Mechanum Wheel Sizes

[Steven Donow]

Originally Posted by nxtsoccer

Allright, from what I read (assuming we chose mecanum), we should plan on using a semi-flexible frame that allows for the wheels to raise/lower a little based on terrain, should do most of our prototyping work during the off-season, and use 6" mecanum wheels (AM 6" HD?). Any other suggestions or things I forgot?

So, I suppose all that remains is to figure out how to turn these wheels. Any suggestions for the drive train? We currently only have the frame kit included with the 2012 Rookie KOP, which means 2 CIMs, chain, 4 sprockets, and two CIMple boxes. Would purchasing two more CIMple boxes with accompanying CIMs to use with the existing lengths of chain and sprockets work, or will we need to purchase entirely new drive train parts to make the robot move? (The rookie kit came with four jaguars, so we do have enough motor controllers for the four necessary motors.)

And thanks to everyone for all of these awesome suggestions!

EDIT: And plenty of practice to go with the new axis of travel!

One thing you're missing is that for mecanum, you need to power each motor seperately, so 2 CIMple boxes won't work. I've seen teams use both these:
http://www.andymark.com/product-p/am-0688.htm
http://www.andymark.com/product-p/am-0482.htm

The 2nd one probably fits your idea of having a flexible frame for going over terrain.