Re: Chassis Lift alternative, getting over barrier
 

tri-wheels are elegant when to come to high powered robots that only climb stairs but
but is terms of the our games they are wicked overkill even in 2004 they were

the killer part in my mind is the affect on acceleration and the ability to turn

Re: Chassis Lift alternative, getting over barrier
 

We mounted the 8"ers on the c-channel bits, but have had some issues actually getting the robot running. Here is a pic of the bot under construction.

Re: Chassis Lift alternative, getting over barrier
 

A tri-wheel drivetrain would be a bit heavier and thus diminish acceleration for a given powertrain, but I don't think it would be detrimental or even all that noticeable. And I don't see how a tri-wheel setup would turn any differently as compared to an 8WD with equivalent geometry.

Can you explain your thoughts?

Re: Chassis Lift alternative, getting over barrier
 

Do keep in mind that the barrier is steel. You may find it difficult to climb up for this reason alone - test on an actual bump.

Re: Chassis Lift alternative, getting over barrier
 

We're also going to experiment with skid plates to help raise the incident wheels a bit.

I think this is going to pretty much kill the idea of using only 2 CIMs.
If it takes more than 2-3 seconds to cross a barrier we'll probably be facing an opponent blocker, and we'll need all the torque we can muster.

Re: Chassis Lift alternative, getting over barrier
 

Hmm... For the skid plate, could you possibly use some simple 80/20 corner brackets? Considering that there is overhang before the front wheel, your frame will approach the barrier first. Now, if you bolt the bracket just in front of the wheel on both sides would that 45 degree angle of approach be enough to raise the bot over the bump?
:confused:

Re: Chassis Lift alternative, getting over barrier
 

Skid plates are out. Since we are doing a wide frame, we need the wheels as close to the front and back as possible. This leaves little room for a skid plate.

On a wooden mock-up of the barrier the robot did poorly, but our weight distribution was also poor. Battery was all the way in the back, so the bot got stuck straddling the barrier. Going to try centering the battery, and then pneumatic wheels (shipping).