Mecanum vs Omni vs KOP wheels

[JasonM]

Team 2647 is looking for opinions/reviews on the Mecanum and Omni wheels. Which one you prefer and why please. The team is looking to purchase wheels other than the KOP wheels.

Any information is helpful!

[Tyler2517]

What do you mean by omni wheels? Do you mean to put them in to a drive base that is omnidirectional or put then on a drive that is like the KOP base?

[SenorZ]

Yeah, mecanum and omni do no perform the same, and require very different configurations.

Omni allow for rotation with less frictional resistance, and also some sliding.

Mecanum are individually powered wheels that are designed to allow for more directions of powered motion.

[mechlectrician7]

My team has used all three types of wheels at one point or another. Personally i prefer to use omni wheels, for the reason, if you know how to set them up, you can do the same things as mecanum wheels (but you would need 6 to do so), and they are a little more durrable. (Atleast from what i've seen) In the previous game, my team used mecanum...but not he highest of quality. I have nothing against mecanum wheels but if u are to use them you should definantly invest in the higher quality.

[SenorZ]

Originally Posted by mechlectrician7

you can do the same things as mecanum wheels (but you would need 6 to do so)

Do you have the 5 and 6 wheels mounted transversely?

[Ether]

Originally Posted by mechlectrician7

...i prefer to use omni wheels, for the reason, if you know how to set them up, you can do the same things as mecanum wheels (but you would need 6 to do so)

You don't need 6. You can do it with 4.

[Lil' Lavery]

There are plenty of wheel options out there. Consider what your design priorities are, and then select wheels to match them.
http://www.andymark.com/Wheel-s/229.htm
http://www.vexrobotics.com/vexpro/wheels-and-hubs
http://banebots.com/c/WHB
http://www.robotmarketplace.com/prod...eels_main.html

Originally Posted by Ether

You don't need 6. You can do it with 4.

You can "do it" with 3, actually. Assuming by "do it" you mean transverse in two different axes independent of any frame rotation.

[Pi3th0n]

Honestly, for this game I can't think of a good reason to not use the KOP or some other high-traction wheel. Since opponent robots can't "possess" your ball, they'll defend by pushing around your robot. If you have high-traction wheels you won't get pushed around very much, but with mecanum's or omni's you'll be stuck on the wrong side of the field. Our team's driver last year was able to keep two mecanum bots on the wrong side of the field single-handedly for about half the match!! Very amusing to watch, certainly frustrating for the drivers of the mecanum bots.

[Keegbot]

Originally Posted by Pi3th0n

Honestly, for this game I can't think of a good reason to not use the KOP or some other high-traction wheel. Since opponent robots can't "possess" your ball, they'll defend by pushing around your robot. If you have high-traction wheels you won't get pushed around very much, but with mecanum's or omni's you'll be stuck on the wrong side of the field. Our team's driver last year was able to keep two mecanum bots on the wrong side of the field single-handedly for about half the match!! Very amusing to watch, certainly frustrating for the drivers of the mecanum bots.

The reason I'm in favor of mecanum is to catch the ball because it will allow you to maneuver to the ball easier than tank would. It will also help you chase down balls faster if your alliance partner is an inaccurate passer than tank would.

[Oblarg]

Originally Posted by Keegbot

The reason I'm in favor of mecanum is to catch the ball because it will allow you to maneuver to the ball easier than tank would. It will also help you chase down balls faster if your alliance partner is an inaccurate passer than tank would.

Your first point seems valid. I'm not so sure about the second.

[TheMadCADer]

Originally Posted by Keegbot

The reason I'm in favor of mecanum is to catch the ball because it will allow you to maneuver to the ball easier than tank would. It will also help you chase down balls faster if your alliance partner is an inaccurate passer than tank would.

Imagine playing Rebound Rumble with the goals moving. It's way harder. A catcher should be stationary, make it easy for your thrower to hit you. There should be no trouble making a very consistent ball-launcher.

Sure, you may be able to adjust to catch a ball on your practice field, but when you get pushed across the field for 2:20 you won't be a very effective catcher.

[Jimmy Nichols]

Originally Posted by Pi3th0n

Our team's driver last year was able to keep two mecanum bots on the wrong side of the field single-handedly for about half the match!! Very amusing to watch, certainly frustrating for the drivers of the mecanum bots.

That was on a field with Pyramids vs. an open field.

[mechlectrician7]

Originally Posted by Ether

You don't need 6. You can do it with 4.

True, my apologies