Thread: Speed vs. Power
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Unread 10-01-2006, 22:01
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Re: Speed vs. Power

Joe and Matt beat me to it,but I will chime in anyway.

The choice should be speed or torque. Power is fixed.

Anyone who has attended my presentation (with Ken Patton) knows my canned phrase: "Power is absolute!!!"

A given motor (or set of motors) has a fixed maximum power (velocity * torque), even if you shift. When you shift gears you are actively trading off speed and torque but your power is fixed. The only way to add power is to add motor. For this reason, many teams have six motors (or 4).

I do have a prediction, though: this year teams will get carried away with powerful drive trains that will not make much difference in the game. High shooters unite!!!

-Paul