advice on drivetrain

[ark_1230]

Using just two motors, would it be better to chain drive 4 wheels , or direct drive two wheels with two free spinning wheels (casters, 6" skyway, etc.) ?

Our team was originally planning to use 4 CIM motors (they shipped us four) until we read the rule mentioning "using motors in quantities provided" (Update #2)

Really Really need help as we are falling behind!!!

[Matt Reiland]

I would 'Definately' drive all four wheels this year as traction and pushing force will be big players. Going up/down the ramp with casters will be a real hassle. You may want to drive two wheels and have the other set driven off of them

[Bduggan04]

Originally posted by ark_1230
Using just two motors, would it be better to chain drive 4 wheels , or direct drive two wheels with two free spinning wheels (casters, 6" skyway, etc.) ?

Our team was originally planning to use 4 CIM motors (they shipped us four) until we read the rule mentioning "using motors in quantities provided" (Update #2)

Really Really need help as we are falling behind!!!

You aren't that behind yet.

If you do power all four wheels there are a few things to consider first. Primarily, how wide is your wheelbase? The longer the wheelbase, the harder it is to turn. This also occurs when each wheel in the skid steer has enough traction that it doesn't want to turn because of all the scrubbing. You may want to look into using omniwheels for one of the wheel sets. Do a search on Chiefdelphi or in any search engine to find different styles. Note: if omni wheels are used, you pivot will move back to the center of the non omni wheel set.

[GregT]

1) Your not behind
2) Do 4 wheel drive

Greg

[Moshingkow]

4 wheel drive is not necessarily a make or break part of the game this year. at the NYC kickoff, we had a section of the ramp build for us to see. We had a little trouble with our old drive systems in terms of getting up the ramp, but they were not in any way hindered by the two wheel drive system. if anything, i think that 4 wheel drive this year, unless properly done, has the ability to break a team. imagine going up a ramp at an angle, and not being able to turn because of the side friction on the wheels (it happend to us last year)