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Originally Posted by MBosompra
My team (820) and I are considering using either Tank tracks or wheels. I have a few questions for those of you who know anything at all about tank tracks.
1) what are the pros and cons of tank tracks?
-we know that we'll gain torque
-we'll be able to make it up the step
-we think we won't loose much speed
2) Can we buy premade tank tracks? If so, from where and how much?
3) How do we make tank tracks?
4) How long does it take to build the tracks
5) Any words or advice or experieces would be greatly appreciated.
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Ok, first off, you could make it up the stairs with wheels too, depends on the wheel diameter, and tracks do require more torque because as stated in someone’s reply, more friction, with that comes more traction, a big pro for tracks when you need that kind of bite. You need a beefy drive system to handle the forces, as someone stated the added power needed to move your robot will increase your current draw, and if it isn't designed right, you could be blowing your breaker or fuses every time you tried to turn. In the past we have used the 3/16 drill motors with variable speed gear boxes which worked just fine, and now with the 1/2 inch drill motors, power and robustness of the motors is less of a worry as they are strong and built very well, like we would expect any less from Bosch. As for the tank tracks you could use a double sided timing belt, many teams have used that in the past, with good results. If you were to make a track system like the one on a real tank, you would need to make each individual pad and then link them together, the system is complicated, and would weigh a lot. If you ever get the chance to check out a tank up close and personal you will see that the system has many pads connected together, then driven by a large drive sprocket. If you do go tracks, you will need to insure the tracks tension is maintained so that the track won’t slip, one possible way to do it is to use some type of variable pressure tensioning device so that you can calibrate and fine tune the tension applied. So, wheels or tracks, it really depends on your strategy, do you want to get up the stairs, do you want to try and climb the side? Do you want to be very fast, and nimble? As for the time it takes, a well thought out drive system will take some time, both wheel and track systems will take a few weeks to fully think out and build. The great tracks vs. wheels debate will continue every year, and it depends on what you think your robot needs to do, and besides, who said it needs to be one or the other, there are other options out there to explore and come up with, don't limit yourself.