Learning and Understanding different drivetrains

[TikiTech]

Originally Posted by MrRiedemanJACC

For those of you with WCD I have several questions:
1) How do you locate the wheel in the axial direction? Both inwards and outwards?
2) If you are using the 3 CIM ball Shifter,
a) Do you use the 3rd stage from Vex?
b) Do you only use the support from the bearings in the gearbox or do you add additional support?
3) Is there a set wheel width that you use? (narrower to be able to move the gearbox outward further? ie 1" traction vs a 2" traction?)
4) How much drop do you use for the center wheel?

Thanks! I'm sure as we look into it, I'll have more detailed questions!!

We went to a 6 wheel WCD this year and are very happy with the results.

Now that VexPro and West Coast Products produce easy to incorporate parts for west coast drives, just about any team can upgrade.

You can use the Versa rails and Versa blocks to create the drive rails. In fact you can get everything for a WCD from VexPro and West Coast Products.

We did not use the Versa rails as they are, in my opinion, not strong enough for this year’s game. You can make your own frame rails very easily with just a good drill. The VersaBlocks center the bearings and create the offset by their orientation so perfectly drilling the rail is not required. Just a hole big enough for the axles to fit through. Normally the offset is about 1/8" between the center and outer wheels. If you center your weight you will have no issues with turning with all traction wheels.

We are using the West Coast Products 3 CIM 2 speed transmission with the 3rd stage. It is geared to run at 5fps and 15fps on 4" wheels.

You will want to get the third stage, as mentioned before.

The 3 CIM is quite heavy and you should definitely add additional support. With so many different gear selections available for these transmissions you can tune your drive speed for whatever wheel size you are running.
We LOVE these transmissions!!

At our regional we ran the 4"x1" Versa wheels. These were OK for a first attempt but were fairly easily worn out and did not give quite the traction we wanted. The wear was easily overlooked since the Versa wheels are quite inexpensive.

We have upgraded to 4"x1.5" Colson wheels for the championships.
We would of gone wider but our drivetrain is set and wasn’t sure if the 2" wheels would fit without major modifications.
Since the change to the event times we were not sure that there would be time for it.

Good luck with your drive train change. PM me if you have any questions. I can send you our CAD files or talk more in length on you first try at WCD.

After our first attempt was so successful we doubt we will ever go back. Unless of course it is a water game, then all bets are off.

Aloha