221 system Universial chassis?

[Kettering]

We have had the honor of having 221 as a sponsor since 2010 and we have found that their products are simple yet highly effective and can give newer FRC teams the high quality and robust chassis of a veteran team at a pretty reasonable cost.

In 2010 we used the UC and loved the whole system; we were up and driving in three days. Our robot itself wasn’t the best (focused too much on hanging, not so much kicking…whoops) but it drove like a dream. Last year we moved on to 221's Rock Box Chassis rail system along with 221’s SuperShifter adaptor kits. This system allowed us to design a bit more into our own chassis structure, but gave us the robustness and simplicity that 221 offers in all of their products.

As for problems, the UC was great and it took a beating and never failed us. Same goes for the Rock Box, we played almost 90 matches (2 districts, states, worlds, MARC, IGVC, and IRI) until we had to switch out a cam tensioners, which was still only a 10-15 minute fix. To put it simple, this chassis was a tank.

As for bumpers, we just created our own method of mounting, using a double nut/bolt system, I’m sure you can take an hour or two to develop something.

We plan on using the Rock Box again for the 2012 season, and 221 is already on board with us. They have been a tremendous sponsor for 3098. 221’s chassis systems still allow students to get involved in the engineering process and development, but what I really like is how it allows my team to focus on more of the mechanisms in/on our robots.

If you go to 221's media page, check out 3098, that's our 2011 bot.

[JesseK]

I few things on 221's website seem out of stock. Does anyone know if they're planning to re-stock them? I'm specifically interested in the super shifter conversion plates.

If someone could manufacture the flanged sliding bearing plates for a WCD-type drive, I'd have a much better chance of convincing our team to do WCD. We can mill the slots in 2x1 very nicely. However, making a 1.125" hole that doesn't have so much slop the bearing won't stay in ... that's a whole other story.

[ajlapp]

I few things on 221's website seem out of stock. Does anyone know if they're planning to re-stock them? I'm specifically interested in the super shifter conversion plates.

The Supershifter and Toughbox mounts for our Superlight chassis are now in stock, just changed them.

The Supershifter mount for the Universal Chassis will be back in stock in time for kickoff.....as will all of our chassis products.

If someone could manufacture the flanged sliding bearing plates for a WCD-type drive, I'd have a much better chance of convincing our team to do WCD. We can mill the slots in 2x1 very nicely. However, making a 1.125" hole that doesn't have so much slop the bearing won't stay in ... that's a whole other story.

We make the bearing holes in our chassis rail using decided low-tech methods. We use a standard silver and demming 1" drill and then follow that with a 1.125" reamer. This generates a slip fit. No need for a press as the bearings are trapped in place with the rest of the running gear. If you can make a nice pocket, then you should definitely be able to make a nice bearing hole.

You could buy the bearing blocks we use in our Universal Chassis if you wanted to make a live axle setup.