[Will Hanashiro]

hey all, i was the driver on team 322 when we used the three speed tranny. as said beore by all of you guys, there were pro's and con's to having our transmission, but weight was not one of them. our three speed planetary gear box weight only two pounds more than our two speed we used last year (though this could be because we used six motors in our two speed). we found it a very good transmission for that game, but decided not to use it last year.

the only disadvantage was repairs. at first we had plastic gears to reduce weight, but later switched to metal because the plastic lost its grooves after switching to low gear. repairing was tough and very time consuming, but once we had it down pat, repairs were rarely needed at all.

this is how we used our three speed:
high speed: to the goals at the beginning (we were never beat to our goal). also used at the end to get "home". (if you all rember extra points were given for returning home at the end)

medium speed: all purpouse gear where we manuvered our goals (used the majority of the match)

low speed: used durring shoving and pushing matchs. (we were one of the only few teams able to defeat beatie (71) they won the nationals that year)

in conclusion, three speed was practical and efficient in the game two years ago, and if it is practical once again this upcommin year, then team 322 will go back to it once again!