Thread: Globe gear box
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Unread 05-25-2004, 10:12 PM
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FRC #1177 (Mecha-Jags)
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Re: Globe gear box

Well I don't necessarily agree that one has to choose speed over power. Its all a matter of the design parameters. One can always choose speed over power (Torque) if the game and your strategy requires it. You can also make the choice to the other extreme if it suits the game. There is also the middle ground when you design the drive train to deliver a balance between speed and torque. My view is that there is a 3rd parameter that usually drives the thought processes that others use to develop multi-speed drivetrains. That is control/manuverability.

In any FIRST game, there may be a need for the driver execute tasks, manipulate objects, or navigate a course that will require some amount of precision. This may be hard to accomplish with a bot whose top speed is 15fps and has a hair trigger joystick. Even with compensating through programming, there is only so much you can do without an appropriate mechanical design.

True a bot that doesn't move isn't worth much on the playing field as evidenced by our rookie year performance. Hence, in our second year we put a lot of effort in to making sure the drive train worked and worked as designed. So unless FIRST comes up with a really unique game, I don't really see a compelling need for more than 2 speeds in the games I have been involved in.

Still... its great to see the teams with the resources to do so, jump in feet first and develop these really unique drivetrains and their companion control systems. The ones I've seen this year really inspired me to think on a different level for the upcoming season. I still don't think you'll see our team with a 6 motor, CVTranny anytime soon. But ya never know.


Quote:
Originally Posted by T134guy
I understand your reasoning of at different load points i actually used it at 85% of the original rpm. I also understand you when you mention simple drive. We have never used more than a single speed tranny. The bad part of a single speed tranny is you have to choose speed over power. We are looking to have both.

-Thanks for all the advice

-Pat


*edit*WOOT* My 134th post, that is the best number ever!*edit*
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