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Unread 06-01-2009, 08:07
Betty_Krocker Betty_Krocker is offline
Fabricator/Hacker/Comic Relief
AKA: Michael
FRC #2028 (Phantom Robotics)
Team Role: Mechanical
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Rookie Year: 2007
Location: Hampton, VA
Posts: 105
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Re: 4 wheel drive vs. 2 wheel drive

Quote:
Originally Posted by Nuttyman54 View Post
That being said, you really want your weight as far back as possible so that your pivot point is as close to the hitch pivot. That reduces the moment that the trailer imparts on you robot, which it needs to counteract to turn, and will allow you to turn better.
I am going to have to respectfully disagree. Having lived in snow/ice conditions for most my life, the best option is FWD with Rear wheel steering. Weight must be over the front wheels and can be done due to the trailers weight so you font tip over. It is much better to pull weight than push when it comes to this subject. Transverse friction is used by the rear wheels to guide the bot to turn. Also as for the trailer, since sway bars are not used (i tow trailers all the time) all of the weight will be centered and pulling at the tongue of the trailer. So putting the weight at the back would epically screw you over since it would want to lift the front wheels off the ground thus taking powered wheels off the ground (in any set up)

Edit: All wheel drive might help but might be wasting power, motors, and battery life...
(i have done some tests and this is what i get, but its up to you)
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Last edited by Betty_Krocker : 06-01-2009 at 08:10. Reason: last minute thought
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