in 2011. This is one such. PLEASE. EVERYONE needs to read this whole thread. you will learn a LOT.

7071 FOR THE WIN