Team 1980 Robot

[ruchdaking]

This is our almost completed robot. The electrical stuff needs to be mounted still.

[TeamUpNext3528]

Look very good! Nice job guys! Are you actually using the wood on the robot?

[ruchdaking]

Yup, it was easier to use as angle and attach onto a rotating mechanism.

[jason701802]

Do you guys have any trouble turning with only four wheels and 2 CIMs? Remember to test it loaded up and on carpet.

Also, I highly recommend that you add some support to the wheel mounts, we had a lot of trouble in 2010 with them twisting, causing the chain to fall off.

[Drivencrazy]

Have you tested your drive on carpet? I don't have experience with the particular wheels you are using so I can't tell if they have a lot of traction or not but many times teams with long base four wheel drives have a lot of trouble with turning.

But it looks really good other than that. I like the way you deliver the balls from your elevator too your shooter. You can make that really consistent I bet. How far are you planning on shooting?

[ruchdaking]

Thanks for the advice. We will take that into account when testing.

[ruchdaking]

Our shooter is meant shoot almost the entire field. But we have not had any problems with similar drives in the past.

Originally Posted by ruchdaking

Our shooter is meant shoot almost the entire field. But we have not had any problems with similar drives in the past.

With such a long wheelbase (distance between wheels), it will be pretty hard to turn, especially with those Hi-Grip wheels from FIRST. Old kit of parts wheels weren't as grippy, although the ones you're using won't be very maneuverable in your setup.

If you can, try making it a 6 wheel drive with the center wheel on each side lowered a bit. This effectively creates two smaller wheelbases your robot can rock back and forth on as well as giving the more stability of a long robot drive. It's one of the most popular drives in all of FIRST, and is by far one of the most successful ones. For more information on how to make one, visit 1114's Drivetrain page and read up as much as you can. Don't read too much, though. You still have a robot to finish!

Good luck these next few days, and I hope you have a great season!

[robonis]

@jason701802
Thanks for the advice! We used 4 wheel mecanum drive last year, and haven't had any major problems using 4 wheel and 2 CIMs in previous years. We will definitely take your advice into account and will definitely make changes if necessary.

[Elizabeth Waters]

Out of curiosity, how hard is it to get over the center barrier with that drive train?

[ruchdaking]

We have not tried to drive over the barrier yet but we are probably going to go over the bridge if going over the barrier is a problem.

[Frostedflakes]

We hadn't really planned on going over the barrier because we think EndGame is going to be important so we just went for going over the bridge. And if we can go over the bridge quickly then there really isn't a need for going over the barrier.