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Unread 28-04-2009, 17:19
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thefro526 thefro526 is offline
Mentor for Hire.
AKA: Dustin Benedict
no team (EWCP, MAR, FRC 708)
Team Role: Mentor
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Rookie Year: 2005
Location: New Jersey
Posts: 2,599
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Re: Winning Drive Train

This year 816 used a Wide Based 6 Wheel Drive. We went with a wide base because it allowed us to have more of a "turret" effect with our robot while at rest and while moving. We found that a wide base was significantly more maneuverable at low speeds than a long base, and that the usual stability issues weren't a problem because of the trailer.

Our Drive train was geared for about 12fps which was more than fast enough for us throughout the season. It gave us enough speed to chase down almost any target and also helped us get out of quite a few jams. As far as pushing goes, we never had an issue pushing another robot when we really needed to. We didn't use traction control either to save valuable programming resources.

I don't have any test data on the drive, but if you're curious look at a video of us. Numerous people complemented us on our maneuverability throughout the season.
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-Dustin Benedict
2005-2012 - Student & Mentor FRC 816
2012-2014 - Technical Mentor, 2014 Drive Coach FRC 341
Current - Mentor FRC 2729, FRC 708