Banebot 56mm Gearbox - Repair Docs & FAQ

[kmcclary]

I decided to write Banebots. I asked some questions about their 56mm gearbox repair, and made some suggestions. I specifically asked:
1) Would all new 56mm gearboxes have the repair already performed upon them, or would we have to upgrade them ourselves?
2) Will the new gearboxes be marked differently somehow from the old versions, to assist in identification?
3) If (2) are identical, is there a visual way to ID old vs new plates, when disassembled?
4) I then strongly suggested they tag the outside of new gearboxes with a tag/label, rev #, etching, or color change. I also suggested they post the ID and repair docs on their website, to assist everyone.

In response, Banebots wrote to me today, with the following statement:

Originally Posted by Banebots (via email to kmcclary)

Dear Keith,
Our next batch of gearboxes are due any day now (they are in customs). The manufacturer stated that they will have final stage hardened carriers. We need to verify this when they arrive. We do not know if they are visually different but an outside-the-gearbox identifier will be used on these
gearboxes.

You are absolutely correct about visual identification. The replacement carrier plates are visually different (please refer to the new hardened carrier plate page on our website for the installation instructions here: http://www.banebots.com/docs/GP-56012-CP.pdf ). The new replacement carriers are black as opposed to the old-unhardened silver ones.

We totally agree with the outside sticker approach or other similar quick visual identifier.

Thank you for contacting us and taking the time. We appreciate it very much. Having others double check us helps us out tremendously.

Sincere thanks,
Sales
BaneBots, LLC

I hope this helps everyone!

- Keith McClary, ACTI
Chief Engineer, Team 1502, "Technical Difficulties"