[Dillon Compton]

Hi Joe,

We are using the 56mm gearboxes with the 16:1 reduction, no chains, one per wheel. I am currently very concerned about this issue, but as you keep re-iterating to do, we are avoiding panic (although I am currently investigating other transmission options, should we decide we need to change our design).

My team has very little machining capability, and no sponsors with the capability to do machining such as manufacturing harder plates for us.

A (sort of) solution that springs to mind is that perhaps Banebots could make the current plates with the "double D" available on their website for sale (preferably at "cost"). Given the ease with which the 56mm planetaries are dis-assembled and re-assembled, having spare plates would potentially function as a "fix" for those teams with a few extra dollars in their budget but did not want to/could not afford to buy a full set of replacement gearboxes. 1/2 way through the competition, one should be able to dismount the transmissions, check for the "bow-tie", and if needed swap the plates.

Just a suggestion - I look forward to an official response/fix/etc... from FIRST and BaneBots, as well as the results of your own, clearly extensive and dedicated, testing and trouble shooting.

Thank you for your continued support with this issue, Joe, and good luck to everyone else who is dealing with this issue.

//Dillon Compton
Team 1394