View Single Post
  #33   Spotlight this post!  
Unread 09-01-2013, 16:07
CalTran's Avatar
CalTran CalTran is offline
Missouri S&T Senior
FRC #2410 (BV CAPS Metal Mustang Robotics)
Team Role: College Student
 
Join Date: Apr 2010
Rookie Year: 2010
Location: Overland Park, Kansas
Posts: 2,369
CalTran has a reputation beyond reputeCalTran has a reputation beyond reputeCalTran has a reputation beyond reputeCalTran has a reputation beyond reputeCalTran has a reputation beyond reputeCalTran has a reputation beyond reputeCalTran has a reputation beyond reputeCalTran has a reputation beyond reputeCalTran has a reputation beyond reputeCalTran has a reputation beyond reputeCalTran has a reputation beyond repute
Re: Mecanum vs Treads

Quote:
Originally Posted by Peter Matteson View Post
I believe it's 100% of 9 sided robots, it was 3 wheeled.

No 9-wheeled robot has made it.

Also I believe 3 wheeled robots are 2 for 3.
67 -2005 Champion
16 - 2008 Finalist
148 -2008 Champion
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bryscus View Post
It's even more similar to a treaded 6-wheel robot on level ground...

- Bryce
Well, I'll argue that every single one of six wheel swerve robots have made it to Einstein. Therefore, you should look into six wheeled swerve. All the advantages of traction with the omnidirectional motion of mecanums.

I have not had experience with Treads (of the tank variety) but one of our current mentors came over from Team 1987, Broncobots, and has informed me many many times that treads are simply not worth their trouble. Without a lot of background and prototyping on them, they are difficult to make, repair, and you're probably going to be traversing the field dead slow. Also, for this year, keep in mind that tank treads will be a heavy system.

I have had experience with mecanum wheels and, while not endorsing them over the other, will share what I know about them. They are somewhat difficult to service between matches, unless you bring a full spare wheel or two to just replace the questionable wheel and fix it at your leisure. While it is true that it is an omnidirectional system, it does require a fairly significant amount of driver practice (as compared to a standard drive) because you have to train yourself to utilize the onmidirectional motion availiable.

I, like those before, do submit that you look into a solid six or eight wheel drive system, as there are many many threads discussing the merits of mecanum vs (6 or 8) wheel drive. It is vastly simpler, lighter than both of the aforementioned drives, and it will be more intuitive for your driver.
__________________
Team 2410 thinks KISSing is amazing! Keep It Super Safe!
  • "You know you've been in robotics too long when you start talking to your tools." "Well, you've been in robotics CLEARLY too long when they start talking back"
  • Theory is when you know everything but nothing works. Practice is when everything works but you don't know why. On our team, theory and practice comes together - nothing works and nobody knows why.
MMR 2410 Student (2010 - 2013) | MMR 2410 Mentor (2013 - Present)
FTC Game Announcer / EmCee (2014 - Present) | FRC EmCee (2015 - Present) | FRC Referee (2016)
Academic Student (Forever)