Colson Wheels??

[Cash4587]

I'm trying to build a Colson wheel drive system but I need help!! How do I power them? What do I need to get it going? All help is appreciated!!!

[wilsonmw04]

Originally Posted by Cash4587

I'm trying to build a Colson wheel drive system but I need help!! How do I power them? What do I need to get it going? All help is appreciated!!!

What size colsons are you looking at? How many wheels per side?

[Steven Donow]

http://wcproducts.net/wcp-00052/
http://wcproducts.net/wcp-00053/

Depending on whether you go live axle or dead axle, one of these will become your best friend.

Basically, Colson wheels have no hub when you buy them, so either you have to machine your own, or buy these.

[AlexH]

i'm gonna be the weird guy and say you should get your colsons from battlekits.com

http://www.battlekits.com/robot_whee...th%20Sprockets

i've used these before on non first robots and i highly recommend them.


robutt marketspace has a good selection of colson wheels without hubs or sprockets.

http://www.robotmarketplace.com/prod...on_wheels.html

[Cash4587]

Originally Posted by wilsonmw04

What size colsons are you looking at? How many wheels per side?

I'm looking at using 4" and 3 on each side. Depending on the amount of traction they give, I would then go up to 4. I was going to drop the center one an 1/8th of an inch. Then I belt drive them from a live axle (which I now see that WCP is the best option). Let me up load a picture of what I have so far.

[George C]

We're using 6 6"x1.5" and really like them. We are finding, however, that both the WCP hubs and the ones we made ourselves can shift a bit over time. The next batch will have a shallow thread cut in them or be knurled. We also used an indexing head, narrow slit saw and horizontal mill to cut a diamond pattern to improve traction. The centre wheels are dropped about 1/8"

[Cash4587]

Here is what I have so far. Hope you guys like it, I've been using Solid Works for about 3 weeks now.. Constructive criticism is always welcome.

[NXTGeek]

Originally Posted by Cash4587

Here is what I have so far. Hope you guys like it, I've been using Solid Works for about 3 weeks now.. Constructive criticism is always welcome.

Attachment 14644
Attachment 14645

You'll need a way to tension the chain. Here's one way:

[Cash4587]

Originally Posted by NXTGeek

You'll need a way to tension the chain. Here's one way:

Oh, no chains, I will use 1 belt per side within the rail that are wrapped on either side of the center wheel, Like so:



Those small circles are roller bearings for the belts that can be adjusted up and down.

[PAR_WIG1350]

Originally Posted by Cash4587

Oh, no chains, I will use 1 belt per side within the rail that are wrapped on either side of the center wheel, Like so:

Attachment 14647

Those small circles are roller bearings for the belts that can be adjusted up and down.

http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/sh...29&postcount=9

be careful

[Cash4587]

Originally Posted by PAR_WIG1350

http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/sh...29&postcount=9

be careful

Would math have to be done in order to perfect this design or what? how can it be done effectively?

[PAR_WIG1350]

Originally Posted by Cash4587

Would math have to be done in order to perfect this design or what? how can it be done effectively?

It might be doable. There is a way to mathematically calculate the proper distances, but you have to ensure that you account for tension. Also, With two short wraps like that, the deflection needed to cause ratcheting is very low, The tension needed to avoid might cause parts to warp lead to binding. If somebody who has tried this disagrees, I would love to hear about your setup, but generally, this isn't done.

I suggest one longer wrap on one side of the pulley and idlers that guide the other side of the belt around the pulley.

[sanddrag]

Originally Posted by NXTGeek

You'll need a way to tension the chain. Here's one way:

I wonder where you got that idea.

[NXTGeek]

Originally Posted by sanddrag

I wonder where you got that idea.

From my brain (?). I designed this during the first week of build season.

[Clem1640]

We used Colsons last year on our pivot drive and were very satisfied. See photographs:
http://wiki.team1640.com/index.php?t...0412_csm-2.jpg

http://wiki.team1640.com/index.php?t...27_ csm-3.jpg

It was not as easy to install a sprocket as with AndyMark or VexPro, but these wheels are designed to accept sprockets. Still, not so difficult.

We opted for AndyMark HiGrip wheels this year. Light, inexpensive and easy.