1 ToughBox w/2 Motors or 2 ToughBoxes w/2 Motors

[skotmorris]

I have a rookie question on the configuration of the AndyMark ToughBoxes. What is the difference between setting up a drive train with 1 motor and 1 ToughBox per wheel vs. 1 toughBox with 2 motors for 2 wheels?

The default AndyMark chassis is setup with 1 ToughBox and 2 motors, but I really do not know what the difference is and whether or not one configuration is better than another.

Anyone have an opinion or suggestion?

[MrForbes]

Adding another toughbox per side increase weight and cost, and is usually not necessary. If you are using a drive like mecanum that requires different speeds for each wheel, then it is necessary.

[spectre107]

First you have to consider what you want your robot to do.

Do you want all wheel drive?

If you use a toughbox mounted mid-chassis to each side you'd have to use chain to transmit power to each wheel(Kit Bot), you could direct drive each wheel(1 Toughbox/1 Motor Per Wheel) then each wheel could be powered independently of the other.

Our Lunacy robot utilized direct drive and we could push 2 robots across the field last year.

We're doing the same thing this year to avoid chain, and keep our ground clearence high and CG low. Since each wheel/trans is spread out on the corners of the robot.

If you equip a toughbox with 2 motors then you have doubled the power output.

Its not really a question of which is better, its all about what you want you're drivetrain to do.