Back with another set of questions.
This time I would like to know about custom gearboxes using RS550 motors (or similar).
My main question is: how do you "introduce" the rotation of the motor into your reduction system? These motors don't have keyed or hex shafts to lock to a mating bore on a pinion or sprocket.
Typically these motors are used in a planetary gearbox which is great in some situations and not in others. I've seen some really nice custom gearboxes on robots like 254's and 971's that use RS500s. In my experience you have to press a 12 or 16 tooth 32dp steel pinion on the end of the knurled motor shaft and mate it to a larger 32dp gear before doing anything with it. This is kinda annoying and really boxes you in design and reduction-wise. Not to mention that you can't really get these pinions and gears from anyone but AndyMark and there isn't a good selection.
Is there a better way to do this? I know 254 uses belts somehow but I can't find a good picture of how the motor transmits power to that system.