pic: attachment chain tread

[Greg Needel]

loading photo ...

[Tytus Gerrish]

I dont know about that on in particular but i remember 45 had somthing like that long ago attaching plates to roler chain.

[Andy Baker]

Originally Posted by Tytus Gerrish

I dont know about that on in particular but i remember 45 had somthing like that long ago attaching plates to roler chain.

We did attachment chain with metal treads in 2002, with purchased attachment chain. In 1999 and 2001, we welded our own attachments onto standard chain (gosh, was that fun!), since FIRST's additional materials rules did not allow attachment chain during 2001 and before. Our 1999 robot (TKO)had half-rounds of EMT conduit, and 2001 had bent pieces of steel sheet metal attached to the chain. We did ALOT of filing and sanding on all of those cleats to make them smooth and not snag the carpet.

The same cleat design was used in 2002. Metal cleats provided great front to back grippy traction on carpet, and allowed for just the right amount of side skid for tank tread turning.

Then, we wanted to make softer treads for demos and such, so we molded some urethane cleats. Again, these gave us great traction while driving forward and reverse, but once we turned, the chains popped off. We even had the bottom middle idler sprocket lowered about 1/8" for ease of turning.

Good luck with this design... I would start with 1.5" wide cleats and a middle lowered idler of 1/4".

Andy B.

[Tim Baird]

Originally Posted by Andy Baker

Our 1999 robot (TKO)had half-rounds of EMT conduit

I remember that driveline, that was a good system.

[Ben Piecuch]

And who could forget Wildstang's hidden little gem of a track system in 2002.

Wildstang Photo Gallery

Greg, I clearly remember the tread picture you brought up as well. Unfortunately, I can't remember what team it was. Though, for some reason, I have a feeling that it's from a 2001 robot. Hope this helps, somewhat...

Ah, as several others have pointed out below me, it was team 885. I should have remembered that, as they are "The Green Team," the only team from Vermont. And yes, it was their 2003 robot.

BEN

[Elgin Clock]

Hey Greg, what was the original picture file named??

Throw that name in: http://images.google.com/ and see what comes up.

Maybe you will get lucky and it was archived or you will find a link to the team's webpage at least?

idk.. just a thought.

[fimmel]

Originally Posted by Ben Piecuch

And who could forget Wildstang's hidden little gem of a track system in 2002.

Wildstang Photo Gallery

Greg, I clearly remember the tread picture you brought up as well. Unfortunately, I can't remember what team it was. Though, for some reason, I have a feeling that it's from a 2001 robot. Hope this helps, somewhat...

Ah, as several others have pointed out below me, it was team 885. I should have remembered that, as they are "The Green Team," the only team from Vermont. And yes, it was their 2003 robot.

BEN

ill askmy team if they have any other pics........i joined in 2005 so i dont have any.

[Greg Needel]

Thanks to JVN for letting me know this was team 885. As for my improvements, I'll fill you all in later hahaha

[Dylan Gramlich]

oh boy Greg has just released a semi-evil laugh!!! well it wont be that bad since the design may be released to all teams

[Gabe]

Would these tracks fall under the "no metal contacting floor" rule? I'm just wondering if perhaps this attachment chain tread would still be legal for next year.

[MikeJ675]

Originally Posted by Gabe

Would these tracks fall under the "no metal contacting floor" rule? I'm just wondering if perhaps this attachment chain tread would still be legal for next year.

With the way the attachment chain works in this setup, the only possible issue is how you fastened the rubber to the chain, and judging by the IFI wheels, it shouldn't be an issue.

[nextvex]

heres a link to a pic of a vex bot that had chain treads although i didnt make it i just found it here

[Jeremytice]

This is awsome. It's my first time that I have seen anything like that. Looks like a sweet idea.

[Stephen.Yanczura]

Originally Posted by Andy Baker

W

middle lowered idler of 1/4".

Andy B.

x2

I can't stress enough how much this helps a tank tread design in maneuverability.

[Billfred]

I like the concept--if I were to try treads, this would probably be the way.

That said, I'm having a bit of trouble finding attachment chain. I can get the individual links from McMaster-Carr (at about $1.85 each--ouch!), and I can't seem to find them anywhere on Stock Drive Products. Any leads on where to get these things a bit cheaper and/or together?