[mikeleslie]

We used the 2 speed AM trans mostly to reduce the power consumption in a heavily defensive match. When in low (less then 5fps) we were able to push most teams (6 wheel, roughtop) and still have the available power to use the rest of hte bot. In previous years (1 spd) , a pushing match would use up everything we had. This year, the field could really be viewed as "short" so a 2 spd trans was not as useable as the prevoius year, where you had a clear 50ft run.

Also, before you look the "auto-shift" think about the situations. If you just got into a pushing match, using up 1 or 2 cycles (electric shift) to shift will kill you. High gear is great for getting you close to where you need to be quickly (.5s faster at 1/2 field for example) and low gear makes the bot have finer control (more motor turns per foot) and more power to push.

As far as electric shifting, the servo works but it's slower than pneumatics, there are not currently any solenoids allowed as they are just another form of and electric motor.