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Originally Posted by davidthefat
Where can I learn all the basics of all this? Transmissions and all that. preferably a book
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Initially, you need to learn about traction (friction) and the relationship of rotational speed to ground speed. Then you need to learn the relationship of torque, rotational speed, and power. Also and understand of how force, mass, acceleration are related, and the relationship of acceleration, speed, and distance covered. This can be found in most good physics books. Especially the Freshman Engineering Physics text at your local university book store.
Next step is understanding the fundamentals of gearing. Learn how to calcualte speed ratios for simple gear trains and pulley or chain drives. Learn how these ratios multipy and divide torque and speed, but essentially keep power at a constant (with a small loss per stage). There are lots of good books on this. A decent physics book should cover this as well.
Important to note, most of the engineering population stops here in understanding powertrain design.
From this point you could dive into a Mechanical Power Transmission book, a Machine Design Book (Norton and Shigley have two different books, and both are quite good). This is college curriculum type stuff.
Honestly though, buying a used physics book and reading it would be great, but the internet is a great source for more detailed information.
http://science.howstuffworks.com/tra...pment/gear.htm
is a great article explaining the basics on gears.
If you are looking for innovative power transmission solutions, learn how the PRIUS transmission differs from other automatics. Learn the difference between a CVT and an IVT. Learn about "split power" or "power Recirculating" transmissions. Check out farm equipment. Their specialized purposes tend to be closer to FRC than normal cars and trucks.
OR
To paraphrase:
"You can see farther by standing on the shoulders of giants that came before you."
Find teams whose robot behaves the way you like. See what they are doing and talk to them about why they do it that way. FIRST (of last 10 or so years) is very good about sharing information.
As others keep saying over and over though, the most important part is figuring out what you want it to do rather than how to make it do what you want.
I have seen many teams shoot for the creativity award only to end up standing on the sidelines Saturday afternoon.