pic: MOEnarch Swerve Drive

[nathannfm]

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[Joe G.]

Did you have any problems with the belt wrap?

[nathannfm]

Originally Posted by Joe G.

Did you have any problems with the belt wrap?

The prototype used chain and we have not had any problems with that. The belt can be tensioned by sliding the CIM. If we do run into problems with the wrap we can very easily switch to chain.

[asid61]

Originally Posted by nathannfm

The prototype used chain and we have not had any problems with that. The belt can be tensioned by sliding the CIM. If we do run into problems with the wrap we can very easily switch to chain.

I was actually wondering about how much belt engagement you are getting. In the pic it looks like you only have around 90* of belt engagment on the driveshaft.

[Scott Kozutsky]

Originally Posted by asid61

I was actually wondering about how much belt engagement you are getting. In the pic it looks like you only have around 90* of belt engagment on the driveshaft.

http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/sh...d.php?t=126357
that gearbox has only slightly more than 90* of engagement but uses both thinner belt and smaller diameter pulleys. Given that, I would probably trust this arrangement.

10 - 20 ft/s is a pretty big gap there, Nathan

[Deke]

Sdp pi suggests at least 6 teeth engaged on a pulley for full use of the belt strength, it looks like have sufficient engagement for that belt pitch.

I like how they packaged both motors in the drive module, it looks good.

[nathannfm]

Originally Posted by Andrew Lawrence

10 - 20 ft/s is a pretty big gap there, Nathan

We can use any size up to 44 teeth, flexibility man. Through our testing and based on the game we will determine our optimal speed.

[billbo911]

Is it a fair assumption that you will be using 8 CIM drive with this.
If so, how are you planning to keep from popping your main breaker?
Are you using current monitoring to keep yourself in a safe zone?

[Tom Line]

I would consider changing the location of your digital encoder for a couple reasons.

First, as you tension the belt by moving your cim, it will change the engagement on the Digital encoder.
Secondly, generally speaking those things don't appreciate a lot of side-loading.
Third, if your belt slips, your wheel will no longer be aligned with the encoder reading.

I'd consider a small lightweight bracket that places it directly over the primary shaft of the module itself, so you'll always know the true position of the module. This also relieves any side-pressure on it, and it can be coupled with something as simple as surgical tubing. It will probably be a wash weight-wise.

[nathannfm]

Originally Posted by billbo911

Is it a fair assumption that you will be using 8 CIM drive with this.
If so, how are you planning to keep from popping your main breaker?
Are you using current monitoring to keep yourself in a safe zone?

4 CIM + 4 MiniCIM (assuming the motor count rules stay the same) but yes, current monitoring is the plan, I know there are a few teams this year who had this many CIMs on the drive without problem, but they did not have the additional draw of the 4 rotation motors so we may be forced down to 4 CIMs. We will be testing with 4 CIMs to start then if we can scrounge up enough Jags, all 8. The new control system should make this much easier. We are also concerned about weight, so no guarantees but we wanted to include all 8 mounting positions to cover our bases.

Originally Posted by Tom Line

I would consider changing the location of your digital encoder...

I am not sure if you can tell but the encoder is also on a slot so we can adjust it along with the CIM and make it just kiss the belt so there is almost no side loading. If the belt skips im pretty sure we are just gonna go to chain, we had enough headaches dealing with skipping belts this year

We did consider a bracket like you describe but it was just another part to manufacture and would also put the encoder in a more vulnerable location. If there is some unforeseen mechanical problem with it's current location we may go this route.

[lynca]

Originally Posted by nathannfm

I know there are a few teams this year who had this many CIMs on the drive without problem, but they did not have the additional draw of the 4 rotation motors so we may be forced down to 4 CIMs.

Team 2587 ran 4 CIMs + 4 Mini-CIMs all year for around 70 matches + lots of practice time. Here are details about our drive system.
We did not experience breaker issues while also running an intake motor & compressor.

We also did not perform any type of current sensing.

[nathannfm]

Originally Posted by lynca

Team 2587 ran 4 CIMs + 4 Mini-CIMs all year for around 70 matches + lots of practice time. Here are details about our drive system.
We did not experience breaker issues while also running an intake motor & compressor.

We also did not perform any type of current sensing.

Good to know, depending on the final speed we pick I suspect it will be fine, we shouldn't be trying to pivot the module while stalling the CIMs anyway. Also, nice video, I'm surprised more teams didn't use a pneumatic shooter like you guys, looks quite effective. I couldn't help but notice in the close ups, are you guys using Churros for drive axles? Did you have any problems with that?

[Ether]

Originally Posted by lynca

We did not experience breaker issues...

Here's why:

4" Versa Wheels at 12:72 gear * 18:40 sprocket

[lynca]

Originally Posted by nathannfm

I couldn't help but notice in the close ups, are you guys using Churros for drive axles? Did you have any problems with that?

Many of the pictures are from the 6-week build period. Eventually during the event we changed to black hex VEXpro shafts.

Churros are not recommended drive axles, but they work well for a quick prototype. We did have enough black hex VEXpro shafts on hand at the time.