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Unread 04-02-2016, 11:49
Unsung FIRST Hero
Al Skierkiewicz Al Skierkiewicz is offline
Broadcast Eng/Chief Robot Inspector
AKA: Big Al WFFA 2005
FRC #0111 (WildStang)
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Re: Trouble with pneumatic tank drive

Another thing to think about with this setup is what actually is taking place while you are scrubbing the high friction tires in a turn. You will subject your bearings and other drive parts to exceptional side loads which in turn raise the friction there as well. With all of of this increase in friction, you will send the motors into a near stall condition which will take you to somewhere north of 100 amps per motor. Depending on your electrical design, the electrical loss could be significant and therefore reduce the available current to each motor. If one side has a much longer wire length than the other side, then turning in one direction may give you half the loss that turning in the other direction might produce.
What Dr. Joe is alluding to is shorter wheelbases will reduce this side friction as you turn. You may get a better handle if you were to draw the force vectors encountered in a turn for each of the wheels. The wheels closest to the center of turn will have the least side force which in turn produces the least (relative) electrical load.
A fully charged and new battery can supply up to 600 amps but not at 12 volts. Typical batteries may only produce 500 amps for the beginning of the match but much less towards the end. Your mileage will vary on final ratios, size of tires and where on the motor curve you have chosen to run.
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Good Luck All. Learn something new, everyday!
Al
WB9UVJ
www.wildstang.org
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Storming the Tower since 1996.

Last edited by Al Skierkiewicz : 05-02-2016 at 07:41.
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