Questions-Thoughts/Input On First Drivetrain Design

[Garrett.d.w]

Originally Posted by Matthew.Mc

Thanks, and no not as of now. I don't see having the gearbox being modular to move up and down(which is what we did this year). I know we have used an in-shop made tensioner which worked pretty well and held up, but ill have to wait until school starts to get info on that.

I think that it has already been suggested, but if you can drive your center wheel (middle wheel with the most weight on it) off of the output shaft of the shifter you will be removing a chain run and making your drivetrain a lot more bulletproof.

For the other six chains you can calculate the runs down the the link, and place your wheels accordingly. Then tension the chain as it stretches using something like these from AM

http://www.andymark.com/product-p/am-0286.htm

If you prefer to manufacture in house, I am currently working on a more student machinist friendly version of the product shown above and I can share the files with you.