Drive Wheels

[WhiteBoySwag]

Are the wheels included in the kit of parts actually good to use or would it be a good improvement to upgrade to a set of relatively inexpensive wheels on Andy Mark. We are a rookie team and do not know the difference or all uses for any of these wheels so and information or suggestions is helpful!

[Jay O'Donnell]

The Hi-Grip wheels that come with the kit frame are pretty decent wheels for a drive. If you're looking for similar wheels that may add some more traction, I would personally suggest these: http://www.andymark.com/Plaction-s/103.htm or these: http://www.andymark.com/Performance-s/101.htm

I personally like using colsons in a drivetrain (http://www.vexrobotics.com/vexpro/mo...nperforma.html) but I'm not sure how easy/possible it is to put them in the kit frame.

Edit: the treaded wheels I posted above require the ability to rivet it to the wheel, so I wouldn't buy them if you can't rivet.

[mman1506]

Personally I'd stick with them especially considering your a rookie team. While marginal gains could be attained by using something different your the time could be better spent working on mechanisms or practicing driving. It's also crucial that your drive train be as reliable as possible and swapping the wheels could potentially introduce new points of failure.

The kitbot has already proven to be a great, competitive drive train in competition so why change it?

[MrForbes]

Originally Posted by mman1506

While marginal gains could be attained by using something different your the time could be better spent working on mechanism or practicing driving

This is our approach...drivetrain improvements are one of those diminishing returns things...making good mechanisms that work easy and fast, and improving them constantly, is where the points are. And driving practice is really really helpful.

[Sperkowsky]

Originally Posted by MrForbes

This is our approach...drivetrain improvements are one of those diminishing returns things...making good mechanisms that work easy and fast, and improving them constantly, is where the points are. And driving practice is really really helpful.

+1

Don't overthink your drivetrain. Atleast not this year. Just build the kitbot and get to work on the real fun stuff.

[Chief Hedgehog]

Originally Posted by mman1506

Personally I'd stick with them especially considering your a rookie team. While marginal gains could be attained by using something different your the time could be better spent working on mechanism or practicing driving. It's also crucial that your drive train be as reliable as possible and swapping the wheels could potentially introduce new points of failure.

The kitbot has already proven to be a great, competitive drive train in competition so why change it?

This.

From experience coaching my own team (and mentoring other FRC teams), getting a working drive train together asap so that your programming team is essential.

Developing an advanced drive train is best approached in the off-season when you can also develop the core of your team.

Using the KOP drive train also allows for you to start to distinguish your driver - yes, you only use one driver (just as a Football team only uses one QB). Get the drive train together, program it, and get it driving. Put more useful time on developing your manipulators.

Good luck!