Everyone above has done a great job answering the questions posed by the OP, thanks a bunch! I'd like to add a few side notes:
The VersaChassis was designed to a flexible but high quality/reliable drive system that requires zero CNC. It is also based off the WestCoast Drive Systems that FRC teams:
254/
968/
973/
1323/
1538 etc... have used over the past few years.
Some of the design thoughts that went into this:
-Any Size: We know that every team would like the option of choosing what size chassis they build. So the Versachassis allows teams to do that. Teams can build to whatever size they want. Some examples: 28"x28" - 32x24" - 24"x32" and so on. All you have to do is hacksaw or bandsaw the tubing to length.
-Any Wheel: Everyone has their own taste/preference of which wheel to use. The versachassis has an extra long shaft so you can use ANY wheel that is on the VEXpro/WCP site including traction/colson/versawheel/mecanum etc...There is a tapped hole at the end of the shaft for a 1/4" bolt plus washer. Teams can also snap ring or shaft collar their wheels on.
-Any Gearbox: Teams can use any gearbox that has holes designed for the VersaBlock. Which includes the WCP SS/DS/3 CIM w/ PTO. Along with the new 3 CIM Ball Shifter! The cool thing is teams can upgrade form a Single Speed to a Dual Speed without rebuilding their current VersaChassis.
-VersaBlock: Designed so teams do not need to perfectly machine into the rail, the VersaBlock holds all the tight tolerances and controls the drop. It is offset 1/16 from center line, so to control drop you can just flip the block! It also have a VersaPattern machined into it so you can use this for arms and other manipulators.
-Driveline: Teams can use sprockets or belts with the current system. The VEXpro belts are toleranced so teams can FIT 2 9mm belts on a 15mm pulley (actual 18mm inside width).
-Tensioning: The cam feature is really nifty, it allows teams to perfectly tension chain or belt.
PIC 1 and
PIC 2. Basically as you turn the cam it tensions the chain.
I attached here another example drive line that shows how to use sprockets. The sprockets currently hang off of one side of the VersaBlock. Your ALSO able to put the sprockets completely inside the tube if you'd like.
Hopefully this sheds some light on some of the components and our goals. Please feel free to ask any questions or email
VEXpro/
WCP. We (VEXpro/WCP) are working very hard on getting the manual and more product info out in the next couple of weeks.
Thanks!