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Some of the things that helped us out over the past few years
1.Start now, get the ball rolling on the different types of drivetrains. Same as what has been said, if you are a new team to first try 4 wheel drive with chains and sprockets, make it robust. Next move on to multi motors, maybe a tank. Finally step up to full gearboxe transmissions and swerve.
If you can have a fully working base by week 2 or 3 then you can drive the heck out of it for 4 weeks and find out the weakness.
Many teams have a 'shelf' of proven designs that they can call upon as soon as the game is announced.
Pay attention to details when you build a gearbox, taking a little extra time to get the proper meshing will save in headaches. We found that using shoulder bearings oir oiled bushings let the drivetrain move freely with little drag. We found that welding all the gears to the shafts as well as yokes for dissimilar metals proved to be indestructable with no failures on the drivetrain for the season and post season. Keep that as an option.
And, ask the forum for help if you need a specific answer on ratios or materials, the answer will probably show up by the end of the day
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