Thread: Half-Track?
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Unread 22-01-2006, 21:13
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Ken Patton Ken Patton is offline
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FRC #0051 (Wings of Fire)
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Re: Half-Track?

We did something similar to a half-track in 2002. We used a chain with metal cleats as the track (metal is now not allowed of course due to carpet damage potential), and in the front just one slippery wheel right in the center of the front end.

We reduced the track length just for the reasons you stated - to improve turning. It definitely helped. The track was roughly 1/2 the length of the robot. I hate to think of the side-scrub forces and the current load on a full length track when you are turning.

Tracks are a lot more effort than wheels imho - I wouldn't suggest it unless there was a really good reason (like crossing dunes in North Africa, General).

hth,
Ken