Quote:
Originally Posted by bardd
The major disadvantage is it's way more complex than 4/6WD, and you can't use the KOP to build it (not enough wheels, you need special c-channels since the KOP ones only have one lowered hole)
.
|
This is not entirely true. An 8wd is easy to chain together even with the kit setup. You'll obviously need the additional hardware and parts. It is very easy to modify the kit chassis with little blocks of tubing bolted on with 3/8" bolt holes milled into them. Select your drop, select your wheel spacing, mill the blocks, bolt them on and you're good to go. You can also drill/mill new holes right into the kit frame, like 2495 did in 2012, but using blocks allows more room for error. I'm sure plenty of teams do this, but 2495's are the only pictures I can refer you to:
http://i.imgur.com/32N82ta.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/Xey74Gy.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/rUbLYc9.jpg
Is there something specific you find to be complex about 8wd? Perhaps I can explain it better if you have a question.
Other than added stability, 8wd allows for the ability to cross obstacles on the field without needing huge wheels. See the top 2012 robots as examples and 2010 robots. I would highly suggest prototyping 8wd and figuring out the best amount of drop to use, wheel spacing to use, and even which wheels work best.