Quote:
Originally Posted by FTC5110
Excellent and glad to hear you're thinking beyond the US.
But wait just a sec. 8mm hex doesn't seem to be very common. Were you planning on releasing any 8mm hubs because without them I'm afraid there's little purpose for an 8mm hex output shaft. The plastic gear kits look interesting but to be honest without being able to couple metal sprockets and gears to the motor it's pretty limiting.
Shame it's not 0.375" hex because that's off the shelf already https://www.servocity.com/html/hex_b...ping_hubs.html
http://www.andymark.com/product-p/am-2231a.htm |
The decision to go with 8mm hex was actually a long and complex one. I am happy to share our thinking.
- Metric parts - thinking about the system we thought about it from a global perspective, and while some parts may be a bit less convenient for standard teams/countries it is far more accessible than teams metric base countries.
- Resolution of 3D printers - even with the lowest price 3D printer you can print the 8mm hex hole with enough accuracy to make functional parts. This would have been possible with 3/8 or 1/2 also.
- Compatibility with existing parts - Most teams that compete in FTC use and have Tetrix parts. All Tetrix wheels and gears have an 8mm round hole in them and then you use adapters to connect them to either 6mm (motors) or 4.7mm shafts. Since an 8mm round shaft will pilot inside an 8mm hex it makes it easy for teams to use their existing adapters, shafts, gears, and wheels in conjunction with our system. Additionally if teams want, they can get an 8mm hex broach and convert their old parts without a problem.
- Sleeve adapters - most of the motors that are already in the hands of teams have a 6mm output shaft. One of the products we will be offering is a metal sleeve adapter that goes from 6mm D to 8mm hex, allowing teams to convert their existing motors
- Common stock - 8mm hex is a common size in both aluminum and steel in most places around the world.
We know that it won't be perfect for everyone, but we did our best to try and consider that the majority of existing teams re-use their parts every year, and we didn't want to force anyone into another closed system. For new teams we will have many adapters and hubs available (either for sale or download) to help make using any existing parts work. Our system will stand on it's own where we will have everything that a team will need but we also make it a priority to play nice with others
Greg