[rocknthehawk]

I still don't understand why everyone is interjecting about why NOT to use mecanum wheels, especially in the offseason. Just answer his questions, and move on. Too many opinions, not enough facts.

We used the kit frame, with cimple boxes to test 8" AM Mecanum wheels this year. It was too fast, the wheels spun a lot before actually gripping. Also, the robot would drift more because of the slipping. As I said, our final ratio was around 17.5:1, which gave us a great mix of speed and maneuverability. I would suggest going with the toughboxes, then a 2:1 sprocket or higher. Something like a 12 tooth on the box and 28 or 32 on the wheel. We used CIM's with Dewalt gearboxes.

My suggestion is to just use the kit frame. Our test frame we just moved the inside rails to fit the wider mecanum wheels, then made new spacers. It's quick, easy, and readily available. It definetely flexes. While yes, it is necessary to have all 4 wheels on the ground, practice will help you the most. We didn't have trouble climbing and balances bridges, or running over the key. And I know there were teams crossing the bump with mecanum wheels.

Someone else mentioned the programming. That's where we started with ours.