[fox46]

Not quite actually, it is the 326:1 gearbox that drives the 10 tooth sprocket- we are indeed using the 326:1 P60. From the motor to to the fulcrum of the arm, overall we have a 1630:1 reduction.

I am very confident that these modifications will last. As it is, we have quite alot of practice with our robot- I would say it has had more run time than it will in the regional. We have NOT failed one of these transmissions yet. We only began noticing some backlash in the shaft and one of the ring gears turning back and forth against its pins. I have total confidence in the arm once these modifications have been added. Even now I would run matches as it sits in its crate. In my team's case, this mod is insurance against what we have been seeing from other teams. Trust me- our P60s have a very easy life compared to some of the other applications I have seen.

My analogy and opinion of the situation is this: Banebots has built a car. It bears resemblence to a Geo Metro- Cheap, compact, practical, simple etc etc.. But they are also marketing it to be robust and powerful. What they have in fact done is built a Geo Metro but swapped the engine to that of a V12 Lamborghini motor. This looks like an awesome little car to drive! BUT on their website they say "Do not depress the accelerator any more than 1/4" or you will ruin your car" What do you think would happen if such a car was to be sold to the public? Exactly what is happening with the P60s. Now who would you say is at fault here? The drivers for not keeping their right foot in check, or the manufacturer/designers? Its a ludicrous concept, and thats what I think of the high ratio P60s.

Banebots should stop producing P60s in any higher than ~60:1. SHOULD teams decide they want a P60 with a higher ratio, they can buy the planetary stages seperately and stack them together with longer bolts. If the thing fails, it is the team's fault for modifying the stock P60 with extra ratios but BB should have never marketed their high ratio gearboxes under the pretense that it is an appropriate reduction method for a speed 550 motor.