[Pat Roche]

Historically 134 has used tracks most years. We've worked with two diffrent situations with tracks.

In 2004 we used a tread that spanned the length of the bot. Due to the placement of the center of mass and the raised center wheel we were able to turn like a bot with two wheels in the center. This allowed use tremendous pushing power while also allowing us to turn on a dime...literally. We also never had much of a problem with the batteries (granted we only drove with CIMS). We would start a match with 12-13v and never ended with less then 11v. We also never snapped a belt either in 1 regional and three offseason competitions with this drive train.

The second solution that we have attempted is similar to the old German half track. About half the length of the robot would be track and the other side (or if centered both sides) would have casters. This worked well but was not efficient as the 2004 machine.

I prefer the track drive if its designed right.

-Pat